Several people described the delight of being able to make love to themselves, and how much more satisfying that is than just going for the quick climax. But if circumstances allow only a quickie, most people see that as still highly satisfying.
The freedom to take a long time to masturbate also seems related to age. Adults who live on their own are much more likely to arrange schedules and privacy that allow long sessions. Teens who still live with their parents and perhaps siblings have much less privacy and so must be much more hurried, quiet, and careful.]
I masturbate for half an hour typically, but when I am distracted or too excited it can take longer. Fast orgasm is like fast food – no substance or value in it. I like the slow sessions, paying attention to every erogenous zone of my body until I can't delay it any longer. Then I usually get an explosive orgasm.
- age 28, New Mexico
My sessions usually last around 4 minutes. I wish I could go much longer, but usually I get too horny and can't stop. I try to add another half-minute or so every few times to eventually lengthen the session. This should be good practice for pleasing future girlfriends.
- age 13, Massachusetts
A typical session with me doesn't last very long – at most a couple of minutes. (My mom caught me once, and it was very embarrassing!) But when I'm home alone or with a girlfriend I like to make it last as long as possible – at least an hour, but usually 2 to 3. I like the slow rubbing, the squeezing, holding up an orgasm, and finally ejaculating after the intense session. I found that after this I can climax much more and stronger. I've never really measured it, but wow – it's like "supersperm." When my girlfriend isn't there to join in to help, I usually surf around on the Net to find some erotic pictures (no porn – it doesn't really turn me on).
- age 22, United Kingdom
My night sessions tend to be about an hour long. I think that is about right. However during the day I often wish I could climax more quickly, especially in the shower in the morning. I used to always wish I could stretch it out longer (the time, not...well, you know) but it seems now I hardly have time to work and study, much less play.
- age 18, Argentina
I usually masturbate every night using the "Faucet Fetish" style. None of the other methods work for me. I can usually climax twice in only 10 minutes. Then I have to stop because my clitoris is too sensitive to continue.
- age 15, North Carolina (female)
I usually last for around 10-15 minutes when I have normal session. The longer I wait between sessions the shorter they are. But sometimes it can last an hour or more when I decide to really concentrate on what I am doing – taking my time, taking care of me, just as if I were having sex with someone. I love doing that: taking care, lighting a candle. It's great – you need to learn to make love to yourself!
- age 19, Canada
Since I share a room with my two younger brothers, I wish I could be quicker. My 12-year-old brother has caught me before. But when nobody's home, I wish I could go all day. My usual time is about 5 minutes (4 to climax and 1 to clean up).
- age 14, Pennsylvania
Most of my masturbation sessions last about 5 minutes. The problem is I don't get much privacy living with parents, wife, and child. On the rare occasion I do get more privacy, I'll take about half an hour. I read JackinWorld, browse the Web a little, stroking all the while, and then back off. After the erection goes away I start again before finally continuing on to an orgasm. I often wish I could last longer.
- age 31, Singapore
I'd like my sessions to last for hours. I stop often and it lasts longer, and when I reach orgasm it is so much better. However, most of the time other people are home and I feel rushed and cannot enjoy it as much. When no one is home, my sessions last longer and are better.
- age 16, Maine
It depends on stimulation and time elapsed since last ejaculation. I masturbate twice a day. In the morning after waking up I really feel like sex, but my semi-frigid wife wants no part of it. Thus we have an arrangement: She turns on her back, spreads her legs, and pulls up a knee so I can halfway slide underneath. If she is wet, I can enter her, provided I don't disturb her sleep. Most of the time she is dry, in which case I masturbate in front of her vulva, looking at her naked body, holding on to her thigh. That takes only 5 minutes. In the afternoon during siesta I masturbate alone, which can take up to 40 minutes.
- age 66, Spain
To be honest, my sessions are usually as long as I want them to be. If I want to really build up some heat, I hold back my orgasm until I can't stand it anymore, and then I let go. If I just want to have a quickie, I begin masturbating and climax right away. When I'm having phone sex with my girlfriend, I sometimes feel a little pressured. Then I wish I could climax a little faster. But she helps me by whispering erotic things in my ear, so there's never a problem.
