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Does Cialis make you last longer?

12 min read

Written by: 

Sonia Rebecca Menezes

Reviewed by: 

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Updated:  Mar 12, 2025

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Reviewed By

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.

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Key takeaways

  • Cialis isn’t specifically designed to delay ejaculation, but managing premature ejaculation (PE) often requires more than one solution.

  • If you have PE along with erectile dysfunction (ED), Cialis can be a helpful way to manage both conditions. 

  • There are many effective PE treatments to explore, including behavioral techniques, therapy, and medications that can help.

  • Your healthcare provider can help you find a plan that works for you and gives you the confidence to enjoy more satisfying sex.

Here's what we'll cover

Here's what we'll cover

Key takeaways

  • Cialis isn’t specifically designed to delay ejaculation, but managing premature ejaculation (PE) often requires more than one solution.

  • If you have PE along with erectile dysfunction (ED), Cialis can be a helpful way to manage both conditions. 

  • There are many effective PE treatments to explore, including behavioral techniques, therapy, and medications that can help.

  • Your healthcare provider can help you find a plan that works for you and gives you the confidence to enjoy more satisfying sex.

Cialis (tadalafil) is best known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED) by improving blood flow, which can help you get and keep an erection.

But what about lasting longer in bed? While Cialis isn’t specifically approved by the US Food and Drug Association (FDA) for premature ejaculation (PE), there’s some research that suggests it might help in certain cases.

For example, a small study found that taking a daily low dose of tadalafil increased the time it took participants to ejaculate after three months of consistent use.

While this might sound like good news, it’s important to know that Cialis isn’t a guaranteed fix for PE—it’s just one tool that might help in some situations. More research is needed before any major claims regarding its use for PE can be made, especially because Cialis does not have FDA approval for premature ejaculation. 

Whether you’re dealing with ED, PE, or both, understanding what Cialis can (and can’t) do is key. Let’s dive deeper into how it works and explore your options.

Cialis Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

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Does Cialis make you last longer?

The short answer is: it might, but probably not directly. 

Premature ejaculation (PE) is when ejaculation happens sooner than you or your partner would like during sex. It’s a common issue, and it can leave you feeling frustrated or even anxious about sex.

Knowing that Cialis, or its generic version, tadalafil, is commonly used to treat ED, it’s natural to wonder, “Does tadalafil make you last longer in bed?”

Cialis isn’t specifically designed or FDA-approved to delay ejaculation. Its main job is to improve blood flow, which helps with getting and keeping an erection. But when it comes to lasting longer, things get a bit more nuanced.

What does the research say about Cialis and lasting longer in bed?

While the list of FDA-approved uses of Cialis doesn't include premature ejaculation, there are studies that show tadalafil and other drugs in the same class could help with PE when used off-label for that purpose.

Here’s what reliable studies have found.

Cialis may be associated with improved sex

Does Cialis help with premature ejaculation? The answer isn’t quite so straightforward.

While primarily marketed as an ED treatment, Cialis isn’t just about improving erections—it may also help with other aspects of sexual function, like ejaculation and orgasm. One study that looked at the effects of tadalafil on orgasms found the following: 

  • About 66% of those with severe ejaculation difficulties reported improvements after taking Cialis, compared to only 36% in the placebo group.

  • Similarly, 66% of people with severe issues reaching orgasm experienced better results with Cialis, while just 35% in the placebo group saw improvements.

  • These improvements in ejaculation and orgasm were linked to higher overall sexual satisfaction, helping people feel more fulfilled during sexual encounters.

PDE5 inhibitors may boost sexual confidence

Medications like Cialis and Viagra (sildenafil) are part of a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (aka PDE5 inhibitors). These drugs work, in part, by increasing blood flow to the penis, which can strengthen erections.

While PDE5 inhibitors aren’t specifically designed to treat premature ejaculation, some research shows they can offer other benefits that enhance sexual confidence and satisfaction:

  • One study found that men taking sildenafil reported feeling more in control of ejaculation. While it didn’t significantly increase the time before ejaculation, the improved sense of control helped reduce anxiety during sex.

  • Those using sildenafil also reported higher sexual satisfaction scores, likely because of stronger erections and an improved overall experience in the bedroom.

  • Sildenafil helped reduce the time it took for men to achieve another erection after ejaculation—known as the postejaculatory refractory time.

Viagra Important Safety Information: Read more about serious warnings and safety info.

Cialis combined with other drugs might be more effective 

When used alongside other treatments, Cialis may offer more noticeable benefits for those with PE. One study explored the combination of Cialis and slow-release fluoxetine (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, often used off-label to treat PE) and found promising results.

  • Men taking this combination experienced a significant increase in the time to ejaculation (known as intravaginal ejaculation latency time, or IELT).

