Does Viagra make you last longer?
In this article, we’ll look at whether Viagra can help you last longer during sex and how it works in the body. We'll explain what Viagra is approved to treat, whether it can affect how quickly you’re able to get another erection, and if it has any long-term benefits for preventing erectile dysfunction. We’ll also explore whether there are natural ways to help improve your performance in the bedroom.
Key Takeaways
Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about Viagra and whether it makes you last longer in bed:
Viagra can help men with erectile dysfunction stay erect during sex, but it does not directly delay ejaculation or help men last longer if they climax too quickly.
The active ingredient, sildenafil, increases blood flow to the penis during sexual arousal, helping achieve and maintain an erection. It starts working within 30 to 60 minutes and lasts for up to six hours.
It is not licensed to treat premature ejaculation or to enhance sexual performance in men without ED.
Viagra can sometimes reduce the refractory period after ejaculation, especially in men with ED, but this effect is not guaranteed, and it is not an official use of the medication.
Techniques like pelvic floor exercises, the start-stop method and lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, reduced stress, and healthy habits can help improve sexual stamina without medication.
Does Viagra make you last longer during sex?
Viagra is designed to help men with erectile dysfunction achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sex. While this can help some men stay erect for longer during intercourse, Viagra does not directly affect how long you last before ejaculation.
It isn’t a treatment for premature ejaculation. Its main effect is to improve blood flow to the penis, not to delay climax or extend sexual performance. If you’re looking for ways to last longer during sex because you tend to finish too quickly, other treatments or strategies may be more suitable.
How does Viagra work?
Viagra works by increasing blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and keep an erection when you're sexually aroused. It contains the active ingredient sildenafil, which is a type of medicine known as a PDE5 inhibitor. During sexual stimulation, Viagra helps relax the blood vessels in the penis, allowing more blood to flow in. This improved circulation supports a firmer and more sustained erection.
It’s important to remember that Viagra only works if you're sexually aroused. It won’t cause an erection on its own. It usually starts to work within 30 to 60 minutes and can remain effective for up to four to six hours.
What is Viagra approved for?
Viagra is approved in the UK for the treatment of erectile dysfunction (ED) in adult men. Erectile dysfunction is when a man finds it difficult to get or keep an erection that is firm enough for sex. Viagra helps by improving blood flow to the penis, making it easier to achieve an erection when sexually stimulated.
It is not approved as a treatment for premature ejaculation or to enhance sexual performance in men without ED. Viagra should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially if you have any underlying health conditions or take other medications.
Can Viagra shorten the time it takes to get another erection?
Viagra may help shorten the time it takes to get another erection after ejaculation, but this effect varies from person to person. After climax, most men go through a period known as the refractory period. During this time, it’s usually not possible to get another erection. Viagra can sometimes reduce the length of this recovery time by improving blood flow and supporting erectile function, but it is not guaranteed.
This benefit is more likely to be noticed in men with erectile dysfunction, as Viagra helps maintain responsiveness to sexual stimulation. However, it is not officially licensed for this purpose, and its primary use is still the treatment of erectile dysfunction.
Does taking Viagra prevent erectile dysfunction altogether?
No, taking Viagra does not prevent erectile dysfunction (ED) altogether. It is a treatment, not a cure. Viagra works by temporarily improving blood flow to the penis, making it easier to get and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. However, it does not address the underlying causes of ED, such as medical conditions, lifestyle factors, or psychological issues.
Once the effects of the medicine wear off, erectile dysfunction may return unless the underlying cause is managed. For long-term improvement, lifestyle changes, such as maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, reducing alcohol intake, and managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure, can play a bigger role than using ED medications.
Are there natural alternatives to last longer during sex?
Yes, there are several natural methods that may help men last longer during sex without the need for medication.
Techniques such as pelvic floor exercises can strengthen the muscles involved in ejaculation, helping improve control. The start-stop technique and the squeeze technique are also commonly used to delay ejaculation and manage arousal levels during sex.
Focusing on longer periods of foreplay, staying physically active and managing stress can all support better sexual stamina. Making healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and avoiding excessive alcohol, can also have a positive effect on sexual performance.
If premature ejaculation or other issues persist, it’s worth speaking to a healthcare professional for further advice.
Final Thoughts
Viagra is an effective treatment for erectile dysfunction, helping men achieve and maintain an erection when sexually aroused. While it can support longer-lasting erections during sex, it does not delay ejaculation or directly help men last longer if premature ejaculation is the issue. Viagra works by improving blood flow to the penis, but it is not a cure for erectile dysfunction and does not prevent it from returning. For those looking to improve sexual stamina, there are several natural techniques and lifestyle changes that may help. If you’re unsure which approach is right for you, it's best to speak to a healthcare professional for personalised advice.
Further Reading
Premature Ejaculation: Causes and Treatment - Patient
Erectile Dysfunction (ED): Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment - Patient
