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Sex should be an enjoyable, satisfactory experience for you and your partner, but sexual dysfunction issues like erectile dysfunction (ED) and premature ejaculation (PE) can sometimes get in the way.
These conditions impact millions of men worldwide and can lead to short or underwhelming sexual experiences. Fortunately, there are treatment options available that greatly improve your ability to get and maintain long-lasting erections.
So what can be done to help men last longer in bed? Do phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5s) help with PE as well as ED? In this article we’ll explore how PDE5 inhibitors work, their effects on premature ejaculation, and other effective treatments for lasting longer in bed.
What Are PDE5 Inhibitors?
Phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors are a class of medications designed to treat erectile dysfunction by improving blood flow to the penis. PDE5 inhibitors work by relaxing smooth muscle cells, allowing for increased blood flow. (Dhaliwal, 2023)
Some of the most well-known PDE5 inhibitors include (Gong, 2017) (Huang, 2013):
Sildenafil – Fast onset, duration of about 4–6 hours.
Tadalafil – Duration of up to 36 hours, with slightly longer onset times.
Vardenafil – Similar to sildenafil.
PDE5s can lead to beneficial results for many, but it’s important to note that these medications do not stimulate mental arousal, and are only effective for increasing blood flow to the penis once the user is already aroused. (Dhaliwal, 2023) PDE5s are not a one-size-fits-all solution. Some men respond differently to these medications and will experience delayed onset times, inconsistent results, or require additional stimulation to achieve and maintain an erection. (Dhaliwal, 2023)
Do PDE5 Inhibitors Help with Premature Ejaculation?
Research shows that PDE5 inhibitors may be able to effectively manage premature ejaculation when associated with erectile dysfunction, but may not be as effective in patients with PE alone. (Dhaliwal, 2023)
Other research also suggests that PDE5s can be beneficial in treating PE, especially in combination with other medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of medications used to treat depression and other mental health conditions. (Martyn-St James, 2017)
The mechanism of action is the same for treating ED- PDE5 inhibitors relax the smooth muscle of the penis, prostate, and urethra, allowing for increased blood flow. This in turn leads to stronger erections, which can improve confidence and satisfaction, often resulting in improved sexual endurance. (Wang, 2006)
Rugiet’s Go Long is a 2-in-1 treatment (tadalafil, a PDE5 inhibitor, and paroxetine, an SSRI) to help you confidently get hard faster and last longer. Get a treatment that really targets sexual performance today.
Benefits of PDE5 Inhibitors
The effects of PDE5 can have substantial benefits on men’s sexual experiences, including the mental and physical components of sex. These benefits may improve symptoms of ED and PE, allowing for more enjoyable sex.
1. Reducing Performance Anxiety
One of the main psychological causes of premature ejaculation is anxiety about sexual performance. Feeling worried or stressed about being unable to satisfy one’s partner can cause a difficult cycle of sexual performance anxiety and premature ejaculation.
Fortunately, PDE5 inhibitors increase confidence by ensuring stronger, more consistent erections, which can reduce stress surrounding performance. (Wang, 2006) (Dhaliwal, 2023) Feeling more confident in the quality of their erection, men may have an easier time lasting longer in bed.
2. Increasing Sexual Stamina
Some studies suggest that PDE5 inhibitors can increase ejaculatory latency time, meaning men may last longer before climaxing. (Dhaliwal, 2023) This is caused by the increased blood flow to the penis and surrounding accessory glands that play a role in ejaculation.
3. Improving Refractory Periods
The refractory period is the amount of time it takes following ejaculation for someone to have a sexual response or feel aroused again. This period can last for a few minutes to a few hours or days. (Seizert, 2018)
Research shows that PDE5 inhibitors can shorten this period, allowing for quicker recovery and potentially more rounds of sexual activity. (Wang, 2006)
4. Enhanced Blood Flow and Sensation Control
PDE5s cause improved blood flow, which means stronger erections and more nerve sensitivity regulation, which may contribute to improved control over ejaculation. (Wang, 2006) This may contribute to improved sexual endurance.
