Does Viagra make you last longer in bed?

Viagra (sildenafil) is the popular blue pill that has helped millions of men overcome their erectile dysfunction or ED. However, a frequent question that crosses the mind of many men while they are popping the pill is, “ Does Viagra help you last longer during sex?”

The miraculous return of an erection makes many men hope that Viagra can exert its magic on other aspects of bedroom activity, such as endurance and stamina. Before this develops its own momentum and becomes another urban myth, let’s investigate what Viagra actually does and whether it can extend sexual performance.

Before we dive into the main discussions, we will go over some basics about erectile dysfunction. If you already have a good grasp of this topic, you can dive straight into the research about the question, does Viagra help you last longer? Here is a handy navigation table to allow you to reach the areas of interest without scrolling through acres of text.

What is erectile dysfunction?

Let’s start with some basic definitions so we are all singing off the same hymn sheet.

Erectile dysfunction (ED), previously called impotence, is the inability to get or keep an erection firm enough for satisfying sexual activity.[1] Although there’s no set duration required to define erectile dysfunction, some experts suggest the condition should persist for around six months. Erectile dysfunction, or ED, is common among men over 40, and its likelihood increases with age and certain health issues.[2]

Erectile dysfunction can signal various health concerns and is often linked to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.[3] Essentially, any condition that affects the blood vessels, nerves, hormones, or tissues involved in erections can lead to ED. For example, problems with blood vessel lining (endothelial dysfunction) are commonly seen in men with erectile dysfunction.[4]

While most cases of erectile dysfunction have a physical cause, psychological factors can also play a role, especially in younger men. Even when ED’s root cause is physical, it can lead to emotional stress, affecting self-esteem, relationships, and mental health.

Thankfully, erectile dysfunction is highly treatable, and numerous options are available to improve quality of life and restore confidence for men and their partners. Seeking support from a healthcare provider can help determine the underlying cause and the most effective treatment approach.

How does Viagra work?

Now that we have a working definition of erectile dysfunction let’s turn our attention to that little blue pill.

Viagra (sildenafil) works by helping increase blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve and maintain an erection during sexual arousal. It does this by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), which usually breaks down a molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).

cGMP is responsible for relaxing the smooth muscles in blood vessels, allowing them to open wider and let more blood into the penis. When Viagra blocks PDE5, cGMP levels stay higher, leading to better blood flow and a firm erection. However, Viagra doesn’t cause an erection on its own; sexual arousal is still necessary to start the process. [5] This medication is primarily prescribed for men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and has been shown to be effective and safe in many studies.[6]

So, to summarise, Viagra’s main effect is to improve blood flow to the penis by blocking an enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5). This allows the blood vessels to relax, making it easier to get and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. However, Viagra doesn’t increase sexual stamina or prevent premature ejaculation; its action is explicitly focused on supporting erectile function.

Does Viagra help you last longer?

Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping men with ED get and keep an erection. However, its primary purpose is not to make you last longer in bed. Clinical studies indicate that Viagra doesn’t directly affect the time it takes to reach orgasm. Instead, it helps sustain an erection, which may indirectly support longer sessions if you typically lose your erection too quickly. Although the studies found that Viagra did not influence the time taken to ejaculate, it did reduce the time to reach a second erection.[7]

What does the research say about Viagra helping you last longer in bed?

Studies show that Viagra is effective for achieving and maintaining erections, but it doesn’t address issues like premature ejaculation. Premature ejaculation (PE) is the most common sexual issue for men. [8] It’s defined as when a man ejaculates sooner than he or his partner would like, often with very little sexual stimulation and is associated with marked distress or interpersonal difficulty. [9] Treatment for premature ejaculation (PE) includes options like topical creams and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which tend to be more effective than other methods, such as the “pause/squeeze” technique. [10]

Some men report feeling more confident when using Viagra, which can help them relax and potentially last longer during sexual activity. Studies indicate that psychological factors like increased confidence and reduced anxiety may play a role in enhancing sexual stamina. [11], [12]

Can Viagra help with premature ejaculation?

