America’s Ideal Sex Duration - ZipHealth

How long is long enough when it comes to sexual intercourse? In our most recent study, we surveyed 1,000 Americans about their preferences and experiences to shed light on the complex dynamics of sexual satisfaction.

This article explores how gender and age intersect with desired sex duration. From the impact of foreplay to orgasm rates and the effects of watching porn, we’ve uncovered eye-opening details about America’s bedroom habits. We also offer some of their strategies for managing sexual challenges and how sexual frequency correlates with sexual satisfaction. These patterns can provide a better understanding of sexual health and dynamics in contemporary America.

Key takeaways

• Sexually satisfied Americans typically prefer their intimate interactions, including foreplay and afterplay, to last around 35 minutes.
• Americans who have sex 2-3 times per week or more report the highest levels of sexual satisfaction.
• 39% of Americans report lasting the longest during nighttime, averaging about 18 minutes. In contrast, only 5% say they last the longest in the middle of the day, with an average duration of around 10 minutes.
• Over 22% of Americans say sex doesn’t last long enough for women to orgasm.
• 15 minutes of foreplay is typically sufficient for many women to achieve orgasm.

• Nearly 40% of Americans are not satisfied with how often they have sex.
  • Satisfaction with sex frequency by gender:
    • Women: 67%
    • Men: 57%
  • Satisfaction with sex frequency by generation:
    • Baby boomers: 63%
    • Gen X: 61%
    • Millennials: 57%
    • Gen Z: 70%
• 18% of Americans aren’t currently having sex.
  • Not having sex by generation:
    • Baby boomers: 14%
    • Gen X: 25%
    • Millennials: 37%
    • Gen Z: 23%
• Over 90% of Americans who have sex 2-3 times per week or more are the most sexually satisfied.
• Those who are sexually satisfied prefer sex to last around 35 minutes, including foreplay and afterplay.
• Typical duration of sexual activities among satisfied Americans:
  • Foreplay: 15 minutes
  • Intercourse: 15 minutes
  • Afterplay: 5 minutes
• Gen Zers report lasting the longest in bed, with an average time of 38 minutes, including foreplay and afterplay.
• 36% of Americans prefer to have sex at night, while only 17% prefer the morning.
• 39% of Americans last the longest at night, averaging around 18 minutes. Only 5% last the longest in the middle of the day — around 10 minutes.
• Over 22% of Americans say sex doesn’t last long enough for women to orgasm.
  • Time spent on foreplay and intercourse for the highest likelihood of women achieving orgasm:
    • Foreplay: 14 minutes
    • Intercourse: 15 minutes
  • Americans who spend an extra 5 minutes on foreplay report more female orgasms compared to those who spend 5 minutes less on it.
  • Baby boomers report the most sex that lasts long enough for female orgasm (85%).
• 8% of women have asked their partner to masturbate before sex to prevent premature ejaculation.
• Top strategies to manage erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation:
  • Experimenting with different sexual positions: 22%
  • Communication: 18%
  • Lifestyle changes (e.g., exercise, diet): 18%
  • Sexual aids (e.g., rings, lubricants): 14%
  • Pre-sex masturbation: 12%
• Nearly 10% of sexually active people use medications like Viagra or Cialis to manage erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation.
• Americans who watch pornography multiple times per day typically last around 5 minutes longer than those who do not watch pornography.

Methodology

For this study, we surveyed 1,000 Americans about their ideal sex duration. The average age was 38. Generationally, 6% of respondents reported as baby boomers, 21% as Generation X, 49% as Millennials, and 24% as Generation Z. 

About ZipHealth

With ZipHealth, you can access discreet online health consultations and treatments for various conditions, including medications like Viagra and Sildenafil. We strive to provide accessible and convenient healthcare, ensuring you can manage your health comfortably and privately.

Fair use statement

You may republish this noncommercially, provided you attribute the source with a link.