  • Fluoxetine seems to delay ejaculation by increasing serotonin levels, which affects the ejaculatory reflex. Meanwhile, Cialis enhances erection quality by improving blood flow.

  • Together, these medications may complement each other by addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of sexual performance.

While the results are encouraging, it’s worth noting that the exact mechanism by which Cialis contributes to these improvements isn’t fully understood. Researchers speculate that the drug’s ability to improve erections and reduce performance anxiety plays a key role, rather than directly affecting the ejaculatory mechanism.

Does Cialis increase libido? 

No, Cialis doesn’t increase libido. While it can help improve your physical ability to get and maintain an erection, it doesn’t affect your sexual desire or make you feel more “in the mood.”

Here’s why: Cialis works by improving blood flow to the penis, but it only kicks in when you’re already sexually aroused. Sexual stimulation is necessary to start the process—this triggers the release of nitric oxide in your body, which helps Cialis do its job. Without that initial spark of arousal, the medication won’t have any effect.

If you’re feeling a dip in libido, the cause might be related to other factors, like stress, hormones, or relationship dynamics. For those concerns, a conversation with your healthcare provider can help you figure out the best approach.

In short, Cialis can support your physical readiness, but your libido depends on what’s going on in your mind and body. That being said, if erectile dysfunction is what’s impacting your libido, the confidence you gain from having Cialis as an option may indirectly affect your libido as well.

What is Cialis normally prescribed for?

Cialis is FDA-approved for erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting and maintaining an erection) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH—aka enlarged prostate).

Let’s take a closer look at its common uses and how it can make a difference.

  • Erectile dysfunction (ED): Cialis is often prescribed to help people who have difficulty getting or maintaining an erection long enough for sexual activity. It works by improving blood flow to the penis, which can help support an erection when sexually stimulated.

  • Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Cialis is also approved to treat symptoms of BPH, which happens when the prostate becomes enlarged (not due to cancer). This condition can cause frustrating urinary symptoms, like trouble starting urination, frequent urges to go, or difficulty fully emptying your bladder. Although the mechanism isn’t fully understood, Cialis can help make these symptoms less bothersome.

It’s also common for people to have ED and BPH simultaneously, and Cialis is approved for treating both at the same time. Though not FDA-approved for treating PE, some providers prescribe it off-label for this use.  

Commonly available dosages of Cialis

The right Cialis dosage varies from person to person and depends on your health, medical history, and lifestyle. Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine the dosage that’s best for you. 

Cialis is available in four main dosages: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, and 20 mg. Each dosage serves a specific purpose, allowing flexibility to meet different needs:

  • 2.5 mg and 5 mg (daily use): These lower doses can be taken daily, and can help maintain steady levels of the medication in your system. 2.5 mg is the typical starting dose for daily ED treatment, while 5 mg is the typical dose for BPH or concurrent BPH and ED. For ED, daily Cialis is ideal for those who have sex frequently (three or more times a week) or prefer to avoid timing their dose around sexual activity.

  • 10 mg (as needed): Typically the starting dose for as-needed use, this option is great for those who want flexibility without committing to daily medication. It can start working within 30 minutes and lasts up to 36 hours.

  • 20 mg (as needed): This is the strongest dosage available, often prescribed for people who haven’t had success with the 10 mg dose. It can work within 30 minutes and can last up to 36 hours.

It’s important to note that taking Cialis doesn’t result in an instant erection. It makes it more likely that you’ll be able to get and maintain an erection if you are aroused. 

Types of Cialis we offer

Ro provides several options to suit your preferences and lifestyle:

  • Cialis: The “weekend pill” that’s known for its long-lasting effects, this option allows for flexibility in timing and can stay active for up to 36 hours. Cialis is available in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg. The low-dose pills are usually used for daily use, and the higher doses are to be taken as-needed. 

  • Generic tadalafil: This is a more affordable alternative with the same active ingredient as Cialis, offering the same benefits at a lower cost.

  • Daily Rise Gummies: These daily gummies contain tadalafil in a low dose (7 mg), keeping the medication in your system so you’re always ready for sex without needing to plan ahead. This dosage and delivery system are not FDA-approved, but the active ingredient is approved for treating ED. 

  • Ro Sparks: A unique two-in-one option that combines sildenafil (that’s the active ingredient in Viagra) with tadalafil in a fast-dissolving tablet. It can work within 15 minutes and can remain active for up to 36 hours, offering quick results and long-lasting effects. Although this isn’t an FDA-approved medication, the active ingredients are separately approved for treating ED.

