For many, sexual intimacy can range from a quick encounter to a lengthy session, with the common assumption that longer is inherently better. However, new data provides a clearer picture of average durations, highlighting that satisfaction is rarely just about time. A 2025 study from the retailer Lovehoney has broken down exactly how long the average man lasts during sex, with figures varying significantly across age groups.
The Numbers: A Decade-by-Decade Breakdown
The research, which analysed reported experiences, found that the average duration is not a one-size-fits-all figure and changes as men age. It's crucial to note these are averages, and individual experiences vary widely based on factors like health, stress, and alcohol consumption.
For men aged 18 to 24, the average session lasts 16.14 minutes. Within this group, 5% report lasting between one and two minutes, while another 5% say they can go for longer than an hour.
In the 25 to 34 bracket, stamina appears to peak slightly, with an average of 18.29 minutes. The study found 21% of men in this cohort last between 11 and 15 minutes.
From ages 35 to 44, there is a slight decrease to an average of 17.4 minutes. Sexual health expert Sarah Mulindwa notes that while hormonal changes can affect pace, couples often naturally focus more on foreplay and connection.
The 45 to 54 age group sees a more noticeable drop to an average of 14.14 minutes. A quarter of men in this category orgasm within six to ten minutes.
Between 55 and 64, the average time shortens to 11.3 minutes. Sarah Mulindwa explains that slower arousal and longer recovery times become more common, but experience and intimacy often deepen.
For men aged 65 and over, the average duration is 8.15 minutes, with 28% most commonly lasting between six and ten minutes.
Expert Insight: It's About More Than Minutes
Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health nurse and expert for Lovehoney, emphasises that the data shows mid-range sessions of roughly 10-15 minutes are most common at any age. "There's really no single 'right' number for how long it should last," she told Metro. She highlights that session length tends to peak in the late 20s to early 30s before gradually shortening.
Mulindwa stresses that the focus should always be on mutual pleasure rather than the stopwatch. "What matters most at any age is communication, technique, and pleasure," she said. For younger men in their 20s, she suggests techniques like edging and breathwork to help build control. For those in their 30s and 40s, she recommends scheduling intimacy for when energy is high and incorporating different forms of stimulation, including sex toys.
As men get older, she advises prioritising arousal build-up, open communication about tempo, and using positions that require less effort or medical support if needed. "Couples who focus on connection, mix up sensations, and communicate openly consistently can experience higher satisfaction," Mulindwa concluded.
The Bigger Picture: The Orgasm Gap and Satisfaction
The conversation about duration exists alongside the well-documented orgasm gap. Research suggests women orgasm less frequently than men during partnered sex—around 65% of the time compared to 95% for men. Furthermore, many women can experience multiple orgasms, while men typically have a refractory period.
This underscores why fixating purely on penetration time is often misguided. The quality of the overall sexual experience, including foreplay, emotional connection, and technique, plays a far greater role in mutual satisfaction than duration alone. The Lovehoney data serves as an interesting benchmark, but it is not a target to aim for or a reason for personal or partner criticism.
The study was first published in September 2025, with updated coverage in December of that year.