- age 17, Connecticut
When I masturbate, I usually don't have the time to spend on it that I would like, so it ends up being around 5 to 10 minutes. Sometimes, though, I like to spend a couple of hours, or even more – the longest was an 8-hour session. I stop and start and use really slow techniques. These sessions are much more fun, and the orgasm is fantastic – hundreds of times better than when I do it quickly.
- age 18, United Kingdom
I'm uncut [uncircumcised], and I like to go kind of slow. It takes me maybe an hour sometimes. But when I climax, boy, do I ever ejaculate!
- age 14, Connecticut
At my age I can usually control the length of time it takes to reach the first climax. So it depends on how much time I have. A quickie could be just a couple of minutes. An intense session could last an hour or more. I like the control age has given me.
- age 34, Texas
My masturbation sessions are usually 10 minutes – more if I am relaxed and know that nobody is around or will return home. Sometimes I can masturbate for as long as 40 minutes. I think my sessions are just the right length, but I would like to have longer "pleasure peak" moments, not just the 3 or 4 seconds before ejaculating.
- age 25, Italy
I masturbate in about 10 minutes – that's from being naked with an erection to orgasm. I usually stroke as fast as I can because it feels so good. Sometimes it takes longer, but sometimes I shoot in just a minute or two. I don't want to climax faster, but I wish the orgasm would last longer! Or it would be nice if I could do it again right away. A few times my penis stayed erect so I kept stroking, and in 10-15 minutes had a really intense second orgasm. But more often my penis is too soft right afterward, so I just lie on my bed and close my eyes, unless someone is home. Then I clean up fast so no one will know what I was doing. The length of the session seems about right. Maybe if I had the house to myself I would like it to last 30 minutes, but then my arm might get too tired.
- age 15, California
It depends: If I'm lying on my back it's about 10 minutes, but if I'm standing, especially in the shower, it takes more than 30 minutes. I think the time it takes me is pretty good. Although there are some times I'd like it to be faster, such as when I have things to do.
- age 20, Mexico
My masturbation sessions today are better than ever! When I was a teenager and lived at home, and later in college, I masturbated more furtively and quietly – often in the shower. Now I take my time – get completely naked, stretch out on my bed, sofa, or wherever, and just really get into it. I like to prolong the sensations, use lubricant, and bring myself to the edge of orgasm a few times before actually letting go. I look forward to masturbating more like this, and my sessions getting even better and better as I get older!
- age 35, Texas
My sessions usually last between 30 minutes and an hour. I masturbate to several Playboys at one time and like to look at all of the photos during a session. I don't want to miss any sexy babes. Also, I play with my testicles during my sessions so as not to climax too soon. That way I can really enjoy each session. The longest I ever went was a little more than an hour-and-a-half.
- age 23, North Carolina
I simply love masturbation! I usually use some Vaseline or other kind of lube, since I am circumcised. My masturbation sessions can be anywhere from 30 to 120 minutes. The only thing I regret is not being able to climax again for a while!
- age 15, Canada
They last from 5 minutes to about an hour; typically, though, it is only 5-10 minutes. Much depends on how horny I am or how much time I have. My longest sessions are usually when I'm in JackinWorld or some other spicy site. I take my time and I stroke until I near climax, and then I back off for a minute. I'll do this several times, then bam! Semen flies everywhere. I wish my actual orgasm could last longer, although not necessarily the entire length of the session.
- age 28, Wisconsin
It seems odd that my masturbation, as emotionally intense and pleasurable as it is, is also quite casual. I'll start stroking and then after a minute I'll stop and scratch an itch, change the channel, get a drink, etc. It can take from 5 minutes to a full 60. I make no time limits, so my sessions are always perfect.