Side effects of using Cialis

Whether you’re taking Cialis for one of its FDA-approved uses or off-label for PE (under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider), it’s important to know what side effects to look out for. Not everyone will experience side effects when taking Cialis, but knowing what’s common and what might signal a problem is helpful. These are the side effects most often reported during clinical trials:

  • Headache

  • Facial flushing (redness or warmth in the face or neck)

  • Indigestion or stomach discomfort

  • Muscle aches

  • Stuffy nose

  • Back pain

  • Dizziness

Most of these side effects are mild and resolve on their own after a few hours or days.

In rare cases, Cialis can cause more serious reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

  • Changes in vision like blurred vision or loss of vision

  • Sudden or partial loss of hearing, sometimes accompanied by ringing in the ears

  • An erection lasting more than four hours (priapism)

  • Signs like severe rash, swelling, or difficulty breathing

Drug interactions to avoid while on Cialis

Cialis can interact with certain medications, which may affect how it works or increase the risk of side effects. Here are the key interactions to be aware of:

  • Nitrates: Avoid taking Cialis with nitrates (often prescribed for chest pain), as the combination can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure.

  • Alpha-blockers: Used for high blood pressure or prostate issues, these medications when combined with Cialis can lead to significantly low blood pressure.

  • Antihypertensives: When combined with Cialis, these drugs may cause a drop in blood pressure.

  • CYP3A4 inhibitors: Drugs like ketoconazole, ritonavir, or grapefruit juice can increase the amount of Cialis in your system, potentially intensifying side effects.

  • CYP3A4 inducers: Medications like rifampin or phenytoin can decrease Cialis levels, reducing its effectiveness.

Remember that this list is not exhaustive. Always let your healthcare provider know about all medications and supplements you’re taking to avoid potential complications.

Alternative options for treating PE

There are many approaches to treating PE. Whether it’s simple techniques, small lifestyle changes, or medication, there’s likely something out there that might work for you. It’s all about finding what feels right and helps you feel more confident.

Topical treatments to last longer

Topical treatments contain numbing agents like benzocaine, lidocaine, or prilocaine, which make the penis less sensitive. Many people find this helps them delay ejaculation. These products come in various forms—creams, sprays, or wipes—and are usually available over the counter.

For example, we offer Roman Swipes, convenient disposable wipes with benzocaine that you can carry discreetly.  

Using them is pretty simple:

  • Apply the product to your entire penis, from the tip to the base, about 10–15 minutes before sex.

  • Give it a few minutes to take effect.

  • Before getting started, wipe off any excess product to avoid numbing your partner’s skin.

Remember that the numbing effect can reduce sensation for you and, if not used properly, for your partner too. This might affect sexual pleasure, so it’s worth experimenting to find the right balance.

Always follow the directions on the package, and if you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your healthcare provider.

PE medications

You might be wondering: Does Cialis keep you from coming? Are there drugs that help you last longer in bed?

Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications specifically for PE in the United States. But fortunately, there are some medications developed for other purposes that are commonly prescribed off-label to help manage PE symptoms, and Cialis is on that list.

Another option we offer at Ro is sertraline, which is one of the recommended off-label treatments for PE by the American Urological Association (AUA).

Lets take a closer look at the medication options your healthcare provider might recommend off-label for PE.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

SSRIs are medications commonly prescribed for depression and anxiety, but they are also used off-label to treat PE.

These drugs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help delay ejaculation by slowing the signals involved in the ejaculatory reflex.

Common SSRIs for PE include:

  • Paroxetine (Paxil)

  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)

  • Sertraline (Zoloft)

SSRIs are typically prescribed as daily medications, allowing them to build up in your system over time to produce a consistent effect.

While SSRIs are effective, they may come with side effects such as nausea, fatigue, dizziness, or changes in mood. Some people may also experience reduced sexual desire or delayed ejaculation beyond what’s intended.

Communicating openly with your healthcare provider is key to finding the right balance between effectiveness and comfort. What’s important is how your body reacts to the medication.

Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) inhibitors

Medications like Cialis (tadalafil) and Viagra (sildenafil) are not designed specifically for PE but can still play a helpful role. Because these drugs improve blood flow and improve erectile function, they can help boost confidence and reduce anxiety—factors that often contribute to PE.

Tramadol

Although primarily used as a pain reliever, tramadol can help with PE when taken in a specific way. By influencing certain chemicals in the brain (like serotonin and norepinephrine), tramadol can delay ejaculation while increasing ejaculatory control and sexual satisfaction.

While tramadol can be effective, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions closely to avoid side effects or dependency, as this medication is an opioid.

Behavioral techniques for lasting longer

These methods are designed to help you understand your body better, regain control, and build confidence over time. They might feel a little awkward at first and could take some getting used to, but they’re proven strategies that could help you feel more in control and less rushed during sex.

The stop-start technique

The stop-start technique involves pausing sexual activity when you’re close to ejaculating—at the moment when you feel the urge to climax is strongest but before ejaculation begins. The goal is to regain control over your arousal and build the ability to delay ejaculation.

