Can Tadalafil really make you last longer in bed? Learn more here.
Picture this: You're in the moment, things are heating up, and then…
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—the active ingredient in ED medications like Cialis—and wondered: Does tadalafil actually 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.
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:
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.
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.
Tadalafil (commonly known by the brand name Cialis®) 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.
But here's what you really need to know: Tadalafil isn't FDA-approved for premature ejaculation.
It's officially approved to treat:
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.
Studies show tadalafil and other PDE5 inhibitors could help with premature ejaculation when used "off-label." Off-label simply means a licensed medical provider prescribes a medication for something other than its FDA-approved uses—which is completely legal and fairly common practice.
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.
If you're exploring ways to address premature ejaculation beyond tadalafil, there are several alternatives:
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:
Another research team confidently stated that "there is no doubt that PE can be treated effectively with SSRIs."
Key points about sertraline for PE:
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:
Several non-medication approaches can help manage premature ejaculation:
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.
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 or those containing desensitizing agents can reduce sensation and help extend performance.
Topical creams, sprays, or wipes containing mild anesthetics like lidocaine or benzocaine can reduce sensation and delay ejaculation.
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.
You should consult with a healthcare provider if:
A healthcare provider can help determine if your symptoms actually indicate PE or if there might be other underlying issues at play.
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:
Tadalafil tends to be most effective for:
If you only experience PE without any erectile difficulties, other treatments might be more effective as first-line options.
While tadalafil can be helpful, the most effective approach to PE often involves a combination of treatments:
It very well might. Tadalafil (Cialis) isn't specifically approved for premature ejaculation, but research suggests it might help some men last longer:
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 doctors 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.