If you’ve ever wondered how long is “enough” for good sex, you may now have your answer.

In a survey of 34 sex therapists (who should know better, right?), researchers discovered that anywhere between 3 and 13 minutes was optimal for good sexual intercourse.

In a 2005 study of 1,500 couples, 7 minutes was ideal, but as little as 3 to 5 minutes (not including foreplay) will do according to the current study. (We couldn’t find the 2005 study mentioned in the newspaper article — we wish they’d actually include a reference when reporting on such data!)

Seven minutes? Five minutes? What does it matter? If you’re having a good sex life and can talk honestly to your partner from time to time about sex and any issues that arise, I don’t understand the preoccupation some have with “how long is long enough” and similar data.

It’s never been about quantity, anyway — it’s all about quality. It takes as long as it takes. If you’re not enjoying sex and it’s over “too quickly,” then please talk to your partner about the issue. Don’t lead a life of quiet frustration and resentment over these sorts of issues.

The new study can be found in the May issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

Read the full article: Sex Therapists: a Few Minutes Is Best

Dr. John Grohol is the founder & CEO of Psych Central. He is an author, researcher and expert in mental health online, and has been writing about online behavior, mental health and psychology issues -- as well as the intersection of technology and human behavior -- since 1992. Dr. Grohol sits on the editorial board of the journal Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking and is a founding board member and treasurer of the Society for Participatory Medicine.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 6 Apr 2008
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