On average, it takes a man between 5 to 7 minutes to orgasm and ejaculate during sexual intercourse.
Specifically, a 2005 study of 500 couples from five countries (the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, Turkey, and the United States) found that the median time from initial penetration to ejaculation during penile-vaginal sex is 5.4 minutes. The use of a condom or circumcision status did not impact the time to ejaculation.
However, it is important to keep in mind that this figure does not account for time spent during foreplay, nor does it consider ejaculation times during sexual activities other than penis-in-vagina sex such as masturbation, oral sex, or anal sex.
In fact, the most commonly used measure of ejaculation time, intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), is not an appropriate gauge of ejaculation time for men who have sex with men or men who ejaculate during other sexual activities.
What’s more, the overall range of ejaculation times is quite broad, spanning from less than one minute to longer than half an hour.
The definitions of premature ejaculation (PE) and delayed ejaculation (DE) have evolved over the years. As of 2020, the American Urological Association (AUA) and Sexual Medicine Society of North America (SMSNA) consider PE as ejaculation that occurs within about 2 min of initiation of penetrative sex that is distressing to a man or his partner.
Conversely, ejaculation that occurs after 22 minutes of penetrative sex would typically be longer than 95 out of 100 men, which could qualify as DE (if it is bothersome to a couple).
No matter how long it takes a man to ejaculate during sex, there are ways to work toward delaying ejaculation or prompting it to occur earlier during sexual intercourse. Talk to your health care provider about options if you have concerns about how long it takes for you to ejaculate.
For more information on this topic, please read these publications from the ISSM Journals: The Journal of Sexual Medicine, Sexual Medicine Reviews, and Sexual Medicine Open Access:
A Multinational Population Survey of Intravaginal Ejaculation Latency Time
Multiple Orgasms in Men—What We Know So Far
References:
Althof, S.E., McMahon, C.G., & Rowland, D.L. (2022). Advances and Missteps in Diagnosing Premature Ejaculation: Analysis and Future Directions. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 19(1), 64-73. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2021.10.010
Corty, E.W., & Guardiani, J.M. (2008). Canadian and American sex therapists' perceptions of normal and abnormal ejaculatory latencies: how long should intercourse last?. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 5(5), 1251–1256. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.00797.x
Jenkins, L.C., & Mulhall, J.P. (2015). Delayed orgasm and anorgasmia. Fertility and sterility, 104(5), 1082-1088. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.029
Shindel, A.W., Althof, S.E., Carrier, S., Chou, R., McMahon, C.G., Mulhall, J.P., Paduch, D.A., Pastuszak, A.W., Rowland, D., Tapscott, A.H., & Sharlip, I.D. (2019). Disorders of ejaculation: an AUA/SMSNA guideline. Linthicum, Maryland: American Urological Association. https://www.auanet.org/guidelines/disororders-of-ejaculation
Waldinger, M.D., Quinn, P., Dilleen, M., Mundayat, R., Schweitzer, D.H., & Boolell, M. (2005). A multinational population survey of intravaginal ejaculation latency time. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2(4), 492–497. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00070.x
You may also be interested in...
SMSNA Patients
The Intersection of Telemedicine and Men’s Health
May 7, 2024SMSNA Patients
How Willing Are Individuals to Undergo Surgery for Peyronie’s Disease?
February 20, 2024Did You Know?
What Might Cause Bumps on the Genitals?
January 16, 2024SMSNA Patients
What is Postorgasmic Illness Syndrome?
January 23, 2024Did You Know?
Are Over-The-Counter Feminine Hygiene Products Safe to Use?
December 26, 2023SMSNA Patients
The Effect of Regular Aerobic Exercise on Erectile Function
January 2, 2024Blog
Is Erectile Dysfunction Reversible?
December 19, 2023Did You Know?
What Is Bacterial Vaginosis? 8 Things to Know
December 21, 2023SMSNA Patients
3 Ways to Navigate Online Dating Apps: Casual Connections, Scam Protection, and More
November 27, 2023Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
Can Sex Throw off Your Vaginal pH Balance?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Your vagina is a pretty powerful organ. It is a pathway for menstrual blood and babies. It also is a main player in sexual intercourse. You might hear about your vagina’s pH and worry that yours is at risk. Here’s what to know about vaginal pH, including the impacts sex could have.
