Does Viagra Make You Last Longer?

Viagra is one of the most well-known medications for improving sexual performance. But you may be wondering how exactly it affects your performance? Does it just help you get harder erections, or can it help you last longer in bed? Our experts here at ZipHealth answer all of these questions to help you find out how you can improve your sex life. 

How does Viagra work? 

Viagra contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which belongs to a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. This type of drug is used as a treatment for erectile dysfunction. It works by affecting enzymes in the smooth muscle of your blood vessels, helping them to relax. This helps to increase blood flow to your penis when you're aroused, giving you an erection.

Can Viagra make you last longer in bed?

No, Viagra only makes it easier for you to get an erection during sex. It doesn't affect ejaculation, sexual stamina or your refractory period (the recovery phase after an orgasm) so it can't make you last longer in bed.

What is premature ejaculation?

Premature ejaculation (PE) is when you ejaculate sooner than you or your partner would like. It can cause distress, frustration and relationship difficulties, since it affects both you and your partner.

There are two types of PE: lifelong (where you've always had it) and acquired (when it develops later in life). It can be caused by many factors, including: hormonal imbalances, performance anxiety and prostatitis (prostate inflammation).

How long are you supposed to last?

There's no universally accepted duration that sex is supposed to last. It varies between individuals, partners and even cultures. However, clinical studies suggest that intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), or the time from vaginal penetration to ejaculation, averages around 5.4 minutes. 

Individual preferences and expectations are the most important thing to consider. It’s up to you to decide what satisfying sex means to you, and it's important you communicate openly with your partner to take both of your needs into consideration. 

How can you treat premature ejaculation?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly prescribed for anxiety and depression, but they're also proven to be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation. Sertraline is an SSRI commonly prescribed to treat premature ejaculation. Studies show that it can increase time to ejaculation when taken daily or on-demand. 

How does sertraline treat premature ejaculation?

Sertraline is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) typically prescribed for anxiety and depression. It works by increasing levels of serotonin, a hormone that affects your mood, in your brain. Research suggests that high levels of serotonin can delay your climax, making you last up to seven times longer during sex.

Self-help techniques for premature ejaculation

We’ve rounded up some self-help techniques that may support delay ejaculation, including:

• Masturbating before sex
• Deep breathing to interrupt your ejaculatory reflex
• Reducing sensation with thick condoms or topical anaesthetics
• Taking regular breaks during sex

Can you treat premature ejaculation with Viagra?

Viagra is only prescribed to treat erectile dysfunction. It may not be able to help you last longer in bed, unlike SSRIs such as sertraline, which is effective premature ejaculation treatment. 

Ready to take control of your sex life? Start a consultation with our clinical experts today to try a treatment for premature ejaculation.