An erection happens when the penis enlarges and hardens due to an influx of blood flow. Typically, erections occur as a response to physical sexual arousal, but it is also possible for an erection to happen as an emotional response.
The duration of an erection varies from person to person. While a short-lived erection isn’t worrisome from a medical standpoint, erections are often significant to achieving climax for both partners during sex. If your erection is not lasting long enough for you and/or your partner to reach climax, it’s natural to have concerns.
Keep in mind that every man is different, so there is significant variation regarding how long erections last.
Understanding Erection Duration
Erection duration is defined as the length of time an erect penis can be maintained before returning to a flaccid state, whether that be before or after ejaculation.
A common misconception is that there is a “normal” erection duration among men. This is incorrect, as are most misconceptions surrounding the words “normal” and “sex.” Comparison is the thief of joy, especially in the bedroom.
Erection duration varies among individuals, with several different factors influencing the timing. Characteristics including age, physical health, emotional factors, and medical conditions can all influence the duration of an erection.
Complexity of Measuring Average Erection Duration
It’s difficult to accurately measure and determine the average duration of an erection because every individual’s anatomy and experience is different. That being said, a few different studies have been conducted to attempt to understand the average erection duration during penetrative sex.
The most widely-reported average erection duration comes from a study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine, in which the average intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), or erection duration during sex before completion, was determined to be 5 minutes and 24 seconds.
This being said, there are a variety of reported “average” durations, and therefore it is more productive to focus on overall sexual satisfaction, rather than specific timeframes.
Factors That Affect Erection Duration
Physical health and fitness
There is no denying that physical health and sexual health go hand in hand. Erectile dysfunction has been closely linked to poor cardiovascular health, as erectile dysfunction is much more common among men who are obese, physically inactive, or have metabolic syndrome.
Therefore, maintaining good physical health can increase your ability to maintain an erection and support optimal erectile function. A 2018 study published in Sexual Medicine reveals that approximately 160 minutes of exercise every week for six months will contribute to decreased erectile problems in men.
Psychological factors and emotional state
A man’s emotional state plays a large role in his erectile functioning. Stress can negatively impact your erection duration, whether it stems from underlying anxiety or performance pressure in the bedroom.
It is important to relax and communicate with your partner, working to enhance emotional intimacy during sex. This will help calm your nerves, increasing erectile functioning and creating longer-lasting erections.
Medications, substance use, and medical conditions
Certain medications and substances can affect erection duration, as well as underlying medical conditions. It’s important to check with your doctor when beginning new medications to understand the potential of any unwanted side effects.
Some medications with the most well-known, sexual health-related side effects include:
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Antidepressants: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines
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Antihistamines: Dramamine, benadryl, etc.
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Diuretics: Hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol, etc.
Using substances like nicotine and alcohol are also infamous for decreasing erectile function. “Whiskey dick” is when a man isn’t able to get an erection, or is not able to keep an erection for the desired duration, resulting from heavy drinking.
Studies have also shown that smoking and the use of other nicotine products increases men’s chances of developing erectile dysfunction.
Common Misconceptions About Erection Duration
The longer, the better
It’s easy to fall for the misconception that the longer the sex, the better it is. But this is not necessarily true, as longer erection duration does not automatically equate to better sexual performance or satisfaction.
While pop culture, social media, and other types of media may project the idea that “going all night” is the gold standard of sex, this is very unrealistic and can create anxiety in the bedroom. Another study from The Journal of Sexual Medicine measured subjective opinions about length of sexual intercourse, showing that the "adequate" length was between three and seven minutes and it was "desirable" from seven to 13 minutes.
This is a far cry from “all night,” and proves just how misinformed people can be about erection and intercourse duration.
That being said, everybody is different, and everybody’s erections are different. There is not one “normal” length of time for erections or sex, but it is important to keep in mind that longer is not always better.
Age as the sole determinant
Similarly, lots of people believe that the older you get, the worse the sex gets. That’s not true. While the medical conditions you may develop as you age are more likely to lead to less consistent erectile functioning, this does not mean that age changes erection duration.
Factors like overall health, lifestyle choices, and psychological well-being greatly outweigh aging in regards to your sexual health. Obviously, hormones change with age so your refractory period – the time after ejaculation before a man can get another erection – does increase.
But that doesn’t mean your erections won’t be as “good.” Maintaining your physical health, getting regular check ups with your doctor, and avoiding excess alcohol or smoking will keep you feeling your best in the bedroom, no matter your age.
Performance pressure and expectations
Performance pressure is common during sex if there is a preconceived expectation about duration. This is a sad truth that again is the result of unrealistic expectations of sex from the media.
Be honest with your partner about what you expect or hope for in the bedroom, along with your emotions surrounding your own performance. It will make everyone’s experience that much better.
Open Communication with Partners
Keeping an open line of communication with your partner and fostering a mutual understanding about sexual desires, preferences, and expectations, is essential to cultivate long-lasting health in the bedroom.
According to a 2019 study, sexual communication – which is defined as a combination of the quality, frequency, and content of sexual self-disclosure with a partner – was found to be positively associated with several domains of sexual function. These include desire, orgasms, and erectile function.
Consulting a Healthcare Professional
Timeframes during sex are almost always subjective, and vary person to person. That being said, if you are concerned about the duration of your erections, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to get the diagnosis and treatment you might need.
Talk to a doctor to find out if prescription medications may be right for you, and learn more about taking control of your sexual health with REX MD.
