Many men find themselves thinking, “My erection doesn’t last as long as it used to,” or “I can’t satisfy my partner because I lose my erection too soon.”

In this article, a medical expert explains the average duration of an erection and the possible causes when it doesn’t last. We’ll also introduce easy and practical training techniques to help improve erection duration. If you’ve been feeling uncertain about how long your erection lasts, this guide is for you.

What’s the Average Duration of an Erection?

Although there are no definitive studies on erection duration, it’s generally said to range from a few minutes to about 30 minutes. Most people report an average duration of around 10 minutes.

That said, erection length can vary depending on physical health, mental state, and age, so it’s best to consider this figure as a general reference rather than a fixed standard.

In one international study involving 500 couples across four countries—specifically the United States, the UK, the Netherlands, Spain, and Turkey—the average time from penetration to ejaculation was measured at 5 minutes and 24 seconds.

What Causes an Erection to Not Last?

The reasons why erections don’t last vary from person to person, but they can generally be grouped into two categories:

• Physical causes
• Psychological causes

Each will be explained in more detail below.

Physical Causes

There are three main physical factors that may lead to difficulty maintaining an erection:

• Aging
• Nerve damage
• Poor lifestyle habits

As men age, the elasticity of blood vessels can decrease, potentially leading to arteriosclerosis. This makes it more difficult for blood to flow smoothly to the penis, which can reduce erection duration.

A decline in testosterone levels associated with aging may also negatively affect erection maintenance.

Nerve damage can be another contributing factor. When nerves responsible for triggering erections are impaired, signal transmission may not function properly, making it difficult to sustain an erection.

In addition, lifestyle-related diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and hyperlipidemia (elevated cholesterol or triglycerides) can also affect erection duration. Diabetes in particular impacts not only blood vessels but also nerves, and is considered a common cause of erectile dysfunction.

Other contributing habits include smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, which are also known to cause arteriosclerosis. Disruptions to lifestyle habits can affect not only erection duration but also overall health, so caution is necessary.

Psychological Causes

Psychological issues can also shorten the duration of an erection, including the following

• Stress, anxiety, or nervousness
• Depression or anxiety disorders
• Side effects of medication

Stress in daily life or at work, or past traumatic experiences, may lead to feelings of anxiety or tension during sexual activity, resulting in shorter erections. In some cases, men who have lost confidence due to previous negative sexual experiences may develop symptoms such as an inability to get an erection at all.

In people with depression or anxiety disorders, decreased libido and reduced arousal are common, which can prevent sustained erections. In such cases, the medications used to treat these conditions may also be a factor.

Antidepressants such as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors), as well as benzodiazepine-based anti-anxiety medications, are known to be associated with erectile dysfunction.

Erection-Staying Power Exercises You Can Start Right Now

An erection occurs when blood flows into the corpus cavernosum of the penis. If the blood doesn’t flow properly—or can’t be retained—erection duration becomes shorter.

To address this, strengthening muscles—especially in the lower body—can improve blood circulation and potentially increase how long an erection lasts.

Here are some training methods you can easily start at home.

Pelvic Floor Muscle Training (Kegel Exercise)

This training targets muscles inside the pelvis, including the pubococcygeus muscle (near the anus) and the gluteus maximus (the buttocks). Strengthening these muscles helps improve blood flow and control.

Here’s how to do it:

1.Lie on your back and slightly bend your knees.
2.Contract your anal muscles and hold for 5 seconds.
3.Slowly relax.
4.Repeat this for 1 minute, aiming for a total of 10 sets.

Squats

Squats are widely known for training the lower body and can help with maintaining erections.

Muscles like the quadriceps and hamstrings are essential for promoting circulation, and training them can help blood flow more easily to the penis.

1.Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart.
2.Bend at the hips while pushing your buttocks backward.
3.Slowly lower your body, keeping your knees from going past your toes.
4.Return slowly to the starting position.
5.Perform 10 repetitions per set, aiming for 3 sets in total.

Seated Straddle Stretch

In addition to strength training, stretching can help relax the body and improve circulation.

A straddle stretch helps loosen the muscles around the pelvis, promoting better blood flow to the penis.

1.Sit down and spread both legs wide apart.
2.Lean your upper body toward one leg (be careful not to round your back).
3.Repeat the movement on the opposite side.

Medical Treatments to Help Maintain an Erection

If you’re struggling to maintain an erection, receiving treatment from a medical professional may significantly improve your condition.

Here are some treatment options that can help sustain erections:

Taking ED Medications

ED medications are effective for treating various forms of erectile dysfunction. If you’re looking to maintain your erection, the following options are commonly prescribed:

 

Medication	Duration	Features
Viagra	4–5 hours	Well-known and fast-acting
Levitra	5–6 hours	Helps not only with maintaining an erection but also with firmness
Cialis	20–24 hours	Long-lasting effect allows for a more relaxed and natural sexual experience

 

Low-Intensity Shockwave Therapy (Renova)

Renova is an advanced medical device that uses low-intensity shockwaves to improve erectile function.
Unlike medications that provide temporary relief, Renova is gaining popularity as a long-term treatment option.

Vacuum Erection Devices (Penis Pump)

While not a direct medical treatment, a vacuum erection device—commonly known as a penis pump—can be used to mechanically induce and maintain an erection.

By placing the penis inside a cylindrical device and creating a vacuum, blood is drawn into the penis, resulting in an erection. A rubber ring is then placed at the base of the penis to help maintain the erection temporarily.

If You’re Struggling With Erection Loss, Contact MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO

When you’re unable to maintain an erection, it can lead to worries such as “I can’t enjoy time with my partner” or “What if they get disappointed in me?”

If you’re experiencing anxiety about losing your erection, we encourage you to consult with MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO.

As a clinic specializing in men’s health, we provide personalized care tailored to each patient’s needs.

Because issues related to erections are highly sensitive, we offer private consultation rooms to ensure discretion and protect your privacy.

For patients who feel embarrassed about visiting a clinic in person, or who live far away and can’t make the trip, we also offer online consultations.

If you’re struggling with erection maintenance, please don’t hesitate to share your concerns with MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO.

Conclusion

The duration of an erection varies from person to person.

It is influenced by factors such as overall health, mental state, and age. Many men experience difficulty maintaining an erection due to a wide range of causes.

If you’ve been thinking, “My erection doesn’t last as long as it used to,” or “I want to last longer to enjoy more time with my partner,” we encourage you to reach out to MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO.

Our doctors specialize in male-specific issues and will listen carefully to your concerns before proposing the most appropriate treatment.

We offer both in-person consultations and online appointments for those who feel hesitant to visit in person or have limited time due to busy schedules.

Let MEN’S PRIDE CLINIC MITA TOKYO support you in overcoming erection-related challenges and help you regain confidence as a man.