How long is sex supposed to last?

This is a very difficult question to answer, given that many factors can impact the length of the sexual act.

But before we start throwing around numbers, we need to clarify exactly what we mean when we say “sex.” 

When people discuss the duration of the sexual act, they usually refer just to the length of intercourse (penetration). 

Therefore, foreplay (kissing, touching, and other arousing activities that precede penetration) and post-sex cuddling are not included.

People also often associate the length of the sexual act with how long the male partner “lasts”—meaning how long it takes him to reach orgasm. 

This is due to the fact that while women can continue to have intercourse after reaching orgasm, men usually lose their erections and then go through a refractory period (a period of time during which they are unable to reach a new orgasm).

 In other words, once the man has reached home base, the penetration game is over for both partners.

According to various studies, the length of the penetrative sexual act is generally between 3 and 15 minutes.

It is important to remember that even though penetration might have to end after the man reaches orgasm and loses his erection, that shouldn’t mean the lovemaking session has to end. 

There are several ways in which the man can continue to stimulate and give pleasure to his partner.