How long sex lasts can vary considerably from one person to another, but new figures from Lovehoney suggest that a man’s average time before orgasm can also change noticeably with age.

The figures, based on 2025 research, show that sexual-session length generally rises from the late teens and early 20s into the 25-to-34 age group before gradually declining among older men.

The numbers should not be treated as a target or a measure of sexual performance. Individual experiences vary considerably, and factors such as excitement, stress, alcohol consumption, previous sexual activity, health, medication and communication with a partner can all affect sexual experiences.

Men aged 18-24: 16.14 minutes

For men aged 18 to 24, the research puts the average duration at 16.14 minutes.

The data also showed considerable variation within the age group. Around 5% reported lasting between one and two minutes, while 13% said their sessions lasted between three and five minutes. Another 5% reported being able to continue for more than an hour.

Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health nurse and Lovehoney sexual health expert, stressed that there is no universal standard for sexual duration.

‘really no single “right” number’

She explained that sexual experiences during the 20s can be influenced by excitement and novelty, potentially resulting in quicker orgasms. She also noted that younger men can generally experience relatively quick recovery.

Her advice focuses less on timing and more on communication, pacing and mutual pleasure.

‘Research shows that session length tends to peak in the late 20s to early 30s and gradually shortens as men get older,’ Mulindwa told Metro.

Men aged 25-34: 18.29 minutes

The longest average in the research was recorded among men aged 25 to 34.

Their reported average was 18.29 minutes, slightly higher than the figure for those aged 18 to 24.

Within this group, 21% of men reported reaching orgasm within 11 to 15 minutes, while 15% said it took between 21 and 30 minutes.

According to Mulindwa, men in this stage of life may benefit from greater sexual experience and confidence. Developing familiarity with a partner can also make communication and rhythm easier.

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

Rather than concentrating exclusively on penetration or the clock, she recommended considering different forms of stimulation and finding a time when both partners are comfortable and relaxed.

Men aged 35-44: 17.4 minutes

Among men aged 35 to 44, the average fell slightly to 17.4 minutes.

The difference from the previous age group is relatively small, showing that the figures do not suggest an abrupt change once someone reaches their mid-30s.

Mulindwa pointed to hormonal changes and the possibility of erectile difficulties as factors that can influence sexual experiences as men age.

However, a shorter average does not necessarily mean reduced satisfaction.

‘Hormonal changes and early erectile difficulties can affect pace, but many couples naturally focus more on foreplay, variety, and connection.’

She suggested concentrating on arousal, communication and preferred pace rather than treating duration as the main measure of a satisfying sexual experience.

Men aged 45-54: 14.14 minutes

The average reported duration drops more noticeably among men aged 45 to 54, reaching approximately 14.14 minutes.

The research found that 25% of men in this group reported reaching orgasm within six to 10 minutes, while 18% said it took between 11 and 15 minutes.

Changes in erections and greater variation in the time it takes to reach orgasm can become more noticeable with age.

Mulindwa said erections can become ‘less predictable’ during this period, while ‘variability in climax timing increases’.

She suggested that couples can adapt by exploring different approaches to intimacy, including activities that require less physical exertion.

If erectile or sexual difficulties become persistent or concerning, seeking medical advice can also be appropriate.

Men aged 55-64: 11.3 minutes

The average falls further among men aged 55 to 64, with the research recording a figure of 11.3 minutes.

Although the average duration becomes shorter, that does not automatically translate into lower sexual satisfaction.

Mulindwa noted that after 60, changes in arousal and recovery can become more pronounced.

‘slower arousal and longer recovery times are normal, and health or medications can play a larger role.’

At the same time, accumulated experience can contribute to intimacy and confidence between partners.

‘Intimacy, skill, and connection often deepen,’ she added.

She suggested allowing more time for arousal and concentrating on physical closeness and communication rather than trying to reproduce the averages recorded among younger age groups.

Men aged 65 and over: 8.15 minutes

For men aged 65 and above, the reported average falls to 8.15 minutes.

The most common duration for this group was between six and 10 minutes, reported by 28% of respondents. Another 26% said they typically lasted between three and five minutes, while only 1% reported being able to continue for more than an hour.

The figures illustrate how wide the variation can be between individuals.

Age can influence sexual response, but it is only one factor. General health, medication, relationship circumstances, psychological factors and individual sexual preferences can all play a role.

The stopwatch is not the most important measure

Although the Lovehoney figures provide an indication of how reported sexual duration varies across age groups, they should not be interpreted as a standard that every man should meet.

Other research using stopwatch measurements has produced substantially shorter averages when measuring specifically the time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation. One widely cited multinational study found a median of about 5.4 minutes, demonstrating why different studies can produce very different figures depending on what they count as “sex” and how participants are measured.

The Lovehoney figures, meanwhile, concern reported overall session duration rather than necessarily the same clinical measure used in stopwatch-based studies.

That distinction is important because sexual activity can involve considerably more than penetration.

For couples, satisfaction may depend on arousal, communication, affection, different forms of stimulation and whether both partners are enjoying the experience.

As Mulindwa put it: ‘Overall, the data shows that mid-range sessions (roughly 10-15 minutes) are most common at any age, with very long encounters being rare.’

She also emphasised that timing should not become the focus of sexual experiences.

‘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.’

Ultimately, the age-based figures provide a snapshot of reported averages rather than a definition of what is normal for an individual. Sexual experiences can be considerably shorter or longer, and variation from one encounter to another is entirely possible.