For many people, concerns about s*x go beyond pleasure and drift into quiet self-assessment.
Am I normal? Am I taking too long — or not long enough? These questions are often shaped by cultural myths, exaggerated stories, and unspoken assumptions about what intimacy should look like. So when new research claims to reveal where s*x lasts the longest, it doesn’t just spark curiosity — it challenges deeply rooted insecurities.
A recent survey by adult dating platform Saucy Dates explored how long intercourse actually lasts across different countries. The study questioned 3,836 heteros*xual adults between 18 and 50 years old, focusing specifically on penetrative s*x. While the data offers an interesting snapshot of global habits, it also exposes the growing gap between expectation and reality.
Interestingly, men and women reported almost identical ideas of the “ideal” duration. Women said they’d prefer s*x to last about 25 minutes and 51 seconds, while men estimated 25 minutes and 43 seconds. Reality, however, told a different story. Participants reported encounters lasting anywhere from under a minute to nearly an hour, with the global average landing at approximately 15 minutes and 10 seconds — far shorter than what many believe is optimal.
Country-by-country results revealed noticeable variation. The United States topped the list, with an average duration of 17 minutes and five seconds, followed closely by Canada at around 17 minutes. The United Kingdom and Australia also exceeded the global average. India, while slightly below the worldwide mean overall, showed longer durations among older participants, narrowing the gap. Across the board, people in their 30s reported the longest encounters, hinting that confidence, familiarity, and emotional ease may play a role.
s*xual health professionals warn against overinterpreting these numbers. Psychologist Dr. Rachel Needle and s*xual health expert Dr. Michael Krychman emphasize that there is no “correct” length for s*x. Stress levels, emotional connection, physical health, lifestyle, and communication all influence intimacy far more than minutes on a clock. What feels satisfying for one couple may feel excessive or insufficient for another.
Conclusion
Surveys like this can be fascinating, but they also risk turning intimacy into a performance metric. s*xual satisfaction isn’t defined by averages, rankings, or national bragging rights. Whether intimacy lasts a few minutes or much longer, fulfillment comes from connection, comfort, and shared pleasure — not comparison. Letting go of rigid expectations may ultimately lead to healthier, more satisfying experiences, no matter where you are.