A study in 2005  investigating sildenafil use in men with premature ejaculation (PE) aimed to see if it could help increase time to ejaculation, improve control, and shorten the recovery time needed for a second erection after climax. Conducted over eight weeks with men aged 18 to 65 diagnosed with PE, participants received either sildenafil or a placebo. The study primarily measured the time to ejaculation during intercourse and responses to a questionnaire on ejaculatory control. Results showed that while sildenafil didn’t significantly extend the time to ejaculation, it did improve ejaculatory control, confidence, and overall satisfaction. Participants also experienced a shorter recovery period for a second erection. Common side effects included mild headaches, facial flushing, and digestive discomfort.[7]

Factors that influence sexual stamina

Although Viagra doesn’t directly boost endurance, several lifestyle and health factors can influence sexual stamina. Physical fitness, stress levels, and overall health play a significant role. Improving stamina can often be achieved through regular exercise, effective stress management, and adequate sleep, which support endurance naturally. [13]

Pharmacokinetics of Viagra (Sildenafil)

Let’s turn back to Viagra to learn about how quickly it starts to work and for how long its effects are seen in the body. When we study these characteristics of a drug, it is called pharmacokinetics.

Viagra (sildenafil) is absorbed rapidly, and usually starts working within 30 minutes and stays effective for about 4-6 hours, allowing flexibility in timing, but it doesn’t directly impact endurance or control ejaculation.

The drug’s bioavailability is approximately 40%, and its effects can be influenced by factors such as food intake. When taken on an empty stomach, sildenafil tends to work faster, but high-fat meals can delay absorption and reduce peak levels. The drug has a half-life of around 3 to 5 hours, meaning its effects typically last within this timeframe. Sildenafil is primarily metabolised by the liver enzymes CYP3A4 and CYP2C9, and its metabolites are excreted in both faeces and urine. [14], [15]

What are the approved uses of Viagra?

Viagra is approved by health authorities, including the MHRA, to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), and many studies support its effectiveness in helping men achieve and maintain erections.[16] Sometimes, doctors may prescribe Viagra for other sexual health issues, but these off-label uses aren’t officially proven to work as reliably. Viagra’s primary use is to help with erectile dysfunction.

In short, Viagra is a helpful treatment for men managing ED, as it improves their ability to get and keep an erection. However, if you’re looking for ways to increase stamina or delay ejaculation, other treatments or strategies might be more suitable. Always talk to a healthcare provider to explore the best options for your needs.

So, does Viagra make you last longer?

Current research shows that while Viagra can improve erection control, it doesn’t directly increase how long you last during sex. Its primary function remains improving blood flow to help men with ED achieve and keep an erection. Viagra’s impact on endurance is still being studied, but its primary benefit is supporting erectile function.

Viagra can be a valuable tool for managing erectile dysfunction, but if you’re seeking specific help with premature ejaculation, then have a read of the “Can medication help you last longer?” section.

What affects how long you last in bed?

A combination of the mind and body influences sexual performance and endurance. Your physical and mental health need to be in sync for a healthy sex life; even if you are physically fit but in an emotionally and psychologically lousy place, you will probably not even get an erection, never mind last long in bed. So, it all comes down to a healthy lifestyle that looks after your body and mind.

Despite what the evidence has said about Viagra and lasting linger in bed, it can improve erection quality, which might provide a confidence boost. However, for men without erectile dysfunction (ED), Viagra isn’t likely to extend performance duration significantly. Actual endurance depends more on overall health, self-awareness, and techniques like the start-stop method.

What is the start, stop method?

The “stop-start” technique, created by Semans, involves stimulating the penis until the man feels close to ejaculation, then pausing until the sensation lessens. This process is repeated several times before finally allowing ejaculation to happen. [17]

Can medication help you last longer?

There isn’t a magic pill to drastically enhance stamina or delay ejaculation for men without specific issues. While Viagra supports erections, it doesn’t directly impact how long you can last. For some men with ED, better erections might lead to a slight improvement in duration, but it won’t delay climax on its own.

