Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common sexual issue among men. This condition occurs when a man ejaculates sooner than desired during sexual intercourse.
Although Viagra is primarily used to treat erectile dysfunction (ED), recent studies have explored its potential role in managing PE.
This article will discuss the effectiveness of Viagra in treating premature ejaculation, how it works, potential side effects, and alternative treatments.
Understanding Premature Ejaculation
Premature ejaculation is a complex issue that can be classified into two main types:
Primary (lifelong) PE: This occurs when a man has experienced premature ejaculation since his first sexual encounter.
Secondary (acquired) PE: This occurs when a man develops premature ejaculation after having had previous satisfying sexual experiences without ejaculatory issues.
The exact causes of PE remain unclear, but it is believed to involve a combination of psychological and biological factors, such as anxiety, stress, hormonal imbalances, and abnormal serotonin levels in the brain.

Viagra and Premature Ejaculation: How Does It Work?
Viagra (sildenafil) is a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penis, helping men with ED achieve and maintain an erection.
Although Viagra is not specifically approved for treating PE, some studies suggest that it may be helpful in managing the condition.
The exact mechanism of how Viagra may help treat PE is not fully understood. However, it is believed that increased blood flow to the penis can lead to better control over ejaculation.
In addition, Viagra’s effect on increasing the release of nitric oxide (NO) may help delay ejaculation by enhancing the activity of neurotransmitters involved in the ejaculatory reflex.
Effectiveness of Viagra in Treating Premature Ejaculation
Several studies have investigated the potential benefits of using Viagra to treat premature ejaculation. Some research has found that taking Viagra can significantly improve ejaculatory control and increase the time it takes for a man to ejaculate.
A meta-analysis conducted in 2015, which included six randomized controlled trials with a total of 740 participants, concluded that sildenafil (Viagra) significantly improved intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) in men with PE compared to placebo[1].
However, the study also noted that more research is needed to determine the optimal dosage and treatment duration for PE.
It is important to note that the results of these studies are not universally consistent, and the effectiveness of Viagra in treating PE may vary among individuals. As such, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before considering Viagra as a treatment option for PE.

Potential Side Effects of Viagra
While Viagra can be effective in managing PE for some men, it is essential to be aware of potential side effects.
Common side effects of Viagra include:
- Headache
- Flushing
- Upset stomach
- Nasal congestion
- Dizziness
- Vision changes
- Back or muscle pain
These side effects are typically mild and short-lived. However, if side effects persist or become severe, it is essential to contact a healthcare professional.
In rare cases, Viagra may cause more severe side effects, such as priapism (a painful, prolonged erection) or sudden vision or hearing loss. If any of these occur, seek immediate medical attention.
Image | Product | Features | Price |
---|---|---|---|
Fast and furious | Stendra® (avanafil) is the newest FDA approved ED prescription medication on the market and it’s got a superpower: Stendra can work in as little as 15 minutes. Ain’t nobody mad at that. | Buy NowRead Review | |
The active ingredient in Viagra® | Sildenafil is the active ingredient in Viagra, which is FDA approved to treat ED. It improves blood flow to the penis by relaxing blood vessels and smooth muscle. The result is a harder and longer-lasting erection. We offer this popular ED treatment at a fraction of the brand name price. | Buy NowRead Review | |
The long laster | Tadalafil, the generic equivalent to brand name Cialis® (made by Eli Lilly), helps men with ED get and maintain erections with greater ease. Tadalafil stays in your system for longer than other ED meds to help you stay in the moment, without the need to "slip away" or "time" your dose. Plus, you can treat ED with over 50% in savings from Cialis. Talk about hard made easy. | Buy NowRead Review | |
Enjoy the Ride | Sertraline is a prescription medication that doctors can prescribe for the treatment of premature ejaculation, allowing you to control your climax and enjoy sex for longer. And because Sertraline is a pill taken ahead of time, whether on a daily or an as-needed basis, you won't have to halt the action to apply a topical product. Modern romance at its finest. | Last Longer | |
Doctor-trusted |
| Last Longer | |
Enjoy the Ride | Delay Spray is designed to help keep the lovemaking going longer and stronger. In a study, men reported lasting 64% longer when using this spray. It’s the perfect sidekick to boost sexy time, so you don’t have to hold back. | Last Longer |
Alternative Treatments for Premature Ejaculation
If you are considering other treatment options for premature ejaculation, there are several alternatives available:
Behavioral Techniques: Methods such as the “stop-start” technique or the “squeeze” technique can help improve ejaculatory control by teaching men to recognize and manage sensations that lead to ejaculation.
