Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image
Topics: Health, Sex and Relationships
Liv Bridge
A new study has lifted the lid on how long a man should be able to last in bed which can drastically differ across the decades of life.
The throes of passion doesn't always last as long as as we might see in the movies or other X-rated content.
In reality, sex is usually short but sweet. Well, at least for some, as research into the 'orgasm gap' continues to show how women climax far less often than men (65 percent of the time compared to 95 percent).
Still, that doesn't mean the experience is any less frustrating for men who might feel disappointed at the speed they achieve an orgasm.
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Now, a new study has revealed the time it takes varies on a range of factors - from lifestyle habits such as drinking alcohol, when you last had a romp, and age.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, it can take longer for men to get there as they get older.
Here's how long men last on average according to their age.
According to Lovehoney researchers, the youngest cohort in the study last up to 16.14 minutes on average in bed.
This relates to men aged 18 to 24, which might indicate sex gets better as we age.
However, sexual health nurse Sarah Mulindwa suggested that's not really the case since there's no 'single 'right' number' for how long sex should go on for.
"In your 20s, excitement and novelty are high, which can lead to quicker climaxes, but recovery is fast, and stamina is generally good," she explained to The Metro.
"At this stage, it’s all about pacing – using edging, breathwork, or condoms strategically can help build control."
However, Sarah added as a caveat: "What matters most at any age is communication, technique, and pleasure – not the stopwatch."
Anyway, five percent of men in the age group also report going for less than two minutes, while 13 percent said it can take between three to five minutes, while another five percent said they could drag it out for more than an hour.
Where things appear to get a bit spicy is around the 25 to 34 mark, according to the study, as men tend to orgasm at roughly 18.29 minutes in.
The research adds 21 percent of men in this bracket actually report lasting between 11 and 15 minutes, and 15 percent say they climax between 21 to 30 minutes.
"Research shows that session length tends to peak in the late 20s to early 30s and gradually shortens as men get older," Sarah said.
"Experience, rhythm, and better communication usually make sex feel smoother, though stress or time pressure can shave off minutes."
Adding in 'different forms of stimulation', aka sex toys, and scheduling in frisky time can also go a long way for this group, Sarah added.
Things take a slight nose dive for those in their mid-30s to mid-40s, though only by about a minute coming in at an average of 17.4 minutes.
Sarah said men might experience a slight slump in their stamina, but stressed it's completely normal with hormonal changes and even early erectile difficulties creeping in to affect pace.
A noticeable drop kicks in between ages 45 to 54, when a night of passion can last just 14.15 minutes.
The Lovehoney study reveals 25 percent say they orgasm between six to 10 minutes, and 18 percent report taking between 11 to 15.
Sarah said this is because erections are 'less predictable' at this age and recommended vibrators as well as 'positions that require less effort' as well as possible 'medical support.'
Men aged between 55 to 64 tend to reach an orgasm at around 11.3 minutes on average, the study reveals.
In the golden years, Sarah says 'slower arousal and longer recovery times are normal' with other health or medications taking its toll here.
Finally, the shortest time we can expect a sex session to last occurs at the later stage in life of the over 65s.
Here, men average at around 8.15 minutes, with the most common time sitting between six and 10 minutes (28 percent).
However, more than a quarter (26 percent) can last between three and five minutes and a staggering one percent miraculously make it last for more than an hour.
Despite the discrepancies in age, Sarah noted the study shows us how mid-range sessions, around 10 to 15 minutes, are the most common at any age, adding that longer sessions tend to be 'rare'.