Does Tadalafil Make You Last Longer in Bed?

It's all over much sooner than you'd hoped. 

Climaxing too quickly (also known as premature ejaculation) can bring with it feelings of frustration, disappointment, and shame. 

But if this has become a recurring bedroom concern, you're far from alone. 

This common sexual issue affects up to 39% of men, silently undermining confidence and satisfaction for countless couples. The frustration, embarrassment, and relationship strain it causes can be overwhelming.

As you search for solutions, you might have come across tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction, and wondered: Does tadalafil make you last longer in bed? Could this popular erectile dysfunction medication be the answer to extending sexual endurance?

Let's explore what science really says about tadalafil and sexual stamina, separate facts from wishful thinking, and help you make an informed decision.

How Do I Know If I Have Premature Ejaculation?

So, when does "finishing quickly" become a medical concern?

If you're consistently finishing in under 3 minutes from penetration, it's possible you have premature ejaculation (PE)—and it's even more likely if that time is under 1 minute.

But PE isn't just about the timing. 

The medical definition includes a few key factors:

• You almost always ejaculate within 1-3 minutes of penetration
• You feel unable to delay ejaculation during most sexual encounters
• Your quick finish causes personal distress or frustration
• It's happening regularly, not just occasionally
• It's affecting your sexual confidence or relationship satisfaction

The anxiety of it “happening again” can contribute to something called performance anxiety—compounding everything. 

While you can certainly please your partner in other ways, that persistent feeling of losing control too quickly can be pretty devastating when you're in the moment.

Premature Ejaculation & Erectile Dysfunction Connection

It's also worth noting that premature ejaculation frequently occurs alongside erectile dysfunction (ED). According to one study of men between the ages of 20 and 60, about 76 percent of those with PE also experienced some form of ED. The two conditions can create a frustrating cycle—anxiety about finishing too quickly can lead to erection problems, and worries about maintaining an erection can trigger premature ejaculation.

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone—and there are solutions worth exploring.

What is Tadalafil? Does Tadalafil Make You Last Longer In Bed?

Tadalafil belongs to a class of medications called phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by relaxing blood vessels and increasing blood flow to specific areas of the body—most notably, the penis.

Tadalafil is a PDE5 inhibitor used for erectile dysfunction. A licensed clinician can discuss treatment options for premature ejaculation.

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) - helping you get and maintain an erection
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - an enlarged prostate condition
• Pulmonary arterial hypertension - a type of high blood pressure affecting the lungs

So what's the deal? Can tadalafil help you last longer even though that's not what it's designed for?

The short answer: For some men, tadalafil might help you last longer.

Off-Label Use for Tadalafil: What We Know

Some studies have evaluated tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors for premature ejaculation. These studies do not necessarily support any formulation, route, or strength. A licensed clinician can determine whether prescribing a medication for a use outside its approved labeling is medically and legally appropriate in an individual case.

In a 2017 study, men taking a daily dose of 5mg of tadalafil saw their time to ejaculation increase 1-2 minutes on average. While it might not sound like much, that's  50-100% improvement. 

In this same study, trials showed an increase of about 2.21 minutes compared to placebo. They also found that PDE5 inhibitors combined with an SSRI (like sertraline) are significantly more effective than SSRIs alone, with a pooled difference of 1.52 minutes.

Does tadalafil keep you from ejaculating? No. But it might slow things down a bit, giving you more control and allowing you and your partner to enjoy the ride a little longer. 

Are there other treatments? Let's explore a few more options.

Other Options for Lasting Longer in Bed

If you're exploring ways to address premature ejaculation beyond tadalafil, there are several alternatives:

SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)

Sertraline is an SSRI medication that is sometimes prescribed off-label to help with premature ejaculation (PE). Originally developed to treat depression and anxiety, sertraline works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which has the side effect of delaying ejaculation for many men.

The research on sertraline for PE is impressive. In one notable study involving 46 men with premature ejaculation, participants started out with an average stamina of just 1 minute in the bedroom. 

After treatment with sertraline, their performance improved dramatically:

• With a 25mg dose: increased to 7.6 minutes
• With a 50mg dose: increased to 13.1 minutes
• With a 100mg dose: increased to 16.4 minutes

Another research team confidently stated that "there is no doubt that PE can be treated effectively with SSRIs."

