Does Viagra make you last longer?

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Does Viagra make you last longer in bed?

The evidence is mixed, but Viagra may help some men last longer during sex, particularly by improving erection quality and allowing intercourse to continue, rather than by directly delaying ejaculation.

A 2007 study found that men with PE who took 50 mg of sildenafil as needed had longer-lasting penetration, greater satisfaction with sex, and greater frequency of intercourse compared with men trying the squeeze technique or paroxetine.
A 2005 study showed those who took Viagra vs. a placebo had slightly longer-lasting penetration but not enough of a difference to reach statistical significance. Men treated with Viagra did experience increased confidence and overall sexual satisfaction, and even experienced a shorter refractory period (the time it takes to achieve a second erection after ejaculation).

Overall, there is some evidence that Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors (the drug class Viagra is a part of) can improve the sexual experience of men with PE, but the results aren’t consistent, which is probably why Viagra is not FDA-approved for the treatment of PE.

Is there any evidence that Viagra helps with premature ejaculation?

Yes, there’s some evidence that Viagra and other PDE5 inhibitors can help with PE, particularly when combined with other treatments.

A 2023 study found that combining Viagra with the pain reliever tramadol hydrochloride led to a significant increase in how long men lasted during penetration before ejaculating, along with improved sexual satisfaction. While the placebo group also showed a significant increase in ejaculation time, improvements in satisfaction were only seen in the groups receiving active treatment.
A 2017 systematic review found that PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil were more effective than placebo at increasing how long men lasted during penetration before ejaculating, and that combining sildenafil with an SSRI such as paroxetine was more effective than an SSRI alone. However, the authors noted substantial variation between studies and mixed study quality.

Rather than directly changing ejaculation timing or how sensitive the penis is, Viagra may help with PE by improving erection quality and reducing performance-related stress, which can allow intercourse to continue more comfortably and predictably.

Why isn’t Viagra meant to treat premature ejaculation?

Viagra isn’t FDA-approved for treating premature ejaculation because it was originally developed and tested to treat erectile dysfunction, so it hasn’t gone through the large, consistent clinical trials required for FDA approval for PE.

That said, healthcare providers may still prescribe Viagra off label for premature ejaculation if they believe it could help. Prescribing a medication off label is common and legal when it’s based on clinical judgment.

While some studies suggest Viagra may help with PE by improving erection quality, ejaculatory control, or confidence during sex, the results have been mixed and not strong or consistent enough to support FDA approval for PE just yet.

Why doesn’t Viagra make you more aroused?

Viagra doesn’t make you feel more aroused because it doesn’t affect sexual desire or the parts of the brain involved in arousal.

In other words, Viagra won’t make you horny or put you in the mood on its own. Sexual arousal still needs to come from physical or mental stimulation. Viagra simply makes it easier for blood vessels in the penis to relax and fill with blood, which helps produce a firmer erection.

That said, if performance anxiety is part of the issue, Viagra may help indirectly. By helping you feel more confident in your erections, it can lower anxiety during sex, which may make the experience feel more relaxed and enjoyable.

Does Viagra make you bigger?

No, Viagra doesn’t increase the size of your penis (sorry). However, by improving blood flow and helping you get a firmer erection, it can make your penis look and feel larger when you’re erect compared with a softer or less full erection.

So overall, the size of your penis doesn’t actually change, but a stronger erection can make it look heftier.

How long should you last in bed, anyway?

Research suggests that penis-in-vagina sex typically lasts about 3–7 minutes on average. That said, there’s no single “right” length of time. How long sex should last depends on what feels satisfying for you and your partner. Here are a couple of sample studies:

A 2005 study gave a Goldilocks answer: Therapists believed 1–2 minutes was too short, and 10–30 minutes was too long. But 3–7 minutes was deemed just right.
Another 2005 study (2005 was apparently a big year for sex research) on 500 heterosexual couples timing sex with a stopwatch showed penis-in-vagina sex lasted anywhere from 33 seconds to 44 minutes. The international average was 3–7 minutes, with 5.4 minutes the precise median.

How much longer can Viagra help you last?

Viagra can only make you last longer if difficulty maintaining an erection is the main issue. In that case, it can make it easier to get and keep a firmer erection for up to about 4 to 6 hours after taking it.

This doesn’t mean you’ll stay hard the entire time. Rather, it means there’s a window during which achieving and maintaining an erection is easier with sexual stimulation. (If you ever have an erection that lasts longer than four hours, seek emergency medical care right away!)

However, if PE is the concern, Viagra likely won’t prevent early ejaculation.

Can other treatments help me last longer?

Yes, there are many options that may help you last longer. These include prescription and over-the-counter medications, behavioral techniques, sex therapy, and lifestyle changes. The right approach depends on what’s contributing to the issue and what feels comfortable and effective for you.

1. The squeeze method

With this technique, you begin sexual activity and continue until you feel close to ejaculating. At that point, you or your partner gently squeeze the end of the penis where the head (glans) meets the shaft. Hold the squeeze for a few seconds. This can temporarily reduce the urge to ejaculate and allow you to continue sexual activity.

2. The stop-start method

Also known as "edging," you can practice the stop-start method with a partner or alone. Masturbate or continue sexual activity until you feel like you're about to ejaculate, then pause until the urge to ejaculate passes. Then, resume stimulation.

With practice, this technique can help you recognize when you’re nearing the “point of no return” and gradually improve control, which may help you last longer during sex.

3. Numbing condoms, wipes, or creams

Some condoms, wipes, and creams contain numbing agents such as lidocaine or benzocaine. By slightly reducing sensation, these products may help some people last longer during sex. Over-the-counter anesthetic creams work in a similar way.

It’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare provider before trying these products to make sure they’re appropriate for you. When using wipes or creams, follow the instructions carefully and allow the product to fully dry before sexual contact. This helps reduce the chance of accidentally numbing your partner as well.

4. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)

Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as paroxetine and sertraline, can cause a side effect called anorgasmia, meaning difficulty reaching orgasm.

For people with PE, this effect can sometimes be used to your benefit. Studies suggest that sertraline, the active ingredient in Zoloft, may increase the time to ejaculation and improve sexual satisfaction in some men. Because of this, SSRIs are sometimes prescribed off-label to help manage premature ejaculation.

5. Sex therapy

A sex therapist may be able to help you if you experience premature ejaculation as a result of:

Performance anxiety
General anxiety surrounding sex
Lack of confidence
Low self-esteem

A sex-positive therapist or counselor will help you address the source of your anxiety and provide helpful exercises or tips for you to try both in and out of the bedroom.

6. Sex without penetration

Intimacy doesn’t have to center on penetration. Exploring other ways to connect with your partner, such as oral sex, manual stimulation, toys, or focusing on other erogenous zones, can be just as satisfying for both of you.

Despite what TV and movies often suggest, sex doesn’t have to end with penile ejaculation. While premature ejaculation can feel frustrating, it doesn’t mean intimacy has to stop. Shifting the focus can help reduce pressure and keep sex enjoyable for both partners.

7. Lifestyle changes

Making healthy lifestyle changes can improve erectile dysfunction (ED) symptoms, which may also help you last longer during sex. Examples include:

Eating a balanced diet. Nutritious eating can lower the risk of conditions linked to ED, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease. Aim for a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
Getting regular exercise. Physical activity supports healthy blood circulation and helps maintain normal blood pressure, both of which play a role in getting and keeping an erection.
Prioritizing sleep. Consistently getting too little sleep has been linked to a higher risk of ED. Most adults benefit from 7–9 hours of sleep per night, which can support hormone balance, energy levels, and sexual function.

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