How Long Does the Average Erection Last?

The 2025 European Association of Urology (EAU) Guidelines on Sexual and Reproductive Health do not provide specific data on the average duration of erections in healthy men. However, the guidelines do establish that during clinical testing, a functional erectile mechanism is indicated by an erectile event of at least 60% rigidity recorded on the tip of the penis that lasts for ≥ 10 minutes during nocturnal penile tumescence and rigidity monitoring¹. This clinical benchmark helps differentiate between organic and psychogenic erectile dysfunction (ED). For men experiencing erectile difficulties, the EAU Guidelines outline various treatment options, including penile implants for those who don’t respond to other therapies. Two main classes of penile implants are available: inflatable (two- and three-piece) and semirigid devices². The three-piece inflatable prosthesis consists of a pair of cylinders implanted in the corpora cavernosa, a pump placed in the scrotum, and a reservoir containing fluid placed in the retropubic space. Patients may prefer the three-piece inflatable devices due to the more “natural” erections obtained³. According to the guidelines, penile prosthesis implantation has one of the highest satisfaction rates among ED treatments, with studies showing 92-100% satisfaction rates for both patients and partners after surgery⁴.While the guidelines don’t specify normal erection duration in healthy men, they do emphasize that loss of erection after ejaculation is normal⁹, which may be a relevant consideration for men concerned about their erectile function. The guidelines also note that erection quality can be affected by various factors including cardiovascular health, psychological factors, and relationship dynamics, all of which should be considered in a comprehensive assessment of sexual health