Does Viagra make you last longer in bed?
Erectile Dysfunction
The short answer is no. Viagra is designed to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) by helping men get and keep an erection. It does not treat premature ejaculation (PE).
Some men notice they seem to last longer when taking Viagra. This is usually as a result of reduced performance anxiety, because they have a firmer erection or are able to achieve another erection soon after ejaculation.
These indirect effects can improve confidence and make sex feel more satisfying, but differ from treating premature ejaculation itself.
What Does Viagra Actually Do?
Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil which belongs to a group of medicines known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors.
As one of the most well known ED treatments, Viagra helps to relax and widen blood vessels in the penis, increasing blood flow.
This all starts in response to sexual stimulation, where blood floods the penis and is trapped in the spongy tissues, leading to an erection. Without sexual stimulation, the treatment does not work.
Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction, which is the inability to get or maintain an erection firm enough for sexual activity and can help men who:
It can help men who:
Struggle to achieve an erection.
Lose their erection during sex.
Want more reliable erections when sexually aroused.
What Viagra doesn't do is just as important. Viagra does not:
Delay ejaculation.
Reduce sensitivity in the penis.
Prevent orgasm.
Increase sexual stamina or endurance.
Treat premature ejaculation.
Increase sexual desire.
Viagra is not recommended as a treatment if your only symptom is ejaculating too quickly.
Does Viagra Help Premature Ejaculation?
No, Viagra is not licensed to treat premature ejaculation (PE).
Premature ejaculation is when ejaculation occurs sooner than you or your partner would like, often with little control over when it happens.
ED, on the other hand, is difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. Although these conditions can occur together, they are different and usually require different treatments.
Evidence suggests that when men who suffered with both ED and PE used Viagra, they noticed indirect benefits such as increased ejaculatory control, increased ejaculatory confidence and improved overall sexual satisfaction.
This may happen because:
They are less worried about losing their erection.
They feel more relaxed during sex.
They no longer feel the need to rush intercourse.
They recover more quickly after ejaculation and are able to have sex sooner again.
Improving erectile function can make the overall sexual experience better. However, this does not mean that Viagra is able to directly delay ejaculation.
If premature ejaculation is your main concern, treatments specifically developed for this condition are usually more appropriate.
Why Do Some Men Think Viagra Helps Them Last Longer?
There are several reasons why Viagra has gained a reputation for helping men last longer in bed, even though this isn’t what it is designed to do.
Improved confidence
Many men with ED worry about losing their erection during sex. This anxiety can make the problem worse and affect overall sexual confidence.
Viagra helps to produce more reliable erections, allowing you to feel more relaxed, helping you to focus on enjoying sex rather than worrying about your performance and losing your erection.
Reduced performance anxiety
Performance anxiety can often take a toll on individuals and relationships - it can also affect both your erections and ejaculation. The anxiety can cause poor erections, which in turn causes more anxiety. Viagra can help to break this loop.
Feeling confident that you will be able to maintain an erection may reduce stress during sex.
Faster recovery after ejaculation
After ejaculation, most men experience a recovery period before they can get another erection - this is known as a refractory period.
Viagra may reduce this refractory period in some men, meaning they can achieve a second erection sooner than they otherwise would. While this does not delay the first ejaculation, it may increase the total time spent having sex, leading to some believing that the medicine makes them last longer.
Erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation overlap
Research shows that erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can occur together.
At times, erectile dysfunction may cause men to rush intercourse before they lose their erection. In other cases, repeated premature ejaculation can increase anxiety, making erectile dysfunction more likely.
Treating ED may improve confidence and reduce some of these secondary effects, but it does not replace treatment for premature ejaculation when that is the primary issue.
What treatments are there for premature ejaculation?
If you experience premature ejaculation, there are several treatments that may help. The right option depends on your symptoms, overall health and whether erectile dysfunction is also present.
Behavioural techniques
Some men benefit from behavioural approaches, including:
The start-stop technique.
The squeeze technique.
Pelvic floor exercises.
Counselling or therapy if anxiety or relationship concerns are contributing.
These techniques can improve awareness and control over time, although they often require practice and patience.
Topical treatment
Anaesthetic creams or sprays can reduce sensation in the penis, helping to delay ejaculation.
If you have a female partner, using these products may also be transferred and absorbed into the vagina, causing decreased sensation. Condoms can also be used.
Prescription medicines
There are prescription medications available which are specifically designed to treat premature ejaculation. These medicines work differently from Viagra and aim to delay ejaculation rather than improve erections.
Priligy (Dapoxetine)
Priligy contains the active ingredient dapoxetine, which belongs to a group of medicines known as SSRIs.
This works by increasing serotonin activity at nerve endings. The extra serotonin delays the ejaculatory reflex and helps to extend the time before ejaculation.
Not sure which treatment is right for you?
Contact us today to discreetly discuss your symptoms with a registered healthcare professional. Our clinicians are optimally placed to advise on both ED and PE, offering clinically backed advice and support.
When should you seek medical advice?
Occasional episodes of premature ejaculation are common and are not usually a cause for concern.
However, it is worth seeking medical advice if:
You ejaculate sooner than you would like during most sexual encounters
Your symptoms develop quickly
You also have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
The problem is causing distress or is affecting your confidence and relationships
You are unsure whether you have erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation or both.
Because erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation are different conditions, getting the correct diagnoses is important. Treating the wrong condition may not improve your symptoms.
If you need further advice, the Quick Meds clinical team is on hand to help.
Following a confidential online questionnaire, a clinician will review your symptoms and if approved, your order will be delivered discreetly to your door.
Click here to get started.
References
https://www.nice.org.uk/advice/esnm40/chapter/full-evidence-summary
https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/resources/male-pelvic-floor-exercises/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ejaculation-problems/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11535739/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10611201/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19515210/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16422868/
https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drugs/sildenafil/
https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/sildenafil-viagra/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction/
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know
How long does Viagra last in the system?+−
Viagra typically takes 30 to 60 minutes to work and remains effective for up to 4 hours. During this time, it can help achieve an erection when aroused, but does not delay ejaculation.
Can you take Viagra and premature ejaculation treatment together?+−
Yes, but this should only ever be initiated by a healthcare professional. You should never mix prescription medication without healthcare guidance to avoid potential side effects such as a drop in blood pressure.
Are there “last longer in bed” pills designed specifically for premature ejaculation?+−
Yes, unlike Viagra which treats ED, Priligy or dapoxetine is licensed to treat premature ejaculation.
Will using a condom help you last longer in bed?+−
Yes, standard or thicker condoms may slightly reduce sensitivity, which may help delay ejaculation. Additionally, over-the-counter sprays like STUD 100, can be applied just before sex to reduce sensitivity.
Can anxiety cause both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation?+−
Yes. Performance anxiety triggers adrenaline release in the body that restricts blood flow (causing ED) whilst at the same time lowering ejaculatory control.
