Does Viagra make you last longer?

Premature ejaculation (PE) affects up to 31% of men and can stem from anxiety, hormonal factors, heightened sensitivity, or stress. Viagra (sildenafil citrate) is approved for erectile dysfunction (ED), but several studies have explored its impact on ejaculation latency and sexual satisfaction.

Clinical evidence

• A 2007 study found sildenafil significantly increased time to ejaculation and improved satisfaction scores in men with PE.
• A 2005 trial reported a modest, non‑significant delay compared to placebo, but participants noted better ejaculatory control and overall pleasure.
• One study showed sildenafil reduced the refractory period by about 9 minutes, allowing men to resume sexual activity more quickly.

Why might Viagra help with PE?

Sildenafil is a phosphodiesterase‑5 inhibitor that enhances blood flow for firmer, longer erections. Improved erectile rigidity and reduced performance anxiety may indirectly delay ejaculation. Increased penile blood volume could also alter sensitivity.

Risks and side effects

Common side effects include headache, flushing, heartburn, blurred vision, nasal congestion, back pain, dizziness, muscle aches, nausea, and rash.

Less common but serious reactions:

• Priapism (erection lasting over 4 hours)
• Sudden hearing loss
• Cardiac events (chest pain, heart attack)
• Severe hypotension
• Allergic reactions

How to take Viagra

The typical starting dose is 50 mg, adjustable between 25 mg and 100 mg based on response. Take once daily, 30–60 minutes before intercourse. Do not exceed one dose per 24 hours. For faster onset, use on an empty stomach and avoid high‑fat meals.

Onset and duration

Viagra begins to take effect within 30–60 minutes and can work up to 4 hours. It helps maintain an erection and may extend intercourse duration within that window.

Who should avoid Viagra?

Do not use if you:

• Take nitrates (e.g., nitroglycerin)
• Are on certain antifungals or antibiotics (ketoconazole, ritonavir)
• Have recent heart attack, stroke, low blood pressure
• Have severe liver impairment
• Have inherited eye disorders (retinitis pigmentosa)

Always inform your healthcare provider of all medical conditions and medications before starting sildenafil.

Other strategies to delay ejaculation

• Topical anesthetics (lidocaine or benzocaine creams and sprays)
• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) taken off‑label
• “Squeeze” technique at the penile tip to reduce arousal
• “Stop‑start” or edging method to build control
• Psychosexual therapy for anxiety or performance concerns

Sources

• Wang WF, Wang Y, Minhas S & Ralph DJ. Can sildenafil treat primary premature ejaculation? Int J Urol. 2007;14(4):331-335.
• McMahon CG, Stuckey BG, Andersen M, et al. Efficacy of sildenafil citrate in men with premature ejaculation. J Sex Med. 2005;2(3):368-375.
• Martyn‑St James M, et al. PDE5 inhibitors for premature ejaculation: systematic review. Eur Urol Focus. 2017;3(1):119–129.
• Henry R & Morales A. Topical lidocaine-prilocaine spray for premature ejaculation: proof of concept. Int J Impot Res. 2003;15(4):277-281.
• Sildenafil citrate [package insert]. Torrent Pharmaceuticals. Updated 2022.
• Di Loro, et al. Sildenafil reduces post‑orgasmic refractory time. Nature News. 2003.