- age 15, Canada
Except for the times when I want a quickie orgasm, my masturbation sessions last about 45 minutes. I've gone longer, but I find this is about the right length of time. I like to build up to an orgasm, so I start off slowly, usually by caressing and licking my breasts. Then once I am suitably aroused, I turn my attention to my clitoris and vagina.
- age 36, California (female)
My average session is about 5 minutes tops. It depends on how long it has been since the last time, and whether I am in danger of being caught. When I am in the bedroom I share with my younger brother (13) we sometimes have races. Then it's real fast. Other times we try to see who can hold out the longest. It is nice that we don't have to hide it from each other; we made that agreement 3 years ago.
- age 15, Georgia
My masturbation time varies. Generally, it's just a few minutes. But sometimes I try to make it last just to enjoy the pleasure. Now that I'm a septuagenarian my ejaculate is minimal and I miss the good old days when I could gush. Oh, yes!
- age 76, New York
I usually don't have as much time as I want because there's not much privacy in our house. When I do have time, I usually take 20 or 30 minutes. When I'm pressed for time I climax in 2 or 3 minutes. I like to take more time, because it feels better, and I feel better afterwards!
- age 14, Ohio
Usually from 10 to 15 minutes. I wish they could last longer, but since I live in a dorm and have a roommate, I have to make my sessions fit into the time that I have guaranteed privacy. I usually masturbate whenever my roommate is taking a shower, since I know he takes at least a half-hour. Even though I can't take as much time as I'd like, it is still very pleasurable and relaxing.
- age 18, Pennsylvania
It usually depends on how long it has been since either my last session or the last time I had sex with my girlfriend. The longest I have gone has been 30 minutes, and the shortest under a minute. Also, I seem to last longer if my girlfriend is masturbating me than if I am doing all the work myself.
- age 25, North Carolina
The sessions vary, but I like the "Stop & Go" method: Near orgasm, wait, then go again and again and again. I find it gets harder and harder to control – but when I reach orgasm it's the best. Many times, however, I just finish quickly. I like the length of my sessions; it is totally up to me. I think the most important part is the fantasy, and how well I can construct it. Fantasies tend to wear out, so you need to set up new ones from time to time.
- age 19, Washington
It depends on how I masturbate whether I last long enough. If I have serious stimulation, such as a partner or a video, I don't have as much control as I'd like. If I am alone, or doing cyber-sex with someone on the Internet, I seem to have more control. Also, I have more control if I am sitting in a chair at the computer rather than lying on my bed. Visuals seem to make all the difference in how much control I have. I would like to learn to last longer, both for myself and for future partners.
- age 20, Canada
I really wish my orgasms would last longer. I cannot have multiple orgasms, and I wish I could switch places with a woman for one day just to see what they feel like. Since I can't do that, I wish I could make it longer. (Your "Stop & Go" method is a great way to make orgasms longer and more intense – you just need the will power for the "Stop" part.)
- age 17, Illinois
I'm very happy. I can do it slow when I want, or fast. It just depends on how much privacy I have. I don't really have an average because I basically do it in two different places: In the shower I have my orgasm really quickly because the water splashing around down there is great. In bed I like to take longer – sometimes Iget in bed at night and masturbate for like an hour or more. That is really fun!
- age 14, New York (female)
I go for about an hour before ejaculating. I look at pictures on the Net and keep stroking. I stop when I feel myself get close to orgasm. Sometimes I don't stop in time and have to squeeze the head to stop it, wait a few seconds to subside, and then continue. After about an hour I let it go and I ejaculate about 5 feet (really!). If you can go this long, it's very intense.
- age 31, Massachusetts
I usually masturbate for about 20 minutes before orgasm. Since what I really love about masturbation is rubbing my penis and body, I wish I could go for hours, but oh well. That just means I have do it more often in a day.
- age 17, Missouri
I usually masturbate for 25 to 30 minutes. Frequently, though, I like to linger. I vary my hand pressure, use strokes different from my 2 or 3 standards, caress my scrotum, and sometimes stimulate my anus. Lengthening the process this way greatly enhances the pleasure, and I can generally go an hour or more this way. I've occasionally gone 1 1/2 to 2 hours or more, but that's a treat I allow myself only once in a while.