Key points about sertraline for PE:

• Studies show it can be more effective than PDE5 inhibitors for PE specifically
• Typically taken daily, though some healthcare providers may prescribe it on-demand
• May take 1-2 weeks of regular use to reach full effectiveness
• Side effects can include reduced libido, nausea, fatigue, or dry mouth
• Research indicates that combining sertraline with a PDE5 inhibitor like tadalafil may provide better results than either medication alone

SILDENAFIL

Like tadalafil, sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor primarily used for erectile dysfunction but sometimes prescribed off-label for PE. Some studies show it can help delay ejaculation, particularly in men who experience both PE and ED.

Some research indicates sildenafil:

• May increase time to ejaculation by approximately 1-2 minutes
• Can be more effective than behavioral techniques for some men
• May improve sexual confidence, potentially reducing performance anxiety
• Has similar side effects to tadalafil (headache, flushing, nasal congestion)

Techniques for Lasting Longer

Several non-medication approaches can help manage premature ejaculation:

Stop-Start Technique

This involves stimulation until you feel close to ejaculation, then stopping all movement until the urge subsides. By practicing this regularly, you can learn to recognize your point of no return and gain better control.

Learn More: Edging for Premature Ejaculation

Pelvic Floor Exercises

Strengthening your pelvic floor muscles (the same ones used to stop urination mid-stream) can help control ejaculation. Regular Kegel exercises have shown effectiveness for some men with PE.

Thicker Condoms

Thicker condoms or those containing desensitizing agents can reduce sensation and help extend performance. 

Desensitizing Products

Topical creams, sprays, or wipes containing mild anesthetics like lidocaine or benzocaine can reduce sensation and delay ejaculation. 

Learn More: Orgasm Control: 8 Ways To Last Longer In Bed

Sex Therapy

Working with a qualified sex therapist can address psychological factors that may contribute to PE, including performance anxiety, stress, or relationship issues.

While these techniques may not work for everyone, many men find that combining behavioral approaches with medication (when appropriate) provides the best results. 

When to Talk to a Healthcare Provider About PE

You should consult with a healthcare provider if:

• You consistently ejaculate in less than 1-3 minutes, and it's causing distress
• PE is affecting your relationship or mental well-being
• You want to explore prescription treatment options
• You have other health conditions or take medications that might interact with PE treatments
• You've tried other approaches without success

A healthcare provider can help determine if your symptoms actually indicate PE or if there might be other underlying issues at play.

Is Tadalafil Right for You?

Tadalafil might help with premature ejaculation, but it's not the right solution for everyone. Before you consider it, here's what you should know:

Best Candidates for Tadalafil 

Tadalafil tends to be most effective for:

• Men who experience both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation
• Those who haven't responded well to behavioral techniques alone
• Men looking for on-demand treatment rather than daily medication
• Those who want to avoid the potential sexual side effects of SSRIs

If you only experience PE without any erectile difficulties, other treatments might be more effective as first-line options.

Recommendations

While tadalafil can be helpful, the most effective approach to PE often involves a combination of treatments:

• For mild cases, start with behavioral techniques like the stop-start method or pelvic floor exercises
• For more persistent PE, medication might be appropriate—with SSRIs potentially providing the most significant time increases
• For men with both PE and ED, tadalafil or other PDE5 inhibitors might be the right first choice
• Be patient—finding the right solution might require trying different approaches

Summary: Does Tadalafil Make You Last Longer In Bed 

It very well might.

• Studies show tadalafil may increase time to ejaculation by about 1-2 minutes (a 50-100% improvement for many men)
• It works better for men who have both PE and erectile difficulties
• Combining tadalafil with an SSRI like sertraline shows better results than either medication alone
• Other options like SSRIs, behavioral techniques, or topical products may work better for some men

Get PE Treatment Online with Strut

Ready to last longer in bed? If you've tried techniques without success, prescription medication might be your next step. Both tadalafil and sertraline have been shown to help men delay ejaculation and gain better control.

Complete a quick online consultation with licensed healthcare providers who specialize in men's sexual health. If our providers determine you're a good candidate for treatment, your prescription can be shipped discreetly to your door.

There's no need to continue struggling with premature ejaculation when effective solutions are just a few clicks away. 

Start your confidential consultation today.

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*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.