Other options for premature ejaculation include off-label antidepressants known as SSRIs (Priligy) and topical anaesthetics, which target the nerves involved in ejaculation. These work differently from Viagra, which is designed to support erectile function rather than control climax timing.

Treatment options for premature ejaculation (PE) include topical creams and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may be more effective than other methods like the “pause/squeeze” technique. [10]. However, better outcomes are achieved when behavioural therapies, such as the stop-and-start method, are used in addition to medications such as Priligy. [7]

Potential side effects and safety tips for Viagra

Like any medication, Viagra can cause side effects. A study examining the incidence of side effects found that the most common reactions in the sildenafil group were flushing (75% vs. 0% in placebo), headache (50% vs. 5%), indigestion (dyspepsia) (15% vs. 5%), unintentional incomplete sexual arousal (15% vs. 0%), and palpitations (15% vs. 10%). The only serious side effect requiring medical attention was knee joint pain (arthralgia) in one patient. [18]

Viagra can also interact with other medications or health conditions, so it’s essential to consult with a doctor before use. For instance, combining Viagra with certain heart medications can be unsafe. Always follow the instructions carefully and monitor how your body reacts when taking it.

Important safety precautions for Viagra

Viagra is commonly used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED) and works well for most men. Over time, doctors have gathered enough information to assess its safety in real-world use. However, there are certain conditions where caution is needed. For example, people with heart failure or those who have had a heart attack or stroke in the last six months should be careful. Viagra is also not recommended for those with unstable chest pain (angina). It should never be used with medications containing nitrates, like nitroglycerin, as this can be dangerous. [19]

For people with certain heart conditions, such as uncontrolled high blood pressure, Viagra may not be the best choice.

To find out if Viagra or sildenafil is suitable for you, take our short health questionnaire.

Does Viagra interact with other medicines?

PDE5 inhibitors (PDE5Is), like Viagra, are widely prescribed to help men with erectile dysfunction (ED) and some people with pulmonary hypertension (PHT). While generally safe to use with most blood pressure medications, combining PDE5Is with nitrates or certain ?-blockers can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. Nitrates should be avoided for 24 hours after taking sildenafil or vardenafil and for 48 hours after tadalafil. If someone is already on a stable dose of an ?-blocker, a PDE5I can be introduced, but at a low starting dose.

Some antibiotics and antifungal drugs, like erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, and HIV medications, can increase the levels of PDE5Is in the blood, which might require dose adjustments. These drug interactions can be serious, especially for people with heart disease who need nitrates or ?-blockers, as they can cause life-threatening drops in blood pressure. Being aware of these potential interactions is important to avoid severe side effects. [20]

Getting support and guidance for sexual health

Talking to a doctor or health professional about using Viagra is a sensible first step. The professionals at Medical Mojo offer expert guidance based on your unique health needs and can help you explore options to enhance sexual satisfaction.

Discussing personal concerns openly with a healthcare provider can help you make the best decisions for your sexual health. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or share concerns—professional support makes a real difference when considering medications like Viagra.

Why choose Medical Mojo for sexual health support?

If you’re considering Viagra or looking for ways to improve sexual health, it’s essential to get professional advice to ensure any treatment is safe and suited to you. Medicalmojo.co.uk offers private, supportive telehealth services for men facing sensitive issues like erectile dysfunction. Their team of knowledgeable pharmacists, doctors, and therapists provide guidance on Viagra and other options, helping you make informed, confident choices.

Here’s why Medical Mojo is an excellent choice for sexual health support:

• Private, judgement-free consultations from the comfort of your home
• Personalised recommendations based on your complete health profile
• Health screenings to confirm if Viagra is right for you
• Ongoing support and follow-up while using Viagra
• Clear guidance on what to realistically expect from Viagra
• Holistic advice on lifestyle changes to support sexual health
• Evidence-based articles on all aspects of sexual health

With Medical Mojo, you’ll gain a realistic understanding of what Viagra can and cannot do for your sexual performance, helping you set healthy expectations and make well-informed treatment decisions. For more information, get in touch.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice.

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