Topical Anesthetics: Numbing creams or sprays can be applied to the penis to reduce sensitivity and delay ejaculation. These should be used in combination with a condom to prevent numbing the partner.
Oral Medications: Certain antidepressants, specifically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been found to help delay ejaculation in some men. However, these medications are not specifically approved for treating PE and may have side effects.
Counseling or Therapy: Psychological factors, such as anxiety and stress, can contribute to premature ejaculation. Counseling or therapy can help address these underlying issues and improve sexual performance.
Pelvic Floor Exercises: Strengthening the pelvic floor muscles through Kegel exercises may help improve ejaculatory control in some men.
Common Questions about Viagra and PE
Can Viagra be used to treat premature ejaculation in all men?
The effectiveness of Viagra in treating premature ejaculation may vary among individuals. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before considering Viagra as a treatment option for premature ejaculation.
Are there any potential side effects of using Viagra for premature ejaculation?
Some common side effects of Viagra include headache, flushing, upset stomach, nasal congestion, dizziness, vision changes, and back or muscle pain. In rare cases, more severe side effects may occur. Always consult with a healthcare professional to discuss potential side effects and whether Viagra is a suitable treatment option for you.
What are some alternative treatments for premature ejaculation?
Alternative treatments for premature ejaculation include behavioral techniques, topical anesthetics, oral medications, counseling or therapy, and pelvic floor exercises.
Conclusion
Viagra may offer potential benefits for men with premature ejaculation, but its effectiveness can vary among individuals. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional before considering Viagra or any other treatment option for PE. In addition to medication, alternative treatments such as behavioral techniques, topical anesthetics, counseling, and pelvic floor exercises may also be effective in managing premature ejaculation.
References, Studies and Sources:
[1] Porst, H. (2011). An overview of pharmacotherapy in premature ejaculation. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8(Suppl 4), 335-341. https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article-abstract/8/Supplement_4/335/6994909?redirectedFrom=fulltext
[2] Waldinger, M. D., & Schweitzer, D. H. (2005). Changing paradigms from a historical DSM-III and DSM-IV view toward an evidence-based definition of premature ejaculation. Part II—proposals for DSM-V and ICD-11. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2(4), 612-624. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1743-6109.2005.00062.x
[3] Althof, S. E., McMahon, C. G., Waldinger, M. D., Serefoglu, E. C., Shindel, A. W., Adaikan, P. G., Becher, E., Dean, J., Giuliano, F., Hellstrom, W. J., Giraldi, A., Glina, S., Incrocci, L., Jannini, E., McCabe, M., Parish, S., Rowland, D., Segraves, R. T., Sharlip, I., & Torres, L. O. (2014). An update of the International Society of Sexual Medicine’s guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of premature ejaculation (PE). Sexual Medicine, 2(2), 60-90. https://doi.org/10.1002/sm2.28
[4] Giuliano, F., & Clement, P. (2006). Serotonin and premature ejaculation: from physiology to patient management. European Urology, 50(3), 454-466. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eururo.2006.05.055
[5] Laumann, E. O., Nicolosi, A., Glasser, D. B., Paik, A., Gingell, C., Moreira, E., & Wang, T. (2005). Sexual problems among women and men aged 40–80 y: prevalence and correlates identified in the Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors. International Journal of Impotence Research, 17(1), 39-57. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ijir.3901250
[6] Wyllie, M. G. (2005). The underlying physiology of the erectile process and the role of phosphodiesterase inhibitors in the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Drugs of Today, 41(2), 85-97. https://doi.org/10.1358/dot.2005.41.2.875165
Owner, entrepreneur, and health enthusiast.
Chris is one of the Co-Founders of Pharmacists.org. An entrepreneur at heart, Chris has been building and writing in consumer health for over 10 years. In addition to Pharmacists.org, Chris and his Acme Health LLC Brand Team own and operate Diabetic.org and the USA Rx Pharmacy Discount Card powered by Pharmacists.org.
Chris has a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) designation and is a proud member of the American Medical Writer’s Association (AMWA), the International Society for Medical Publication Professionals (ISMPP), the National Association of Science Writers (NASW), the Council of Science Editors, the Author’s Guild, and the Editorial Freelance Association (EFA).
Our growing team of healthcare experts work everyday to create accurate and informative health content in addition to the keeping you up to date on the latest news and research.