Brand name Viagra® (AKA sildenafil citrate) has earned a reputation as the go-to fix for sexual challenges — especially erectile dysfunction. So, people often think of it as the magic pill for boosting stamina in bed.
But can Viagra make you last longer in bed? Viagra can absolutely help you maintain an erection if that’s where you’re struggling. And while it’s not FDA-approved specifically to treat premature ejaculation (PE), some research hints it might help you avoid early orgasm.
Want to learn more? We’ve outlined the facts on sildenafil citrate and its potential for increasing sexual stamina. Plus, we’ll introduce you to other proven ways to improve your performance in the bedroom.
Can Viagra Help You Last Longer?
Does Viagra delay ejaculation? Some reports suggest that Viagra might be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation.
Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is a type of erectile dysfunction medication called a phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitor. PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra, Cialis® (tadalafil), and Levitra® (vardenafil) treat ED by increasing blood flow to the soft erectile tissues and blood vessels in your penis.
Erectile dysfunction medications can help you get an erection or maintain a firmer erection to improve the sexual experience for you and your partner.
On average, Viagra lasts for up to four hours after you take your dose. So, if you tend to lose your erection during sex, Viagra’s effects could help you have sex for longer.
Why Viagra Could Help with PE
Does sildenafil make you last longer? There are a few interesting studies about Viagra’s effects on sexual dysfunction. Let’s break them down:
In a small 2007 study published in the International Journal of Urology: Official Journal of the Japanese Urological Association, researchers found a link between sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra) and an increase in ejaculation time in men experiencing PE.
Another study from 2005 published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found that men who used sildenafil experienced a small increase in time before ejaculation. The increase compared to placebo wasn’t statistically significant, but men did have an increased perception of ejaculatory control and overall sexual satisfaction.
According to a clinical study published in the International Journal of Impotence Research, sildenafil may reduce refractory time by several minutes. In this study, the average reduction in time was about nine minutes.
A 2023 clinical trial involving 160 participants suggests that combining sildenafil citrate (50 mg) and the opioid painkiller tramadol HCl (100 mg) is a safe and effective treatment for PE.
So, how does Viagra help with PE? There are a few potential ways. First, it can influence the nervous system and reduce penile sensitivity, which might help you last longer. It also relaxes smooth muscles involved in ejaculation, potentially giving you more control.
Why Viagra Isn’t an FDA-Approved Treatment for Premature Ejaculation
Viagra isn’t FDA-approved to help you last longer in bed, and here’s why: Getting FDA approval requires costly, time-consuming clinical trials.
Viagra is already FDA-approved for ED treatment, and doctors can prescribe it off-label for PE. And some studies suggest it can help.
Here’s what Viagra can’t do:
Prevent fatigue
Reduce performance anxiety
Make your penis bigger
The Risks of Using Viagra to Last Longer
Common side effects of Viagra include:
Headaches
Facial flushing
Blurred vision
Usually, mild side effects subside within a few hours, but it’s important to pay attention to anything that just doesn’t feel right.
It’s important to tell your prescribing provider if you currently have any medical conditions or are taking medications for heart disease or hypertension. Some medications like those for high blood pressure (.e.g, nitrates and alpha-blockers) can cause dangerously low blood pressure when mixed with Viagra.