# Does foreplay count as minutes in sex? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 26, 2004, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211 "2004-02-26T01:17:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![don\_t\_ask](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e68b1a/32.png) [@don\_t\_ask](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/don_t_ask)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2004, 11:46am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/21 "2004-02-26T11:46:54Z")
> [@Revtim](#): > > So, does haggling over the price count too? How much do you charge? ---
**Author:** ![Cheesesteak](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cheesesteak/32/3694_2.png) [@Cheesesteak](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cheesesteak)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2004, 11:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/22 "2004-02-26T11:47:03Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > I find it annoying enough to track the time I spend on tasks at work - why would I want to do the same with something that’s enjoyable? How else does one determine the correct number of billable hours? Penetration time is counted at 1.5x the standard rate. Multiple sessions are 2x. I’d say foreplay counts, it enhances the experience, it’s not a separate experience. ---
**Author:** ![Small\_Clanger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9fc348/32.png) [@Small\_Clanger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Small_Clanger)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2004, 4:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/23 "2004-02-26T16:31:55Z")
Who holds the stopwatch? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [February 26, 2004, 4:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/24 "2004-02-26T16:52:03Z")
> [@Omnipresent](#): > > Well, let’s get this out in the open right now. I hate to break it to women but, thrusting penis inside pussy just doesn’t take that long to achieve ultimate pleasure. > > It just doesn’t. And that’s the bottom line. > > If it’s prolonged, **WE’RE DRUNK**!!! I think Omnipresent might be my long lost twin brother. ---
**Author:** ![GopherGod72](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/f0a364/32.png) [@GopherGod72](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GopherGod72)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2004, 2:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/25 "2004-02-27T02:51:19Z")
> [@Sengkelat](#): > > I’d say having oral sex for an **hour** followed by **30 minutes of thrusting** counts as an hour and a half of sex **doubletake** Whatthe? Whozits? Whosgonna? Tell me this is not the standard these days!! ---
**Author:** ![AHunter3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ahunter3/32/368_2.png) [@AHunter3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/AHunter3)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2004, 8:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/26 "2004-02-27T20:44:45Z")
I hear Rosie O’Donnell got married the other day. Kudos to her and her girlfriend. Do you suppose they have _sex_? OK, then, folks: if what they do counts as sex when they do it, it jolly well doesn’t get relegated to “foreplay but not sex” when my girlfriend and I do it. The whole “foreplay but not sex” construction is a very very cock-centered way of conceptualizing things. I’ve never, ever heard a lesbian person express the sentiment that stimulations performed with the fingers, tongue, or other things that aren’t & don’t involve a penis are not sex. ---
**Author:** ![Bongmaster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Bongmaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bongmaster)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2004, 10:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/27 "2004-02-27T22:03:55Z")
To the gentlemen “thrusting” for more than, say, 10-15 minutes…WTF? To me it becomes more like exercise than sex if you’re simply going for duration. Or like making porn. Does it really take some women that long to achieve orgasm? To be perfectly honest I’m perfectly satisfied with just a few minutes of actual intercourse. ---
**Author:** ![Magiver](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/4491bb/32.png) [@Magiver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Magiver)\ **Post date:** [February 27, 2004, 11:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/28 "2004-02-27T23:59:17Z")
If your girlfriend doesn’t believe foreplay counts as sex then next time you’re together just yell “incoming” and have at it. Personally, it sounds like you’re dating a hooker. ---
**Author:** ![wolfman](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/a8b319/32.png) [@wolfman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfman)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2004, 12:33am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/29 "2004-02-28T00:33:32Z")
> [@](#): > > Seriously - do people really keep track of this sort of thing? I find it annoying enough to track the time I spend on tasks at work - why would I want to do the same with something that’s enjoyable? Great, Now I’m imagining finishing up sex and having to roll over and fill out a Time/SubTask breakdown report and giving it to my ex-boss who would write little comments like “Couldn’t you spend a little more time here?” or 'Did that process really need so much work?" ---
**Author:** ![msklystron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@msklystron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msklystron)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2004, 12:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/30 "2004-02-28T00:49:35Z")
> [@SHAKES](#): > > Having a debate with my girlfriend here and I’m feeling a little robbed. > > So heres the “hypothetical” question: > > A couple are making out; your basic foreplay; kissing and what not for about 15 minutes. Then thay have the actual get down and funky sex for about another 20-25 minutes. > > So I say the couple had “sex” for about 35-40 minutes. > > _She_ says bullshit they only had sex for about 20-25 minutes. > > So what the hell? Foreplay doesn’t count? We’re just supposed to pretend that its not an important part of the entire act itself? > > Silly debate I know, but I’m still curious what peoples take on this is… I’m very repressed being a former Catholic and all… Foreplay just lets your partner know you are cool with having sex. However the techniques used to get into one another’s pants and between the sheets (or onto the kitchen table) can be used throughout lovemaking to prolong it and provide more pleasure to female partners. Women, if made love to properly, can have many orgasms, maybe even the biggie – the g-spot orgasm if a partner is willing to take the time. I once dated a lovely Indian man who had almost memorized the Kama Sutra before his dog et it. One session lasted 7 hours, with short breaks to refresh etc. ---