- age 35, Ohio
An average session lasts 5 to 7 minutes but can last as long as a half-hour if time and imagination permit. When I was younger I used to try to climax as quickly as possible, because I didn't want to get caught and felt some guilt when I did it. One thing I like to do now is to bring myself very near orgasm, quit for a minute, and then start again. It takes some practice, but it feels great to see how close you can get without actually ejaculating before you finally let go.
- age 23, Connecticut
It depends, I can usually go from nothing to orgasm in under 30 seconds if I'm stimulating my anus and have access to some good porn. On the other hand, when I'm in bed and don't have to get up early, I can prolong it for hours (sometimes 5 or 6!).
- age 18, United Kingdom
I've masturbated to some extent for as long as I can remember, and I think this makes me all the more skilled at it. I think I started while I was still an infant in the crib, which I believe is actually common for women. I've recently become even more involved in masturbating since my lover and kindred spirit is spending this semester and next studying abroad. This is torturous, but it has had some advantages, such as the fact that we talk about sex far more openly and more often now. But through practice I have been able to extend the range of my masturbation sessions from as quick as a couple of minutes to over 2 hours. Still (sigh) nothing can come close to being able to masturbate alone and engage in lovemaking with my "karmic twin," as I call him. And one more quick comment: I'm glad to see anal stimulation more openly discussed here, even though so far, I've seen no reference to stimulating females in this way. Believe me, this is just as important.
- age 20, Oklahoma (female)
I like to take as long as possible and really enjoy myself masturbating. Each time I am close to ejaculation I stop myself. This process can go on for up to an hour if I have the time, or until I am too sore to go on any longer. Normally I don't have the luxury of time, so this is not the case. The time of day is a determining factor in the amount of time I can take in masturbatory joy. There is nothing I like better than starting my day with a good rub session; that always puts me in a great mood and ready to face the day. There is usually not much time in the morning, so these rub sessions are swift but always end in as much pleasure as a long rubbing. Basically any amount of time to masturbate is the right amount of time for me.
- age 34, France
Though I hate to say it, my typical masturbation session lasts only 4 to 7 minutes. I worry a little about early ejaculation. I just get too excited and I can't slow down. I have been masturbating for about 3 years now, so I don't know why I am so excited – it's not anything new. I just wish my sessions were much longer.
- age 12, New York
Typically I orgasm in under 5 minutes. I'd like it to last longer, but then again, I never take the time. In the morning I'm in a hurry to get to work. In the evening I'm tired and I just want to sleep. So it never lasts long, and on those rare occasions I want it to last long, I can't. (Which is to be expected, I guess.) I should add that I'm single, so staying power during intercourse is not an issue. I suppose that might change things.
- age 31, Netherlands
It usually takes about 20 minutes. But I can control the speed, so I can climax in 2 minutes or in an hour. That's why I think it is the right length.
- age 17, Germany
I usually vary my times. If I'm just looking for a quick fix, it could be around a minute. But when I am really horny and on the Internet, I play with myself the entire time. These sessions are usually over an hour of pure pleasure!
- age 28, Canada
On weekdays I have sessions that last 25 to 30 minutes. On weekends, if I have a lot of free time, I usually have sessions that last an hour-and-a-half or longer. My sessions are always the right length, because I usually have time to relax.
- age 15, California
I always like to get completely naked and make my masturbation sessions last at least a half hour. I like to caress myself all over – not just my penis – and bring myself close to orgasm, then shift my attention elsewhere and repeat the process over and over. If I'm watching a video I'll masturbate for the entire length of the movie. I'll do it faster if time is limited, or if I'm not as sure I won't be interrupted – but I very much prefer the longer sessions.
- age 29, California
My sessions usually last from a half-hour to an hour. I like to build it up slowly. When I'm about to climax, I stop – wait a while – and build up again. Sometimes I look at stuff on the Internet; those of you who do this know it takes a long time. My one hand is always stimulating my penis. The longer I masturbate, the more intense my orgasm. I find my sessions to be just the right length.