More Treatments for Premature Ejaculation
If lasting longer is your primary goal, there are a range of treatment options that may be beneficial to try on their own or in combination with PDE5s.
1. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
A side effect of certain antidepressants is delayed orgasm. This is why some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used to treat premature ejaculation. SSRIs include paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, Brisdelle), escitalopram (Lexapro), citalopram (Celexa), sertraline (Zoloft) or fluoxetine (Prozac). (Mayo Clinic, 2022) Most research suggests that paroxetine is the most effective for PE, however, these medications often take 5-10 days to begin working, and may take up to 3 weeks to notice the full effect. (Mayo Clinic, 2022)
As previously stated, research shows that an effective treatment for PE is to combine SSRIs with PDE5s. Of course, you should always consult with a provider before taking or combining any new medications.
2. Topical Numbing Agents
Numbing agents like benzocaine, lidocaine or prilocaine come in creams, gels and sprays that are sometimes used to treat premature ejaculation. These are applied to the skin on the penis about 10 minutes before sex, and help to reduce sensation which can delay ejaculation.(Mayo Clinic, 2022)
3. Behavioral Techniques
There are many behavioral methods for treating PE, ranging from masturbating a few hours before sex to performing pelvic floor exercises and using a pause-squeeze technique. (Mayo Clinic, 2022) These methods may help men better control ejaculatory response during sexual intercourse. While these can be effective treatment options, they often take practice.
There are a range of other treatment options that may be helpful for those experiencing PE, including using condoms, taking pain relievers, and more. You should speak directly to a healthcare provider about what option is right for you.
Are PDE5 Inhibitors Right for You?
PDE5 inhibitors can help improve sexual performance in several ways, including maintaining stronger erections, increasing sexual confidence, and more. If you struggle with finishing early or want an extra boost to increase your sexual experiences, you may want to consider a PDE5 treatment from Rugiet.
Rugiet offers a range of medications made from PDE5s and other ingredients proven to improve arousal, stamina, and erections. Explore Go Long for a combination of SSRI and PDE5 ingredients, Rugiet Ready for a 3-in-1 sublingual that targets brain and body, or Boost, a cinnamon chewable that helps you maintain long-lasting erections.
Improve Your Sexual Performance and Satisfaction
If you’re struggling with sexual dysfunction like PE or ED, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are many options to improve your sexual performance, increasing satisfaction for you and your partner.
PDE5 inhibitors were not originally designed to treat premature ejaculation, but they may help some men last longer by improving erections, increasing confidence, reducing sensitivity and shortening refractory periods. (Dhaliwal, 2023)
If lasting longer in bed is your primary concern, speaking with a doctor about a tailored treatment plan—which may include SSRIs, topical anesthetics, or PDE5 inhibitors—can help you find the most effective solution. Speak with a Rugiet provider today.
Citations
Dhaliwal A, Gupta M. PDE5 Inhibitors. [Updated 2023 Apr 10]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/
Gong, B., Ma, M., Xie, W., Yang, X., Huang, Y., Sun, T., Luo, Y., & Huang, J. (2017). Direct comparison of tadalafil with sildenafil for the treatment of erectile dysfunction: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International urology and nephrology, 49(10), 1731–1740. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11255-017-1644-5
Huang, S. A., & Lie, J. D. (2013). Phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5) Inhibitors In the Management of Erectile Dysfunction. P & T : a peer-reviewed journal for formulary management, 38(7), 407–419.
Martyn-St James, M., Cooper, K., Ren, S., Kaltenthaler, E., Dickinson, K., Cantrell, A., Wylie, K., Frodsham, L., & Hood, C. (2017). Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibitors for Premature Ejaculation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. European urology focus, 3(1), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.euf.2016.02.001
Wang, W. F., Minhas, S., & Ralph, D. J. (2006). Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the treatment of premature ejaculation. International journal of andrology, 29(5), 503–509. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2605.2006.00689.x
Seizert C. A. (2018). The neurobiology of the male sexual refractory period. Neuroscience and biobehavioral reviews, 92, 350–377. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.06.011
Mayo Clinic. Premature ejaculation. July 14, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ejaculation/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354905