Here’s how to do it:

  • During sexual stimulation, pay attention to the sensations building up in your body. The “point of no return” is when ejaculation feels inevitable—this is the moment you want to stop stimulation.

  • Pause all activity and allow the urge to climax to fade. This might take 30 seconds to a minute.

  • Once the sensation subsides, resume stimulation.

  • Repeat this process several times before allowing yourself to ejaculate.

  • Over time, this technique could help you identify the physical sensations that lead up to ejaculation and can give you more control during sex.

The squeeze technique

The squeeze technique takes a similar approach but adds physical pressure to help reduce arousal. It’s often used with a partner but can also be done alone.

How it works:

  • Stimulate your penis until you feel like you’re about to ejaculate.

  • Pause and gently squeeze the base of the head (where the shaft meets the head of your penis). Use your thumb and forefinger to apply pressure.

  • Hold the squeeze for about 10–30 seconds or until the urge to ejaculate fades.

  • Once you feel back in control, resume stimulation.

  • By repeating as many times as needed, you can reach the point of entering your partner without ejaculating. 

With consistent practice, the squeeze technique might help you learn to delay ejaculation naturally, even without squeezing over time.

Pelvic floor exercises (Kegels)

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles could improve your ability to delay ejaculation. These muscles play a key role in ejaculation and orgasm, and gaining better control over them might help you last longer.

Here’s how to start:

  • Identify your pelvic floor muscles by stopping the flow of urine midstream. The muscles you engage to do this are the ones you’ll be working on.

  • Contract these muscles for 3–5 seconds, then relax for the same amount of time.

  • Repeat this process 10–15 times per session, aiming to do three sessions per day.

Distraction techniques

Sometimes, focusing less on arousal can help you last longer. Distraction techniques involve shifting your thoughts to neutral or non-sexual topics to lower your arousal level.

Examples include:

  • Mentally listing items you need to buy at the grocery store.

  • Naming players on your favorite sports team.

  • Thinking about a neutral task, like organizing your closet or planning your day.

While this method doesn’t address the root cause of PE, it might help you regain control during sexual activity in the short term.

Using condoms

Thickened condoms can be a good option for those looking to delay ejaculation. These condoms are designed to help extend sexual intercourse by reducing sensitivity around the penis to give you more control.

Lifestyle changes that can influence PE

A study examining PE found a few modifiable risk factors that could contribute to it. Modifiable risk factors are aspects of your health or lifestyle that you can change or improve to reduce the likelihood of experiencing a condition.

Lifestyle factors can play an important role in PE, and small adjustments might help you feel more in control.

  • Physical activity: People who exercised six or more times per week were less likely to report PE. Regular movement may help regulate serotonin levels, which are involved in controlling ejaculation.

  • Urinary health: Those with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), like difficulty or frequent urination, were more likely to experience PE. Addressing these issues could potentially improve symptoms.

  • Mental health: Depression was associated with higher odds of PE, emphasizing how emotional well-being can affect sexual control. Stress or anxiety may also contribute, especially in partnered settings where there might be added pressure.

Factors such as physical activity, mental health, and urinary health are considered modifiable because making adjustments in these areas—like exercising regularly, addressing stress, or seeking treatment for urinary symptoms—might help improve symptoms over time.

If PE is a concern, you could consider speaking with a healthcare provider to explore these factors and develop a plan that feels right for you.

Bottom line: does Cialis make you last longer?

If you’re wondering whether Cialis can make you last longer in bed, the answer depends on what you’re looking to address. 

  • Cialis is designed to address erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow to the penis, but it doesn’t directly affect ejaculation timing.

  • If you have premature ejaculation without erectile dysfunction, Cialis is unlikely to help you last longer. That said, if you are experiencing PE and ED together, Cialis may improve your overall sexual experience by addressing erection quality and boosting confidence.

  • If lasting longer is your main concern, you have other options. Behavioral techniques, therapy, or medications that help with PE can be more effective at helping you delay ejaculation.

As always, talking to a healthcare provider is the best way to determine the underlying cause of your symptoms and explore treatments that fit your needs. Ultimately, it’s best to figure out a solution that works for your individual lifestyle and treatment goals.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

It’s normal to have questions about how Cialis works and what it can or can’t do. Does Cialis help with premature ejaculation? Does Cialis increase libido? We’re here to clear up the confusion and help you understand how Cialis can fit into your sexual health journey.

DISCLAIMER

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

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Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

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Current version

March 12, 2025

Written by

Sonia Rebecca Menezes

Fact checked by

Raagini Yedidi, MD

About the medical reviewer

Raagini Yedidi, MD

Raagini Yedidi, MD, is an internal medicine resident and medical reviewer for Ro.

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