What to Drink to Last Longer in Bed? Breaking Down the Facts and Myths

Given how great good sex is, why wouldn't you want it to last long enough for both you and your partner to experience as much pleasure as possible? With women typically taking longer to climax than men and many having the ability to enjoy multiple orgasms, lasting longer in bed is a common topic around sexual function for men.

Sexual stamina is directly linked to our general health—sex is cardio exercise, after all. So, to boost your sex life, anything that contributes to your cardiovascular health is a great step in the right direction. A nutritional diet and a little extra regular exercise will boost your energy levels (and those all-important sexual energy levels), strength, confidence, blood circulation, and muscle function.

It plays a significant role in achieving and maintaining erections and combatting erectile dysfunction. Not only that, though, but improving cardiovascular health also helps to lower stress, a key factor of premature ejaculation.

If you're looking for different ways to enhance stamina and sexual performance, exploring diet is a great place to start. We are what we eat, and what we drink can contribute to sexual performance just as much as what we do and don't eat.

If your reasons for researching sexual performance are more serious, for example, you're concerned about erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, or other type of sexual dysfunction, don't worry. These issues are much more common than you think, and there are plenty of options to combat almost every kind of problem.

The following list includes options that men have been encouraged to drink to last longer and delay ejaculation and that have been rumored to combat premature ejaculation through improved blood flow. Today, we look at how much truth there is in those rumors and whether they can actually help improve your overall sexual health.

Drinks That May Help You Last Longer in Bed

1. Water

Adult men are around 60% water, and we need to be appropriately hydrated to maintain our best health. When we're dehydrated, our body releases stress hormones into the bloodstream that affect our sex drive and sexual performance. Most adults don't drink as much water as they should—typically around 4 to 6 cups each day. Drinking more water helps to boost energy levels and libido and combat negative thinking and poor mental health.

What makes water good for your health?

• Essential for hydration
• Crucial for blood flow, blood pressure, and erectile performance
• Enhances natural lubrication
• Flushes the system and cleanses the body
• Combats fatigue and encourages our ideal physical and sexual performance
• Increases blood volume

Does water really help you last longer in bed?

It won't give you superpowers if you drink it just before you jump into bed with your partner, but as far as improving your general health and the health benefits that it brings over the long term, water can impact sexual function when consumed as part of a healthy diet and lifestyle.

2. Aloe Vera Juice

Aloe vera is prominently used in skin and hair quality products, but did you know it relaxes muscles, increases sensitivity, and is suggested to boost sexual desire? Aloe vera juice has become a popular choice for those hoping to boost their sexual function. However, the most relevant claim came from a study investigating the effects of aloe barbadensis (commonly known as aloe vera) as an aphrodisiac—in rats.

The increased blood testosterone and cholesterol concentrations by the ethanol extract of A. barbadensis can probably be said to be the possible mechanisms of action for its aphrodisiac property. The plant may also be used to treat hypotestosteronemia following its ability to increase testosterone. These findings therefore give backing to the acclaimed local use of A. barbadensis root as an aphrodisiac in males. 

The study claimed its effect on testosterone was 'possibly' the reason for increased libido, a claim made by Nigerian locals who have been taking it as a traditional (aphrodisiac) medicine for centuries.

What makes aloe vera good for your health?

• Rich in vitamins and minerals
• A known anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and natural antibiotic
• Includes properties that improve blood circulation
• Linked to testosterone levels

Does aloe vera really help you last longer in bed?

Perhaps. If you'd like to try it for yourself, you should drink aloe vera juice an hour or two before sexual activity to give your body a chance to absorb its active properties and trigger any additional arousal and sexual energy.

3. Maca Root

Maca extract, part of the mustard root, has been used in the Andes as an aphrodisiac for years. Hence, it has been added to our list of possible drinks to improve sexual function, arousal, and longer sex sessions. However, the data behind what it actually provides is limited.

What makes maca root good for your health?

• Suggested to aid memory and concentration
• Said to reduce prostate size
• Said to build muscle mass
• Said to alleviate menopause symptoms
• Considered to improve male fertility, boost libido, sexual arousal, and mood

Does Maca root really help you last longer in bed?

We'd suggest taking the claims surrounding Maca root with a figurative pinch of salt. Scientists carried out a controlled trial into its effect on sexual performances, and after twelve weeks, patients experienced a significant increase in erectile function scores. However, so did many of those in the placebo group, albeit not quite as many as in the Maca group.

Perhaps a positive frame of mind is more important than what's in your morning smoothie, after all?

