When it comes to romance, there are many clichés about whether bigger is better, and horror stories about one-minute wonders.
There can be a lot of pressure on all parties to perform, and there is a fear for many men of finishing too soon, or not being able to please their partner.
While not everybody wants a marathon over a sprint, and ultimately ,it's a personal preference, research has clarified the average time men last in bed based on their age.
Science shows women orgasm less frequently (65% of the time) versus men (95% of the time), but women can have multiple orgasms. The time it takes for men to finish can vary, depending on many factors, such as how much he's had to drink, how long it's been since he's er, performed, and how old he is.
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Lovehoney carried out the research to find out the average time, and without further ado, here it is.
Age 18-24: 16.14 minutes
Lovehoney found that for the average 18-24-year-old, you're looking at 16.14 minutes in bed. However, 5% of this age group struggles to last, saying they only last between one and two minutes, which according to sexual health nurse Sarah Mulindwa could be down to 'excitement and novelty.' Some 13% claim to last three to five minutes.
Talking of marathons, 5% of men claim they can hold off for longer than an hour each time. Ouch.
Mulindwa explained there is no 'right number’ for how long a man should last.
"Research shows that session length tends to peak in the late 20s to early 30s and gradually shortens as men get older," she told Metro.
But there is an upside for those in the fast 5%, according the expert: "Recovery is fast, and stamina is generally good. At this stage, it’s all about pacing – using edging, breathwork, or condoms strategically can help build control.
"However, what matters most at any age is communication, technique, and pleasure – not the stopwatch."
Age 25-34: 18.29 minutes
As they get older, the stamina starts to build, with the average session lasting 18.29 minutes.
According to the research, 21% of men reported between 11 and 15 minutes. Some 15% reach orgasm in 21 to 30 minutes.
Confidence increases in their 30s, said Mulindwa: "Experience, rhythm, and better communication usually make sex feel smoother, though stress or time pressure can shave off minutes."
Age 35-44: 17.4 minutes
From mid-thirties onwards, while confidence has increased, stamina can drop.
Mulindwa said: "Hormonal changes and early erectile difficulties can affect pace, but many couples naturally focus more on foreplay, variety, and connection."
At this point, it has become more about quality rather than quantity.
Age 45-54: 14.14 minutes
The duration takes a hit again between the ages of 45 to 54, where it drops below 15 minutes again. It falls to an average of 14.15.
Some 25% of men orgasm in six to 10 minutes, while 18% take between 11 and 15 minutes. Sarah explained it is because orgasms become ‘less predictable’ for this age range.
Age 55-64: 11.3 minutes
The duration drops further after 55, but the quality over quantity still applies, according to the expert.
She said past the age of 60, there is ‘slower arousal and longer recovery times are normal, and health or medications can play a larger role.’
Experience and skill comes into play though: "Intimacy, skill, and connection often deepen."
Age 65+: 8.15 minutes
After 65, it tends to last around 8 minutes and 15 seconds.
Some 28% of those surveyed said they last between six and 10 minutes, with 26% lasting between three and five minutes.
On the other end of the scale, 1% say they last more than an hour.
How do your sessions fare?
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Jen Thomas