A sex therapist explains
Viagra (Sildenafil) is a medication primarily used for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. However, there is often confusion regarding its effectiveness in addressing premature ejaculation in men.
Can Viagra help men last longer during sex? Yes, but only in terms of achieving and maintaining a firm erection suitable for sexual intercourse. Generally, Viagra is not prescribed for men experiencing premature ejaculation.
What causes this confusion? It could be attributed to misunderstandings about the distinctions between premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. It may also stem from certain myths and misconceptions about the mechanisms of Viagra. This article aims to clarify any confusion you might have about Viagra and premature ejaculation.
Does Viagra help with premature ejaculation?
No – Viagra does not typically help men deal with premature ejaculation. Viagra is the trade name for sildenafil, a medication belonging to the phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5) class, primarily used for erectile dysfunction.
PDE5 inhibitors are designed to address erectile dysfunction by enhancing blood flow to the penis. This enables men with ED to achieve and sustain erections for sexual activity. However, this increased blood flow does not directly affect the ability to delay ejaculation. Erections and orgasms are distinct physiological processes.
It is worth noting that in some cases, performance anxiety can cause erectile dysfunction, a condition referred to as psychological erectile dysfunction. Similarly, performance anxiety can also contribute to premature ejaculation.
Does Viagra keep you erect after ejaculation?
This is a common misconception. While Viagra can aid in achieving an erection, it does not sustain the erection after ejaculation. In rare instances, the penis may remain erect post-ejaculation, but this is generally considered an undesired side effect requiring treatment.
Viagra might shorten the refractory period (the time between ejaculation and the ability to achieve another erection). However, some men will still not be able to have an erection again shortly after ejaculation, even with the use of Viagra.
When is Viagra prescribed for men with premature ejaculation?
Viagra may be used in men with premature ejaculation when it occurs alongside erectile dysfunction. Several studies have investigated the effectiveness of PDE5 inhibitors in treating premature ejaculation.
For example, a 2005 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that although the duration until ejaculation “did not show significant improvement, sildenafil (Viagra) increased confidence, perceived ejaculatory control, overall sexual satisfaction, and reduced the refractory time for achieving a second erection after ejaculation in men with PE.”
Nevertheless, these medications should generally not be regarded as the primary solution for premature ejaculation. There are other effective treatments available for this condition.
So, how is premature ejaculation treated?
Various treatment options exist for individuals experiencing premature ejaculation. These include using antidepressant medications and pain-reducing medications that can help delay ejaculation, as well as topical anesthetic creams, sprays, and gels designed to desensitize the skin of the penis and assist with premature ejaculation.
Behavior modification techniques are also employed to train the mind in recognizing the “point of no return” (the stage where orgasm is imminent) and learning to control and delay ejaculation from that point.
Conclusion
PE can have diverse causes and can be addressed through various approaches. However, medications like Viagra may not be the initial treatment of choice for most cases of premature ejaculation, despite occasional usefulness for individuals with erectile dysfunction.
While erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation can co-occur, individuals who solely experience premature ejaculation without erectile dysfunction may find limited or no improvement in their sexual performance and satisfaction through the use of Viagra.
Viagra enhances blood flow to the penis but does not prolong the time between penetration and ejaculation.
Behavior modification techniques may be more suitable as a treatment method for individuals grappling with premature ejaculation and seeking to gain control over their sexual endurance.
