How long the average guy lasts during sex, according to their age

From an X-rated all-nighter, to a quickie before work, sex can be a marathon or a sprint.

And while longer isn’t necessarily better, you might find yourself disappointed when the big O comes too soon. Well, for men, at least.

Though the orgasm gap suggests women orgasm less frequently than men (65% of the time compared to 95%), a lot of women can go again and again, reaching climax multiple times. Whereas for men, it’s often a one and done, with a decent break needed in between.

The time it takes for a man to orgasm can vary depending on a number of factors – from how much alcohol he’s consumed to when he last had sex and, of course, age.

It’s no secret that it might take a guy a little longer to get there as they get older. Wondering exactly how long? We’ve crunched the numbers.

It’s worth noting though that these numbers are averages, so that isn’t to say that it’s a one-size-fits all experience. It’s also not a ballpark to aim for or a reason to shame either yourself or your partner.

18-24: 16.14 minutes

According to a 2025 study from Lovehoney, the average 18-24-year-old lasts a solid 16.14 minutes in bed.

Drilling down into the figures, 5% of this group reports going for between one and two minutes, while 13% take anywhere from three to five minutes, and a further 5% can hold off for longer than an hour each time.

Some partners do prefer marathons to sprints when it comes to sex, but as Lovehoney’s sexual health expert and sexual health nurse Sarah Mulindwa highlights, there’s ‘really no single “right” number’ for how long it 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 tells Metro.

‘In your 20s, excitement and novelty are high, which can lead to quicker climaxes, but 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.’

Sarah adds: ‘However, what matters most at any age is communication, technique, and pleasure – not the stopwatch.’

25-34: 18.29 minutes

Between the ages of 25 and 34, the time it takes to get to the finish line jumps up slightly to 18.29 minutes. Feeling flustered yet?

But diving a little deeper, the research shows that 21% of men in this cohort report lasting between 11 and 15 minutes, while 15% reach orgasm in 21 to 30 minutes.

For men in their mid to late 20s, it’s largely the same as before – plenty of excitement, to put it plainly. Then, by the 30s, session duration is still holding steady, although increased confidence can contribute towards greater endurance.

‘Experience, rhythm, and better communication usually make sex feel smoother, though stress or time pressure can shave off minutes,’ says Sarah.

A little bit of planning can go a long way, too, as now’s the moment to sit down with your calendar and schedule in some sex.

Sarah suggests doing this when your energy is usually at its highest, as well as ‘mixing in different forms of stimulation beyond penetration.’ Read: sex toys.

35-44: 17.4 minutes

From their mid-30s to mid-40s, men experience a slight decrease in stamina, with sex becoming just under a minute shorter compared to the previous decade.

That’s nothing to be concerned about though, as Sarah explains: ‘Hormonal changes and early erectile difficulties can affect pace, but many couples naturally focus more on foreplay, variety, and connection.’

At this point, it’s worth ‘prioritising arousal build-up and talking openly about preferred tempo,’ which can make sex feel ‘fuller, even if the clock reads shorter.’

Basically, it’s all about quality, not quantity.

45-54: 14.14 minutes

There’s a pretty big drop from the ages of 45 to 54, when men’s sex sessions tend to last just under 15 minutes – 14.15, to be precise. Among this group, 25% orgasm in six to 10 minutes, and 18% take between 11 and 15.

According to Sarah this is likely down to the fact that, as men reach their 50s, erections can become ‘less predictable’, while ‘variability in climax timing increases’ as well.

To maximise pleasure in the boudoir, she suggests a few things, including ‘vibrators, positions that require less effort, and medical support where needed.’

If you need a little bit of direction, consider trying the Cross, the Standing Ovation, or the Lazy Dog.

55-64: 11.3 minutes

While the average journey to climax tends to be quicker between the ages of 55 and 64, that doesn’t mean that satisfaction comes out of the equation altogether.

Past the age of 60 specifically, Sarah says that ‘slower arousal and longer recovery times are normal, and health or medications can play a larger role.’

There’s an advantage to age, though – and that’s more experience.

‘Intimacy, skill, and connection often deepen,’ Sarah adds. ‘Taking time with warm-ups, sensate focus, and incorporating toys can keep experiences pleasurable.’

65+: 8.15 minutes

Beyond the 65+ mark, men average 8.15 minutes, with the most common time being between six and 10 (28%). Meanwhile, 26% of this age group last between three and five minutes, and 1% say they can hold off for more than one hour.

Despite this, Sarah reminds us: ‘Overall, the data shows that mid-range sessions (roughly 10-15 minutes) are most common at any age, with very long encounters being rare.

‘But the most important factors are mindset, technique, and communication. Couples who focus on connection, mix up sensations, and communicate openly consistently can experience higher satisfaction.’

This article was first published on September 18, 2025.

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