Do you face difficulties staying erect during sex? Have you heard about the popular medication called viagra for treating erectile dysfunction? Before we jump into the question, 'does viagra make you last longer,' let's find out what viagra is.
Viagra is the prescribed medication or prescription-based drug containing an active ingredient called sildenafil citrate. Studies show that approx 52% of adult men suffer from ED, and doctors prescribe them viagra dosage.
Despite its popularity, its effects have led to several misconceptions. It often leaves people with the question, 'does viagra make you last longer?' Let's see in detail what studies or experts say.
Does Viagra Make You Last Longer?
One of the most common misconceptions about viagra is that it helps you last longer in bed. Before we know whether it holds some truth or not, let's try to understand how viagra works:
- Viagra is a PDE5 (phosphodiesterase-5) inhibitor that works by expanding the blood vessels entering the penis. Expanded vessels enhance the blood flow, which helps improve one's ability to get and maintain penile erections.
- The PDE5 inhibitor in viagra boosts blood that can maintain its effect for up to 4-6 hours.
Viagra is an ED medication that likely affects the total time you have sex or before ejaculation. Here are some studies revealing viagra's impact on sexual dysfunction:
- According to a 2005 study, men who used sildenafil citrate experienced a slight increase in time before ejaculation. However, this increase in time wasn't noteworthy enough.
- Similarly, another study showed that sildenafil in viagra reduces the refractory time. Refractory time is the period just after orgasm when the body doesn't respond to the sexual stimulation, inhibiting the erection. Reduced refractory time means having sex quickly after being orgasmed.
- A 2005 study shows that men with premature ejaculation who took sildenafil experienced enhanced confidence and a perception of ejaculatory control.
Although these are some interesting researches, there isn't any evidence claiming viagra to be a standard treatment for lasting longer in bed. Even if you notice such changes, it is one of the positive side-effects and not the prime effect of viagra.
Viagra does not boost your sex drive, neither reduces performance anxiety nor makes your penis bigger than normal. However, it can be effective if you lose erections during sex. It helps you have longer sex without facing erectile dysfunction.
How Long Does Viagra Work?
When considering the average duration, the effect of viagra lasts for 2-3 hours before it starts diminishing. However, it can even last for up to 5 hours, depending upon the dosage, external factors, and body metabolism. One may experience erections several times until the viagra remains in your body system.
Generally, one cannot get an erection right after ejaculation as the body isn't prepared for sexual stimulation. This duration is the refractory period. A 2000 study shows that viagra reduces this recovery time. The effects of viagra can last for 5-6 hours, but an erection should not last long for this duration. If you experience such issues, consult the doctor as soon as possible.
Alternatives To Last Longer In Bed
Viagra is not the solution for lasting longer in bed. There are several other ways to delay ejaculation. Take a look at some of the options:
1. SSRIs or Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Specific SSRIs like sertraline and paroxetine are quite effective in increasing the sexual activity duration, especially before orgasm. Sertraline contains an active ingredient called Zoloft that helps treat premature ejaculation.
A 2007 study showed men who used different SSRIs like fluoxetine and paroxetine or escitalopram experienced reduced incidences of early ejaculation signs and better sexual performance.
2. Premature Ejaculation Spray
A study published in the International Journal Of Impotence Research showed men with premature ejaculation were able to increase the ejaculation latency from 74 seconds to 11 minutes 21 seconds after applying PE sprays.
3. Desensitisers
Desensitising gels and creams work to lower the sensation in the penis. However, one should consult an expert before using them. Some creams desensitise the tissue of the partner as well. Hence, one must clean or wipe the penis before penetration.
4. Masturbation
A 2019 study shows that penis-root masturbation helps delay orgasm, consequently reducing premature ejaculation. Masturbating slightly before indulging in sexual activity with your partner reduces early ejaculation while delaying orgasm. It acts as a therapeutic massage that expands the blood vessels, ensuring optimum blood flow. Moreover, there aren't any side effects of masturbation, unlike other alternatives to the last longer in bed.
5. Non-pharmaceutical options
Apart from medications like lidocaine-based sprays, and sertraline, several ways help improve one's time to last long before ejaculation. Hence, it is possible to boost sexual performance without indulging in any drugs. These are:
- Dietary changes: Making dietary changes help delay ejaculation. Some foods like fenugreek help enhance free testosterone, vital for healthy erectile function. Moreover, these foods interact better with some medication that you already consume.
- Biofeedback: It is the process of retraining the brain in therapeutic ways. For instance, when one is about to ejaculate, biofeedback involves measuring the electrical signals in the brain to delay orgasm. One needs to visit a physical therapist or doctor if one wants to try biofeedback.
- Exercises: Endurance exercise helps reduce cortisol, a stress hormone that is generally responsible for premature ejaculation. It even boosts one's confidence and stamina, helping one stay longer in bed.
The question 'does viagra make you last longer' does not have any clear solution. Although the results seem promising, there isn't any valid evidence claiming its result. You must consult a specialist who may help you with treatments specific to your condition for the best results.
References
- Mohamed Arafa, August 2007; A randomized study examining the effect of 3 SSRI on premature ejaculation using a validated questionnaire - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2374931/
- A Aversa, January 2000; Effects of sildenafil (Viagra) administration on seminal parameters and post-ejaculatory refractory time in normal males - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10611201/
- R Henry, August 2003; Topical lidocaine-prilocaine spray for the treatment of premature ejaculation: a proof of concept study - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12934056/
- Gong-Chao Ma, May 2019; Regular penis-root masturbation, a novel behavioral therapy in the treatment of primary premature ejaculation - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6859670/