4. Beetroot Juice

Claims that beetroot can improve sexual performance derive from its effect on high blood pressure and improved blood flow.

This review into its effects showed that the decrease was 'equivalent to what would be achieved after treatment with an anti-hypertensive drug.'

This easily found and cheap dietary intervention could significantly decrease the risk of suffering cardiovascular events and, in doing so, would help to diminish the mortality rate associated to this pathology. Hence, beetroot juice supplementation should be promoted as a key component of a healthy lifestyle to control blood pressure in healthy and hypertensive individuals.

What makes beetroot juice good for your health?

• High in nitrates that convert to nitric oxide, which relaxes the blood vessels to aid blood flow
• Improves blood pressure for those with hypertension
• Contains antioxidants

Does beetroot juice really help you last longer in bed?

Possibly. Given that blood pressure plays a significant role in erection quality, adding this veggie juice to your diet could help improve sexual performance.

However, to see any improvement in your general and sexual health, the above study suggested drinking the juice for at least two weeks to see sustained results, so it won't provide any overnight success if that's what you're looking for.

5. Ashwagandha Tea

Ashwagandha is a herb and traditional alternative medicine based on Indian principles of natural healing. The notion that it improves sexual stamina and performance comes from a selection of studies around its use to increase one of the sex hormones involved with testosterone production (testosterone is the primary male sex hormone). Some of those studies showed an increase, which has led to it being considered a realistic option.

What makes Ashwagandha tea good for your health?

• It may reduce stress and anxiety
• It may improve sleep quality
• It may improve muscle strength
• It may improve mental health
• It may boost testosterone levels and increase fertility

Does Ashwagandha tea really help you last longer in bed?

Unfortunately, the research surrounding Ashwagandha is mixed. While one study found that the increase in testosterone provided by the root may help improve sexual function, another showed it had no significant impact on psychogenic erectile dysfunction. So Ashwagandha may or may not be useful to you, depending on what you need it for.

In conclusion, the findings of this study support ashwagandha root extract's aphrodisiac effect on sexual well‐being in adult men. The mechanism by which ashwagandha helps to improve male sexual health could be due to an increase in serum testosterone. Thus, the ashwagandha root extract may be utilized to aid in the enhancement of male sexual function.

6. Ginseng Tea

With its historical use as traditional Chinese medicine, Ginseng has long been rumored to have all kinds of health properties: boosting energy, improving brain function, aiding immunity, and improving heart health. Whether you're drinking Ginseng tea or taking supplements, can it live up to such claims?

While its ability to improve sexual performance remains unclear, so, unfortunately, are many of its general health benefits. There are mixed results from studies in these areas, but the one we're most concerned with is how it affects sexual health and performance.

What makes Ginseng tea good for your health?

• Thought to increase nitric oxide production, aiding blood flow
• Suggested to help reduce stress and fatigue
• Used as a traditional medicine to enhance vitality and sexual function for centuries

Does Ginseng tea really help you last longer in bed?

Sadly, after a review of current studies in Ginseng for erectile dysfunction, the conclusion found it unlikely, and whatever positive results there may have been were considered 'trivial.'

It may also have little to no effect on adverse events compared to placebo. Ginseng may improve men's self‐reported ability to have intercourse, but it may have a trivial effect on men's satisfaction with intercourse using validated instruments.

Most of the studies included in this review relied on self-reporting; one showed 321/1000 men drinking the tea reported the ability to have intercourse, yet so too did 207/1000 drinking the placebo—not enough to deliver a confident or significant result.

7. Yohimbe Tea

Yohimbine—the active ingredient in Yohimbe tea—has been used in traditional West African medicine as an aphrodisiac for thousands of years. In the 90s, a modified, more concentrated version (yohimbine hydrochloride) was made available as a prescription drug. With this claim for potency, many have engaged in drinking the over-the-counter option in the hope of boosting their sexual stamina and prowess.

What makes Yohimbe tea good for your health?

• Claims to support weight loss
• Marketed as an athletic supplement in some forms, but studies show little effect
• Suggested to stimulate the release of some chemicals responsible for achieving erection

Does Yohimbe tea really help you last longer in bed?

Sadly, like Ginseng, the results aren't convincing, with Yohimbe tea unable to perform to anything like the standards of modern ED medicine.

Yohimbine as a treatment for erectile dysfunction suggested that there was some improvement in erections over the placebo groups, but it needed to be used in conjunction with other treatments to show any realistic improvement.