- age 19, South America
My sessions are pretty much as long as I want them to be, although longer is definitely better. The longer I hold out, the better the orgasm, usually. And, being a virgin, being able to hold out longer will probably help out a little when I decide to make love.
- age 25, Florida
Ideally I go for 20 minutes, pausing every time I near orgasm – but if I'm in a hurry I can pump it out in 90 seconds.
- age 17, California
I usually try to hold off for a while. I'll have some deep penetration with my fingers and then pull back when I'm close and just massage my lips. Then when I¹m relaxed I start plunging again. Usually half an hour is good for me, and sometimes I can run off 2 or 3 orgasms right on top of each other – that's the best, because it's so intense my eyes start to tear up.
- age 14, Pennsylvania (female)
Typically my sessions last 15 minutes, but I go considerably longer (up to 30 minutes) if it's the third or fourth session that day. It also depends on whether I masturbate alone or in front of my wife, and whether I use pictures as stimulation or only fantasize.
- age 70, Hong Kong
I usually take about 10 minutes, but the best one I ever had took 3 hours. I tried about 8 of the positions in your techniques guide, and it was amazing – the longer the better I say! And, thank God for the imaginative masturbation guide!
- age 17, United Kingdom
If there are no pressures to "get on the move," sessions can last 40 to 45 minutes. But usually, there are reasons to keep the session to 15 or 20, which is about the minimum I find satisfying. I masturbate in the morning and usually have some place to get to. But I can usually justify 20 minutes that are just for me!
- age 51, New York
This obviously depends on how turned on I am. If I'm alone and I know there are going to be very few interruptions, chances are I can keep going for up to 2 hours. Other times when I need instantaneous release I can take out my penis and climax within 2 minutes. It's all got to do with control.
- age 24, South Africa
Interestingly, and perhaps of some usefulness, in the past I could usually climax in 5 or 10 minutes. However, I recently began to take a prescription anti-depressant (Paxil), and even with my partner it takes considerable time (perhaps 30 minutes). Erections are not a problem, nor is sustaining them, but orgasm is very difficult. Hmm...six of one, half-dozen of another.
- age 32, Nebraska
[Editor's note: Many prescription medications (anti-depressants, high blood pressure medication, antihistamines, to name a few) have a cumulative, negative effect on libido (interest in sex), as well as erectile and orgasmic functions. In plain language: If you take medicine for depression, high blood pressure, or allergies, it can interfere with your interest in sex, your ability to get and keep an erection, and your ability to achieve an orgasm. If you take more than one of these medicines, their effects add to one another.]
When I was younger I always tried to make it as fast as I could, as my privacy was limited and I wanted the fast "kick." But now I have seen how much more pleasurable it is to take it slowly. So now my typical session goes anywhere from 15 to 30 minutes, and to me that's just the right length.
- age 25, Germany
My masturbation sessions have always lasted between 2 minutes and an hour. Lately my sessions have been longer than normal (which is fine with me), but I find that the longer I wait between sessions, the easier it is to climax.
- age 16, Wisconsin (female)
My usual masturbation session lasts from 15 to 20 minutes, although it may be shorter or longer depending on my excitement level and how long it has been since the previous session. Since the build-up to orgasm is so pleasant, I like to extend it. I have good privacy with little chance of interruption, so there's no need to hurry to the orgasm. Also, I enjoy reading or watching porn at the same time.
- age 63, New Jersey
I usually masturbate for 4 or 5 minutes before I really start tingling! Then I start and stop at random, which causes me to have a much more intense orgasm when it does happen, usually about 10 minutes later. I love to stop right before I climax and then start again. That way I get to see a little semen dribble out, and then I pump it really fast and the rest of the load shoots!
- age 22, Connecticut
I can usually masturbate for at least 45 minutes. I would like to go longer, but I feel that after 45 minutes of good interaction with my hand or other object, the pressure is too great to last. Then I am thankful there is always another time.
- age 18, Texas