When we think of this topic, the questions which immediately comes to our mind is - How long should sex last?, How long sex actually lasts? Or what is the ideal time limit to enjoy sex? …Simple answer to these questions is- As long as you and your partner want it. However there are no rules to say how long sex should last, but it is common for men to worry that they ejaculate too quickly.

“How long sex should last” depends on how you define sex. A healthy sex life can increase your confidence; reduce stress and help you sleep better at night. But the problems with stamina or other sexual performance issues can be both frustrating and embarrassing.

Factors affecting the duration of the sex

Age: As men get older, some find they take longer to get an erection, and erections are longer to maintain. Conversely, younger men might ejaculate sooner than they would like to (though it can happen at any age).

Sexual dysfunction: Worrying about how long, sex lasts or how long you are taking to get an erection can result in any of following.

a) Erectile dysfunction (ED)- happens when a man has trouble getting or keeping an erection, which can affect how long sex lasts.  

b) Premature ejaculation (PE)- is a sexual dysfunction in which a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like.

c) Performance anxiety- this is when negative feelings about your sexuality cause you to worry that you won’t satisfy your sexual partner. It can lead to ED or PE, or avoidance of sex altogether.

Techniques for longer sex

If you are worried on what you could do to last longer in bed, it is advisable to sit down with your partner and have conversation about your concerns. If you are both happy and fulfilled by your love life, then there is no reason to worry about how long  your sex lasts. If you are still concerned on how to keep your sex last longer, then some of the following self-help strategies will be helpful to men, gain more control over ejaculation.

Squeeze method: Begin sexual activity and continue till you feel almost ready to ejaculate. Then ask your partner to squeeze the end of your penis, at the point where the head joins the shaft. Hold the squeeze for as long as possible. The urge to ejaculate will retreat. You can do this several times in a single session.

Edging method: Also known as stop-start method is something you can practice with your partner or when you masturbate. When you are masturbating and feel like it is about to come, hold it until the urge to ejaculate passes. Then resume stimulating yourself. Over the time you will learn to recognize when you are approaching the point of no return and be able to extend intercourse.

Pelvic floor exercises: Helps strengthen the pelvic floor muscles that control ejaculation. To identify your pelvic floor muscles, stop urination in midstream. This process is known as Kegels. To practice Kegels, tighten the pelvic floor muscles, hold the contraction for 3-4 seconds, then relax for 3-4 seconds and repeat the process.

Numbing sprays, condoms & cream: Some of sprays, condoms and creams contain numbing medication inside. This can reduce sensation which will make you last longer. Even anesthetic creams that are sold have the same effect

PE wipes: Over the counter, disposable moist towelettes can be applied to your penis before sexual activity to reduce sensation and help you last longer

Use thick condoms: Condoms help decrease sensation and make penis less sensitive. Using thick condoms may do this better.

Masturbate 1-2 hours before sex: Masturbation helps to desensitize the penis, reducing the sensations that trigger an orgasm. This will extend the time of ejaculation.

Prescription drugs & medicines

Prescription drugs can also help improve erection duration and sexual performance by increasing blood flow to the penis. Few of the prescription erectile function drugs are:

• Sildenafil(Viagra)
• Vardenafil(Levitra)
• Tedalafil(Cialis)
• Roman ED

All prescription drugs come with some risks. Erection dysfunction drugs can lead to flushing, headaches, visual changes, stomach upset and nasal congestion. They also have dangerous effects for men taking nitrate drugs, blood thinner or those with heart problems and diabetes. Consult doctor before taking these drugs.

Natural solutions

Natural solutions may not present the same risks or drug interactions. Some, such solutions listed below may actually improve overall health. These are the solutions purely under your control.

• Quit smoking
• Reduce weight
• Daily exercises and fitness
• Acupuncture
• Increase zinc intake
• Increase L-arginine consumption
• Consider taking herbs

Point of view

If you are really concerned or worried about premature ejaculation and want to have the pleasure of longer sex, you should book an appointment with your doctor.  They will be able to assess your condition, look for any underlying causes and maybe recommend some useful treatments after counseling.