Sex Experts Debunk Common Myths About Duration and Frequency of Intimacy

The adult industry has often skewed our perceptions of intimacy, setting unrealistic expectations for how long and how often sexual encounters should last. Aiming to clarify this, psychiatrist Dr. Alok Kanojia, sexual health expert Dr. Rena Malik, and adult film director Erika Lust joined The Diary of a CEO podcast with Steven Bartlett to share the reality behind common misconceptions.

According to Dr. Kanojia, average sexual intercourse typically lasts between three to seven minutes, with half of the women he’s spoken to preferring it to last no more than 15 minutes. He notes that the prolonged scenes in adult content create “unrealistic expectations about performance,” leading to unnecessary pressure and body image issues among both men and women.

Dr. Malik added that timing differs: men average five to six minutes before climax, while women may take up to 14 minutes. Interestingly, even adult performers reveal that their ideal duration aligns more with this natural range, preferring 10 to 15 minutes for a satisfying experience.

Misconceptions also extend to frequency. Biomedical student and content creator Kellie highlighted that the average couple typically has sex once a week, contrary to the commonly believed three times. Ultimately, focusing on personal enjoyment over perceived norms could be the healthiest approach to intimacy.