If those tests were carried out with the concentrated version, it's unlikely that a significantly lower dose in a cup of tea will have any practical effect.

8. Banana shake

Bromelain and B vitamins help to regulate testosterone levels, so with bananas being high in both, they're thought to be a great dietary addition for enhancing any man's sex life.

What makes bananas good for your health?

• Rich in potassium, magnesium, vitamin B6, and vitamin C
• Contains the enzyme bromelain, thought to increase libido and combat impotence
• Rich in carbohydrates, enhancing energy levels, and promoting healthy blood flow, it is also important for sexual stamina and performance
• Contains essential nutrients required for healthy sperm production

Do banana shakes really help you last longer in bed?

As far as fruit and vegetables go, bananas offer plenty of essential nutrients, but are they conducive to sexual stamina and combatting erectile dysfunction? There's plenty of nutritional value to help increase blood flow, add energy, and even improve sperm count, and despite having all the right elements to enhance your overall sexual performance, there's no scientific proof available to back any such claims.

However, they could still indirectly contribute to better sexual stamina and sexual satisfaction, so when it comes to date night, there's no harm in drinking a banana shake to take advantage of all those promising vitamins and minerals.

9. Red wine

We've all heard that an occasional glass of red wine is good for us, but what about delivering better sexual performance?

What makes red wine good for your health?

• Contains polyphenols, a powerful antioxidant known to lower oxidative stress
• Contains beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein, also potent antioxidants
• Contains vitamins C, A, and E
• Alcohol can help lower performance anxiety and, in some cases, delay ejaculation

Does red wine or any type of alcohol really help you last longer in bed?

According to this review of studies, Red Wine and Sexual Function in Men: An Original Point of View, can, in certain cases, be helpful to men in the bedroom, enhancing pleasure through a balance of the right chemicals while lowering performance anxiety.

The evidence so far collected has shown that red wine, if consumed in moderation, can be potentially beneficial for patients with erectile dysfunction as well as can positively influence reproductive function through mechanisms that depend on the vasorelaxant properties of red wine and its antioxidant properties.

The key point to note here is 'in moderation.' Excessive alcohol consumption can cause a host of further issues, including dehydration, which leads to a higher chance of erectile dysfunction.

10. Watermelon Juice

Given that L-citrulline—an amino acid found in watermelon—has been tested as a supplement to improve the hardness of erections for men with mild erectile dysfunction, watermelon juice was added to our list of natural drinks that may prolong sexual activity.

What makes watermelon good for your health?

• High in the amino acid called L-citrulline (converts to arginine, which relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow)
• Contains lycopene, also thought to benefit erections

Does watermelon juice really help you last longer in bed?

After testing (Oral L-citrulline supplementation improves erection hardness in men with mild erectile dysfunction), L-citrulline was shown to be effective in improving erection hardness from mild ED to normal erection function. However, the introduction of PDE5 inhibitors such as Viagra and Cialis proved to be far more effective.

As far as drinking the juice goes? There's no science to back up claims that it helps extend sexual intercourse, but it will add a little extra hydration and a few useful nutrients into the mix.

11. Pomegranate Juice

Here's another fruit high in the nutrients known to promote better blood flow and erectile function. Pomegranate juice is reported to have many health benefits.

What makes pomegranates good for your health?

• Rich in antioxidants and plant polyphenols known to lower oxidative stress
• Contains flavonoids
• Contains vitamin C
• Considered a 'superfood'
• Said to improve blood flow and combat sexual dysfunction
• Thought to strengthen bones and muscles and aid cancer prevention

Does pomegranate juice really help you last longer in bed?

Again, the results are mixed. We found claims that it helped men with ED issues where PDE5 inhibitors didn't. The study was conducted on patients undergoing penile prosthesis implants.

Countering that, we also found the benefits failing to reach 'statistical significance' in efficacy and safety of pomegranate juice on improvement of erectile dysfunction in male patients with mild to moderate erectile dysfunction.

However, what we did find was that it won't deliver any kind of miracle cure overnight as improvements came after adding the juice to participants' diets for at least a couple of months.

Summary

If you're looking into what to drink to last longer in bed—for whatever reason—we hope we've provided some useful information into the rumors that there may be a great hack to help you improve your sexual function.

If you really want to improve sexual function, then engaging in healthy daily lifestyle habits is the best preparation for your body. Eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and taking regular exercise will keep you topped up with essential vitamins and nutrients while boosting your cardio and energy levels, which can all help extend the duration of your sexual experiences and enjoyment.