Not being able to finish when you want to can be frustrating. Often times it can happen too quickly, but drawing things out too long can be just as troubling. Various factors, including stress, physical health, and even the types of positions used, can affect how long it takes to ejaculate. Our medical experts explore methods to help you reach climax faster, along with some scientifically backed insights to help you understand the factors influencing orgasm timing.
Ejaculation Timing: Understanding the Range and Influencing Factors
Research reveals that ejaculation timing differs significantly from person to person. A study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine analyzed over 500 men and found that the average time to ejaculate during intercourse was approximately 5.4 minutes—with some men lasting only a few seconds and others going well over 20 minutes (Waldinger et al., 2005). This range highlights that ejaculatory timing is influenced by various personal and physiological factors:
- Stress and Cortisol: Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can dampen libido by suppressing testosterone. Elevated cortisol is linked with slower arousal and delayed ejaculation, as shown in studies on the hormonal impacts of stress (Schultheiss et al., 2004).
- Medication and Health Conditions: Certain antidepressants, especially SSRIs, are known to delay ejaculation. According to the American Urological Association, 30-50% of men on SSRIs report difficulty climaxing (Rowland et al., 2004).
- Sensitivity Variability: Physical sensitivity varies, and men with reduced genital sensitivity may require more intense or prolonged stimulation to reach orgasm. Studies on penile sensory thresholds reveal that sensitivity declines with age, potentially affecting ejaculation timing (Bleustein et al., 2002).
Knowing and understanding these influences can help men adjust their approach to achieve a faster, satisfying finish.
Techniques to Heighten Arousal and Reach Climax Faster
Building arousal before penetration and using targeted techniques can shorten time to climax. Here are some methods supported by science:
- Extended Foreplay: Foreplay increases arousal, potentially making it easier to reach orgasm once intercourse begins. The Journal of Sex Research found that couples who engaged in longer foreplay reported faster orgasms during intercourse (Miller et al., 2010).
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Tactile Stimulation: Studies have shown that focusing on high-sensitivity areas increases arousal faster. For instance:
- Manual Stimulation: Engage with more sensitive areas to build up excitement. This can help you cum harder as well.
- Oral Stimulation: This can heighten arousal more intensely, leading to a quicker finish during intercourse.
Sexual Positions That Can Speed Up Ejaculation
Certain sexual positions may help increase sensation and lead to faster ejaculation by optimizing depth, rhythm, and physical contact. Here are positions that research indicates may help:
- Missionary Position: This position allows for consistent rhythm and deeper penetration, both of which can increase sensitivity and hasten ejaculation.
- Doggy Style: Known for its ability to stimulate sensitive areas like the underside of the penis, this position can lead to quicker arousal and climax.
- Standing or Kneeling: The physical exertion and tighter pelvic angles in these positions can increase tension and bring about climax faster.
Boost Sensitivity Through Rhythm and Lubrication
If sensitivity is the primary barrier, adjusting rhythm and using specific products can improve sensation and quicken climax.
- Increase Rhythm: Faster movements can intensify sensation and create faster arousal, especially in positions that allow for deep penetration. In a survey by the International Society for Sexual Medicine, men who adjusted rhythm during intercourse were more likely to achieve quicker orgasms (Carson & Steiner, 2005).
- Experiment with Lubricants: Lubricants, particularly those with warming or tingling properties, increase sensation by improving glide and enhancing blood flow to the area. The International Journal of Impotence Research found that men who used these types of lubricants reported increased sensitivity and shortened time to climax (Spector et al., 2006).
- Edging: Either through masturbation or with your partner, edging will increase sensitivity and help you cum faster.
Though increasing sensitivity can help ejaculate faster, you may notice your are not able to cum more than usual.
Long-Term Lifestyle Changes to Support Sexual Health
Adopting certain lifestyle practices can improve sexual performance and support faster climax in the long term. Scientific research highlights these lifestyle interventions as beneficial for arousal and sensitivity:
- Regular Exercise: A study from The Journal of Urology found that men who engaged in at least 150 minutes of exercise per week experienced better blood flow and shorter ejaculation times (Esposito et al., 2004). Exercise improves cardiovascular health and reduces stress, both of which benefit sexual performance.
- Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Mindfulness practices like meditation reduce performance anxiety and stress. Research in Psychosomatic Medicine shows that men who practice mindfulness report increased satisfaction and lower cortisol levels, which can lead to faster arousal and climax (Brotto & Basson, 2009).
- Dietary Considerations: Foods high in nitrates (like leafy greens) and antioxidants support blood flow and sensitivity. According to the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, men who eat a diet rich in these nutrients experience improved circulation, potentially aiding in quicker arousal (Stanaway et al., 2008).
These long-term habits support blood flow, hormonal balance, and overall wellness, leading to more consistent and enjoyable sexual experiences. If possible, try to cum multiple times during a session to become more comfortable with your partner.