**Author:** ![zephyrine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/z/35a633/32.png) [@zephyrine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zephyrine)\ **Post date:** [February 28, 2004, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/31 "2004-02-28T05:18:37Z")
> [@AHunter3](#): > > The whole “foreplay but not sex” construction is a very very cock-centered way of conceptualizing things. I’ve never, ever heard a lesbian person express the sentiment that stimulations performed with the fingers, tongue, or other things that aren’t & don’t involve a penis are not sex. Good point. I’ll go with the “foreplay counts as sex” faction. **Bongmaster** : Why does it have to be all over when the woman comes? Thrusting is fun! ---
**Author:** ![Fuji\_Kitakyusho](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/f0a364/32.png) [@Fuji\_Kitakyusho](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fuji_Kitakyusho)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2004, 5:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/32 "2004-02-29T05:12:48Z")
What’s this “foreplay” thing everyone keeps talking about?.. ---
**Author:** ![Omnipresent](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/8c91f0/32.png) [@Omnipresent](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omnipresent)\ **Post date:** [February 29, 2004, 5:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/33 "2004-02-29T05:18:33Z")
> [@Bongmaster](#): > > To the gentlemen “thrusting” for more than, say, 10-15 minutes…WTF? To me it becomes more like exercise than sex if you’re simply going for duration. Or like making porn. Does it really take some women that long to achieve orgasm? To be perfectly honest I’m perfectly satisfied with just a few minutes of actual intercourse. That’s what I’M saying. I mean, is it OUR fault that these women have such a hard time acheiving orgasm that it takes that long? “No, No, - up, to the left. Ok, now, to the right. Softer, harder, faster” Sheeeeit! Her OBGYN get $150 for probing. All I get is directions!!! ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2004, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/34 "2004-03-01T02:30:53Z")
> [@Magiver](#): > > If your girlfriend doesn’t believe foreplay counts as sex then next time you’re together just yell “incoming” and have at it. Personally, it sounds like you’re dating a hooker. DUDE! did you just call my girlfriend a hooker? (Jeesh) Anyway, as to my girlfriend and I nobody’s hold a stopwatch or anything and we both DO get ours after even if it’s just a quicky. Problem is, she wants to keep going after an hour or even an hour and a half. Me I just want to go to sleep. Thats what the debate was REALLY about in case anyone’s intrested. ---
**Author:** ![Urban\_Ranger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/u/e9c0ed/32.png) [@Urban\_Ranger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Urban_Ranger)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2004, 5:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/35 "2004-03-01T05:13:40Z")
> [@SHAKES](#): > > So I say the couple had “sex” for about 35-40 minutes. > > _She_ says bullshit they only had sex for about 20-25 minutes. > > So what the hell? Foreplay doesn’t count? We’re just supposed to pretend that its not an important part of the entire act itself? > > Silly debate I know, but I’m still curious what peoples take on this is… Why should you care about how long it was? Sorry to sound cynical here, but is it because 40 minutes of sex is something you could talk about with your locker room buddies, but you’d get laughed at if it lasted only a measly 25 minutes? ---
**Author:** ![Grrr](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/grrr/32/146_2.png) [@Grrr](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Grrr)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2004, 7:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/36 "2004-03-01T07:10:19Z")
> [@Urban Ranger](#): > > Why should you care about how long it was? Sorry to sound cynical here, but is it because 40 minutes of sex is something you could talk about with your locker room buddies, but you’d get laughed at if it lasted only a measly 25 minutes? Nah, **Urban Ranger** , I think you’re reading too much into my post. This thread is meant to be taken in good humor that’s all. Besides I’m old enough to where I past the point of talking about all the details of my sexual escapades with my buds. ---
**Author:** ![Shodan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9f8e36/32.png) [@Shodan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Shodan)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2004, 5:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/37 "2004-03-01T17:55:22Z")
I nearly always have sex for about 45 minutes at a time. Unless you don’t count begging and apologizing as sex. Regards, Shodan ---
**Author:** ![FilmGeek](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/b19c9b/32.png) [@FilmGeek](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FilmGeek)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2004, 8:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/38 "2004-03-01T20:54:02Z")
I have a g-spot orgasm nearly every time we have sex. Is this an oddity? Ardred always waits until I’ve orgasmed because it is harder to come for me than it is for him. This takes anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. Wow, do I love that man. ---
**Author:** ![msklystron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/43a26b/32.png) [@msklystron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/msklystron)\ **Post date:** [March 1, 2004, 11:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/39 "2004-03-01T23:39:31Z")
> [@FilmGeek](#): > > I have a g-spot orgasm nearly every time we have sex. Is this an oddity? > > Ardred always waits until I’ve orgasmed because it is harder to come for me than it is for him. This takes anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour. > > Wow, do I love that man. Nope you’re not alone, although clearly you have the right partner if he can find that spot every time… ---
**Author:** ![Cartooniverse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/cartooniverse/32/3084_2.png) [@Cartooniverse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cartooniverse)\ **Post date:** [March 2, 2004, 1:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211/40 "2004-03-02T01:47:17Z")
> [@Small Clanger](#): > > Who holds the stopwatch? [chanelling Christopher Walken in **Pulp Fiction**] > [@](#): > > I kept this lousy hunk of metal up my ass for three years, kid [/chanelling Christopher Walken in **Pulp Fiction**] :eek: 😛 [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/does-foreplay-count-as-minutes-in-sex/231211.md?page=1)