How many minutes is good for a man to release?

The amount of time it takes for a man to reach orgasm and ejaculate during sexual activity can vary quite a bit between individuals. Some men may only last a couple minutes, while others can go for over half an hour before climaxing. So what is considered a “good” or average amount of time for a man to last before ejaculating? Let’s take a closer look at some of the key factors that influence this.

Table of Contents

Average Time to Ejaculation

Research has found that the average time it takes a man to ejaculate during vaginal intercourse is around 5-7 minutes. However, there is quite a bit of natural variation between men. In studies, around 30% of men report lasting under 2 minutes before ejaculating, while around 3% say they can last over 30 minutes. So while 5-7 minutes may be average, the normal range is quite wide.

Here is a breakdown of average ejaculation times reported in research studies:

Time to Ejaculation	Percentage of Men
Under 1 minute	2%
1-2 minutes	28%
3-7 minutes	46%
8-13 minutes	16%
14-30 minutes	7%
Over 30 minutes	3%

As you can see from the table, most men (around 70-75%) ejaculate within 3-13 minutes, with the average being around 5-7 minutes.

Factors That Influence Ejaculation Time

There are a number of factors that account for the natural variation in ejaculation time between different men:

Age – Younger men under 30 tend to reach orgasm/ejaculate faster than older men over 50.
Genetics – Some men are just biologically wired to have faster or slower ejaculation latency.
Sensitivity – Men with very sensitive genitals may struggle with premature ejaculation.

Refractory period – Men with shorter refractory periods regenerate sexual arousal/function faster.
Circumcision – Some studies show circumcised men may last slightly longer.
Neurochemicals – Higher serotonin and lower dopamine are linked to longer latency.

Pelvic floor strength – Weaker pelvic floor muscles are associated with faster ejaculation.
Hormones – Higher testosterone levels tend to correlate with faster/stronger ejaculation.
Sexual experience – Inexperience, anxiety, and infrequency of sex may decrease latency.

Technique – Certain techniques can help delay ejaculation (start-stop, squeeze method).
Masturbation style – Frequent masturbation with friction can program faster ejaculation.
Novelty – New partners or settings may increase arousal and decrease time to ejaculation.

Arousal level – Higher subjective arousal is linked to faster ejaculation.

As you can see, ejaculation time is influenced by many biological, psychological, and behavioral factors that vary between men. It’s quite normal for even the same man to last different amounts of time from one sexual experience to the next.

Is There an Ideal Time to Last?

Is there an optimal amount of time for men to last before ejaculating during sex? Here are some perspectives on this:

From an evolutionary biology perspective, lasting longer increases the chance of impregnating the female partner. But lasting too long also diminishes returns.
From a medical perspective, premature ejaculation is diagnosed when a man lasts under 1 minute almost all the time. But there are no medical standards for an upper limit of ideal latency.
From a female pleasure perspective, studies show the ideal duration of intercourse to achieve orgasm for most women is 7-13 minutes. However, enough foreplay can make duration less important.

From a sexual dysfunction perspective, lasting too long (greater than 30 minutes) can be problematic and indicates issues like anorgasmia or erectile disorder.
From a relationship perspective, compatibility and open communication with your partner is more important than any specific time duration.

So while evolutionary biology suggests longer is generally better, and female orgasmic response provides a guidepost around 7-13 minutes, there really is no universal ideal. The key is understanding your own body, listening to your partner, and not getting hung up on some prescribed time duration.

Benefits of Lasting Longer In Bed

Here are some potential benefits for men being able to last longer before ejaculating during sex:

Allows more time for female partner arousal and orgasm
Results in a more satisfying and pleasurable experience for both partners

Demonstrates stamina, self-control, and consideration of partner’s pleasure
Promotes deeper emotional intimacy and connection between partners
Reduces sexual performance anxiety and boosts confidence

Allows for a wider variety of sexual activities and creativity
May increase chance of female partner reaching orgasm
Creates a sense of balance for duration of pleasure between partners

Provides confidence to men in avoiding premature ejaculation
Enhances feelings of masculinity, virility and self-esteem

That said, lasting too long can also diminish physical sensations for the man and lead to chafing or discomfort for both partners. The key is finding a balance based on the needs and desires of both people in the relationship.

Tips for Lasting Longer in Bed

Here are some tips and techniques men can try if they want to last longer during sex:

Masturbation techniques

Practice edging during masturbation – get close to climax then stop or slow down to regain control
Use a lighter grip and avoid too much friction during masturbation

Focus on full body pleasure, not just penile stimulation
Try using a penis ring or masturbation sleeve to reduce friction and sensation
Avoid marathon masturbation sessions right before partner sex

Sexual technique adjustments

Use the start-stop technique during intercourse – take pauses when getting too close
Try a penis ring or desensitizing lubricant to decrease stimulation
Switch sexual positions during intercourse to take breaks

Focus on slower, deeper thrusts rather than speed
Take pauses during intercourse for things like more foreplay or oral sex
Try avoiding thrusting during the woman’s orgasm to reduce stimulation

Pelvic floor muscle exercises

Perform Kegel exercises to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles and improve ejaculatory control
Practice tightening the pelvic floor muscles during sex to reduce arousal when needed
Focus on belly breathing to help relax the pelvic floor

Other tips

Communicate openly with your partner about desires and adjusting techniques
Focus on relaxation, arousal management, and deep breathing during sex
Manage performance anxiety and be comfortable taking pauses as needed

Prioritize sufficient foreplay and female arousal before penetration
Masturbate before sex to take the edge off if you tend to climax quickly
Learn your arousal patterns and warning signs just before reaching the point of no return

With patience and consistency practicing these techniques, most men can learn to improve control over ejaculation and extend intimacy with their partner.

Medical Treatments

For men with chronic, premature ejaculation that persists even after trying behavioral techniques, there are some medical options to discuss with your doctor:

Topical anesthetics – Applied to the penis before sex, these can decrease sensation.

Prescription SSRIs – Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors can delay ejaculation as a side effect.
PDE5 inhibitors – Erectile dysfunction medication like sildenafil may indirectly help some men last longer.
Tramadol – This pain medication is also sometimes used off-label to treat premature ejaculation.

However, behavioral strategies should typically be tried first before considering medications which can have side effects or risks.

The Bottom Line

There is no universally ideal length of time for men to last when having sex. The average ranges from 3-7 minutes, but there is significant natural variation in latency from one man to the next. Many different biological, psychological and behavioral factors influence ejaculation time. While lasting longer can increase pleasure and intimacy between partners, persisting for too long can also have diminishing returns. The key is finding balance based on you and your partner’s needs and being comfortable with the natural variation.

If premature ejaculation is an ongoing issue, techniques like edging, start-stop, pelvic floor exercises and communication can help improve latency time. For some men medical treatments may also help. But focusing too much on an ideal duration can backfire – it’s more about shared intimacy, communication and flexibility to find what works best for both people.