YNOT – Surprise! Despite the popular myth that all-night sex is the apex of erotic passion, a new study reveals most couples prefer to constrain their lovemaking sessions to between three and 13 minutes.In fact, contrary to the fantasy implanted in human heads by television shows, movies and novels, most real lovers find romps of longer than 10 minutes tiresome. On the opposite end of the spectrum, fewer than three minutes is a little too “wham-bam-thank-you-ma’am” for nearly everyone.

To reach their conclusions, published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, researchers Eric Corty and Jenay Guardiani surveyed members of the Society for Sex Therapy and Research. The respondents were psychologists, physicians, social workers, marriage-and-family therapists and nurses. Each was asked to rate a range of times for sexual intercourse based on their experiences with patients and clients.

The results, according to Corty and Guardiani, indicated most couples consider sexual interludes of between three and seven minutes “adequate” and between seven and 13 minutes “desirable,” but a deviation beyond either extreme causes consternation in one or both partners.

Corty and Guardiani said they undertook the research to reassure couples they aren’t doing something wrong because they can’t — or don’t want to — last all night.

“Today’s popular culture has reinforced stereotypes about sexual activity,” said Corty, an associate professor of psychology at Penn State University. “Many men and women seem to believe the fantasy of … all-night-long intercourse. This seems a situation ripe for disappointment and dissatisfaction. We hope this survey will dispel fantasies and encourage men and women with realistic data.”