Does Viagra Make You Last Longer?

Does Viagra Make You Last Longer?

Table of Contents

I. Does Viagra Make You Last Longer if You Have Erectile Dysfunction?

II. Does Viagra Make You Last Longer if You Are Experiencing Premature Ejaculation?

III. How Long Should You Last in Bed?

IV. Does Viagra Reduce Your Refractory Period?

V. How Long Does Viagra Last?

VI. Conclusion

The little blue pill is a well-known treatment for erectile dysfunction (ED), but does Viagra make you last longer in bed as well? And how long does Viagra last once you have taken it?

This article explores these questions and dives into how Viagra works, its impact on sexual endurance, and what the research says about its ability to prolong your performance.

Does Viagra Make You Last Longer if You Have Erectile Dysfunction?

If you're struggling with erectile dysfunction, Viagra can be a game-changer in helping you last longer in bed. But to fully grasp how Viagra works its magic, you first need to understand what happens during an erection:

  1. Sexual arousal triggers the release of nitric oxide, which activates an enzyme called guanylate cyclase.
  2. Guanylate cyclase then boosts the levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP).
  3. Elevated cGMP levels lead to the dilation of blood vessels in the penis, facilitating improved blood flow.
  4. This process results in an erection.
  5. However, phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) intervenes by reducing cGMP levels, causing the erection to diminish. 1

Viagra intervenes before this last step – it prevents PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, enabling you to maintain an erection for an extended period. So, does Viagra make you last longer? Absolutely, it helps prolong the erection by blocking PDE5's effects. 1

It's important to understand that Viagra does not generate an erection on its own since you still need sexual stimulation to kickstart the process. Once you're aroused, does Viagra make you last longer in bed? Yes — it helps maintain the erection once it’s achieved. 1

Does Viagra Make You Last Longer if You Are Experiencing Premature Ejaculation?

a frustrated man sitting in bed

If premature ejaculation (PE) is your main concern and you're wondering, "Does Viagra make you last longer in bed?" the answer isn't a straightforward yes or no. While Viagra and other PDE-5 inhibitors have shown promise in treating premature ejaculation (PE), the research has been somewhat mixed.

  • A 2005 study of 144 men didn't find a statistically significant difference in ejaculation timing between the Viagra and placebo groups, although overall sexual satisfaction was improved with Viagra. 2
  • However, a 2007 study divided 180 men with PE into three groups – one took Viagra as needed, another took paroxetine (an SSRI antidepressant), and the third practiced the squeeze technique. At the 3- and 6-month follow-ups, the Viagra group reported significantly improved ejaculation timing and sexual satisfaction. 3

More research is still needed to definitively understand if and how much Viagra and similar medications can help delay ejaculation. Additionally, Viagra is not FDA-approved to treat premature ejaculation. 1 But the current evidence indicates that it could be a useful option to discuss with your doctor.

How Long Should You Last in Bed?

When it comes to how long sex should last, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters most is what feels right for you and your partner. However, a study in the Journal of Sexual Medicine provided some interesting insights into timings. Participants were asked how long they believe penetrative intercourse should last:

  • One to two minutes was deemed too short
  • Three to seven minutes was adequate
  • Seven to 13 minutes was desirable
  • 10 to 30 minutes was too long 4

While this study provides some general guidelines, it’s important to remember that every couple has their own preferences. If you feel like you are not lasting long enough in bed, it’s worthwhile to have an open conversation with your partner and your doctor.

Does Viagra Reduce Your Refractory Period?

After an orgasm, men experience a recovery phase before they can get another erection. This natural cooldown is called the refractory period. Whether or not you use Viagra, every man needs some downtime after climaxing. This brings up a common question, “Does Viagra make you last longer in bed by shortening the refractory period?”

The research is unclear. One study in the International Journal of Impotence Research found Viagra substantially reduces refractory time. 5 However, another study published in Urology saw no impact on the refractory period. 6

While it's unclear if Viagra reduces refractory time, one thing is certain: you need some recovery time after orgasm.

Once the refractory period has passed, Viagra can help you get erect again for another round. Depending on your metabolism, Viagra may work for up to 4 hours after taking it. This allows some men multiple sessions in one dose. 1

How Long Does Viagra Last?

a hand holding Viagra pills

One of the most common questions about the little blue pill is “how long does Viagra last?” Let’s go over some key timeframes you should know when taking Viagra:

  • Typically, Viagra takes 30 minutes to 1 hour to start working after you take it. The exact time will vary depending on factors like your age, health, and metabolism. So, if you're planning to have sex, leave some time for Viagra to kick in.
  • Viagra can work for around 4 to 5 hours. It's important not to wait too long to have sex after taking it. For example, don't take Viagra first thing in the morning if you're planning on sex that evening.
  • You can have sex at any point during the 4-to-5-hour window, but Viagra's effects tend to peak 1 to 2 hours after taking it and become weaker after 4 hours. So, the best time to take it is often 1 hour before sex.
  • While Viagra is active in your body for about 4 hours, it stays in your system longer. Viagra's half-life is around 4 hours, and it typically takes 4 to 5 half-lives to fully clear a drug from your body. So how long does Viagra last in your system? Anywhere from 16 to 20 hours. If you plan to drink alcohol while taking Viagra, it's best to avoid drinking or drink in moderation during this timeframe. 1

Conclusion

If you're asking, “Does Viagra make you last longer?” the answer is yes—but with some nuances. Viagra helps men with ED by improving blood flow and allowing for sustained erections. While it may also help with delaying ejaculation in some cases, more research is needed in this area.

Additionally, it is essential to know the time of onset and peak effect of Viagra. Knowing these timings is helpful in planning intimacy around the pill and can help optimize your experience.

References

  1. FDA Viagra
  2. McMahon, C. G., Stuckey, B. G. A., Andersen, M., et al. Efficacy of sildenafil citrate (viagra) in men with premature ejaculation
  3. Wang, W., Wang, Y., Minhas, S., & Ralph, D. J. Can sildenafil treat primary premature ejaculation?
  4. Corty, E. W., & Guardiani, J. M. Canadian and American sex therapists’ perceptions of normal and abnormal ejaculatory latencies: How long should intercourse last?
  5. Mondaini, N., Ponchietti, R., Muir, G. H., et al. Sildenafil does not improve sexual function in men without erectile dysfunction but does reduce the postorgasmic refractory time
  6. Ekmekçioglu, O., Inci, M., Demirci, D., & Tatlisen, A. Effects of sildenafil citrate on ejaculation latency, detumescence time, and refractory period: Placebo-controlled, double-blind, Crossover Laboratory Setting Study