Does Viagra make you last longer?

Not able to last as long as you'd like during sex? Premature ejaculation (PE), or orgasming sooner than you or your partner would like during intercourse, can have several causes. Ejaculating too quickly from time to time may not be considered a medical condition and may occasionally happen to many people. 

But if the problem happens repeatedly, this could be premature ejaculation. Whatever the cause of PE, you may wonder: Does Viagra make you last longer? Viagra (sildenafil) can be one treatment option for PE, but the story is a bit more complicated. Here’s what to know before you take Viagra to last longer in bed.

More research is needed to understand if Viagra actually makes you last longer in bed. A handful of studies on the subject have reported conflicting results. 

In a 2007 study, researchers divided 180 men with premature ejaculation into three groups. One group was given sildenafil 50 mg to take as needed, the second group was given paroxetine 20 mg (brand name Paxil), and the third group was told to practice the squeeze technique (more on this below). 

The study found that sildenafil was highly effective at treating PE. At three-month and six-month follow-ups, the men taking sildenafil reported significant improvements in lengthening the time between vaginal penetration and ejaculation. Men in the sildenafil group also reported improved sexual satisfaction scores.

But an earlier study didn't lead to such a ringing endorsement. Researchers split 144 patients into two groups and gave half sildenafil and half a placebo. Time to ejaculation was longer in the sildenafil group. However, the difference wasn't statistically significant, meaning it wasn’t clear that the change was a result of the sildenafil. That study did find other positive results of sildenafil, though, including increased overall sexual satisfaction.

It's worth noting that sildenafil isn't the only drug in its class (PDE-5 inhibitors). Studies have found other PDE-5 inhibitors (like Cialis and Stendra) significantly more effective than placebo at treating PE. It also found that PDE-5s combined with an SSRI antidepressant might be even more effective than SSRIs alone.

Overall, there is some favorable evidence for Viagra and other PDE-5 inhibitors for the treatment of PE, but studies are reporting different findings and results aren’t very consistent across studies. This might be why premature ejaculation is not an FDA-approved indication for PDE-5 inhibitors, though PDE-5 inhibitors can still be prescribed off-label for this purpose.

While more research is needed to understand if Viagra is an effective treatment for premature ejaculation, its ability to enhance blood flow and maintain erections is thought to indirectly contribute to increased sexual endurance. Researchers believe Viagra’s impact on the nervous system may help with premature ejaculation in the following two ways (mediated by nitric oxide): 

• By relaxing smooth muscles in the penis, facilitating blood flow for stronger, longer-lasting erections and potentially delayed ejaculation​.

• By reducing hypersensitivity by managing sensory feedback from the penis, allowing for better control over ejaculation. 

Understanding the effects of Viagra on PE is ongoing research. While Viagra shows promise in increasing ejaculatory control, it’s not a definitive treatment for PE. 

Viagra isn’t FDA-approved for treating premature ejaculation because it was originally developed and tested to treat erectile dysfunction. Although some studies suggest that Viagra might help with PE by improving ejaculatory control and confidence during sex, the results are not strong or consistent enough for FDA approval. The FDA requires strong evidence showing that a drug is both safe and effective for any new use, and expensive, time-consuming clinical trials. 

Today, healthcare providers sometimes prescribe Viagra for PE as an off label prescription, but it is not currently an FDA-approved medication for PE.

The short answer is however long you and your partner want you to. But if you're interested in what others have to say about it:

A 2005 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine asked a group of sex therapists how long sex should last (specifically, penetrative vaginal sex). The results: 1 to 2 minutes was judged "too short," and 10 to 30 minutes "too long." On the other hand, 3 to 7 minutes was rated "adequate" and 7 to 13 minutes “desirable”.

Another study asked 500 couples to press a stopwatch at the start of penetration, then again at ejaculation for one month. Reported durations ranged from 33 seconds to 44 minutes, and there were differences between countries as well. But the average international duration for vaginal sex was three to seven minutes, with 5.4 minutes the precise median.

If you're ejaculating too quickly for your or your partner's satisfaction, there are several strategies you can try to last longer.

1. The squeeze method

In this technique, begin sexual activity and continue until you feel almost ready to ejaculate. Then, you or your partner should squeeze the end of your penis at the point where the head (glans) joins the shaft. Hold the squeeze for several seconds, and the urge to ejaculate may subside. 

2. The stop-start method

Also known as "edging," you can practice the stop-start method with a partner or alone. Masturbate until you feel like you're about to ejaculate, then pause until the urge to ejaculate passes. Resume stimulating yourself. Over time, you'll learn to recognize when you're approaching "the point of no return" and be able to extend intercourse.

3. Numbing condoms, wipes, or creams

Creams, wipes, and even some types of condoms contain numbing medication, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, on the inside. This can reduce sensation, which might make you last longer. Anesthetizing creams sold over-the-counter (OTC) have the same effect. Remember, discuss the use of such treatments with a healthcare professional before trying them out on your own to make sure they are safe for you.

4. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) 

Some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), like paroxetine and sertraline, can cause a side effect called "anorgasmia," which means achieving orgasm is difficult or impossible. However, when it comes to treating PE, this side effect may be a benefit. Studies have shown that sertraline, the active ingredient in Zoloft (a medication commonly prescribed to treat depression), can extend the time to ejaculation and enhance sexual satisfaction for patients and their partners. In fact, SSRIs can be prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation and SSRIs are mentioned in the International Society of Sexual Medicine’s guidelines for the treatment of premature ejaculation as being “usually effective in delaying ejaculation.” 

5. Sex therapy

If you experience premature ejaculation as a result of performance anxiety, general anxiety surrounding sex, lack of confidence, or low self esteem, a sex therapist may be able to help you. 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 in the bedroom. 

6. Remember that penetration is not the only way to have sex 

Contrary to portrayals in TV and film, sex does not have to end after penile ejaculation. While premature ejaculation can be a stressful experience, it doesn't mean playtime is over. Explore other ways to fulfill the needs of you and your partner digitally, orally, with toys, and by paying attention to other erogenous zones. 

The most important thing to remember is that everyone is different. If you and your partner(s) are satisfied with your sex life, there’s no problem to solve. However, if premature ejaculation is causing problems in the bedroom, you have options. Try out some strategies to help address PE and schedule a visit with your healthcare provider, who will help you find a treatment option that works for you.

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How we reviewed this article

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.

Current version

August 15, 2024

Written by

Michael Martin

Fact checked by

Raagini Yedidi, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Raagini Yedidi, MD

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