Sex experts give honest answer when asked about how long sex should last on average

Various sex experts have shared their honest opinion on how long sexual intercourse should last for the average couple.

Thanks to the ever-present nature of the pornographic industry, many of us have skewed views on sexual relationships and how long they should last.

We're all aware of someone who will brag about being able to last 'all night' in the bedroom, which leaves anyone who is unable or not wanting the same in their sex lives feeling self-conscious.

Thankfully sexual health and intimacy experts are now pushing back against this narrative, with the average length of physical intercourse vastly different to what is depicted in explicit content.

Expectations around sex has left many feeling self conscious (Getty Stock Image)

Appearing on a recent episode of Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO podcast were psychiatrist Dr Alok Kanojia, sexual health expert Dr Rena Malik, and adult film director Erika Lust - and their comments on how long sex should last may surprise you.

"If you look at the average [length] of sexual intercourse, it's three to seven minutes," Dr Kanojia explained, before going on the add that 50 percent of women he'd spoken to don't want sex for 'more than 15 minutes'.

Dr Kanojia then went on to highlight the discrepancy between this figure and how some pornographic films can last up to three times as long.

"I see a lot of body dysmorphia," he continued. "It's like getting to that level in both men and women unrealistic expectations about body unrealistic expectations about performance that creates shame."

"There's just a lot of bad information out there," the psychiatrist added.

Dr Malik went on to add that length of time needed to climax also differs, with the average man needing five to six minutes before ejaculation while a woman may take as long as 14 minutes.

The trio were involved in a discussion on the adult industry for Steven Bartlett's Diary of a CEO (YouTube/Diary of a CEO)

The figures presented by the experts are in line with popular thought as well, with a recent study suggesting that men and women had different views on how long sex should last.

Meanwhile, one adult performer even revealed her ideal time for intercourse would be around '10 to 15 minutes', while another added that anything longer was simply 'boring'.

It turns out that people are just as concerned about the 'how often' as well as the 'how long' when it comes to physical intimacy.

Biomedical student and content creator Kellie recently argued the average couple engages in intercourse is more like once a week instead of the widely believed three times a week.

Perhaps the goal should be to spend less time worrying about what everyone else is up to and more time concentrating on enjoying yourself.