Does Viagra (sildenafil) 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. You might be super excited about a new partner or sexual experience. You might be anxious or tired. You might simply be off your game. Or, maybe you’ve seen one too many unrealistic depictions of how long the average man lasts in bed. 

Ejaculating too quickly every now and then is not a medical condition. 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) is one treatment option for PE, but the story is a bit more complicated.

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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 (Wang, 2007).

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 (McMahon, 2005).

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 are even more effective than SSRIs alone (Martyn-St James, 2017).

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” (Corty, 2008).

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. But the average for vaginal sex was three to seven minutes, with 5.4 minutes the precise median (Waldinger, 2005).

Sildenafil (brand name Viagra) is an oral medication for ED (erectile dysfunction). The medication is a member of a class of drugs called PDE-5 inhibitors, which work by suppressing an enzyme in the body called PDE-5. Suppressing PDE-5 causes blood vessels to relax and dilate, allowing blood to flow more easily through the body (and the penis), leading to firmer and longer-lasting erections. Other PDE-5 inhibitors include vardenafil (brand names Levitra, Staxyn), tadalafil (brand name Cialis), and avanafil (Stendra). 

Sildenafil and other PDE-5 inhibitors require a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Scientists aren't sure why sildenafil may improve PE, but one theory is that erections produced by PDE-5 inhibitors may lower the level of sensory receptors in the brain that control how long it takes to ejaculate. 

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

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 ideally subsides. 

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.

Numbing condoms or creams

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. Anesthetic creams sold over-the-counter (OTC) have the same effect.

PE wipes

Some companies sell OTC, disposable, moist towelettes you apply to your penis before sexual activity which can reduce sensation and help you last longer in bed.

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 stop 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

November 11, 2022

Written by

Michael Martin

Fact checked by

Chimene Richa, MD

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About the medical reviewer

Chimene Richa, MD

Dr. Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and medical writer for Ro.