BLUECHEW blog

Erection-enhancing medications like Viagra (Sildenafil), Cialis (Tadalafil), and Levitra (Vardenafil) have gained increasing popularity in the sexual performance space.

Their unique ability to dilate vessels in the penis to increase blood flow and cause harder, longer-lasting erections has made them a staple for many patients looking to give themselves a boost in the bedroom.

Although you may have heard positive reviews about the rock-hard erections patients are achieving while using these medications, you may still be skeptical and have unanswered questions. From getting an impromptu erection for no reason – to only benefiting older patients – we’ll bust some of the common myths surrounding erection-enhancing medications. 

We’ll also dive into how to get these medications from BlueChew for erectile enhancement so you can try them out for yourself.

The 6 Most Common Myths

Before we get into the nitty-gritty, let’s lay out the six most common myths we’ll tackle. 

Whether you’ve heard them from buddies at the gym, seen them online, or just have some nagging doubts, we’re here to set the record straight. 

1. Erection-enhancing medications cause constant erections (even unwanted ones).
2. Only older patients can benefit from these medications.
3. These medications won’t benefit me if I can get an erection.
4. Taking erection-enhancing medications can only improve my sex life.
5. It is dangerous to take sexual performance enhancers.
6. Once you start using them, you can’t stop.

Let’s dive into the details below.

Myth 1: Erection-enhancing medications cause constant erections

You can think of erection-enhancing medications like Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil as smart drugs – they only exert their effects if and when they’re needed.

Many patients have heard the misconception that taking these medications results in around-the-clock erections, even if they’re unsolicited.

The great news is this myth is totally busted. These medications belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors, and they only work when you experience sexual stimulation. This all boils down to the science behind how an erection occurs and how these medications work, which we’ll get into below. 

How do erections occur?

When you experience sexual stimulation, your body will release neurotransmitters that lead to the relaxation of the smooth muscles that line the arteries in the penis. 

As levels of a specialized chemical messenger, cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), increase in response to the neurotransmitters, so do the nitric oxide (NO) levels in your blood vessels. NO is a potent vasodilator (causes blood vessels to widen) and leads to increased blood flow to the penis. 

Overall this results in blood filling the penis, and this ultimately causes an erection. 

How do PDE5 inhibitors work?

The way PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil work is by preventing the enzyme called phosphodiesterase type 5 from breaking down cGMP. By doing so, when you experience sexual stimulation, these medications cause much higher levels of NO than usual, boosting blood flow to the penis and giving you harder, longer-lasting erections. 

All in all, you can rest assured that without sexual arousal, this cascade of events won’t be occurring, and you won’t get an erection for no reason. 

Although priapism (a painful erection lasting for longer than 4 hours) is a serious side effect of these drugs, it’s rare and typically only occurs when the medication is misused or taken in excessive amounts.

Myth 2: Only older patients can benefit from these medications

Let’s set the record straight: age isn’t a barrier when it comes to enjoying the benefits of erection-enhancing medications. At the end of the day, it’s all about blood flow—and the more blood flow to the penis, the harder your erections will be.

A 2009 study showed that younger men (those under 70) experienced improvements in their erections faster than their older counterparts using Sildenafil. This means if you’re on the younger side, you might notice those results kick in quicker.

But it gets better: this study found that patients of all ages saw significant improvements in erectile function during the research period. Then, a 2016 study further backed these findings up, demonstrating that men across the board—whether they were under 65, between 65 and 74, or over 75—reported improvements in crucial areas like orgasmic function, satisfaction during intercourse, and sexual desire. And just like in the earlier study, younger patients tended to see even better results.

With these findings, the myth that only older patients can benefit from these medications is definitely busted. Whether you’re 18 or 80, you can expect to see results with these medications.

Myth 3: These medications won’t do anything for me if I can get an erection

You may think because you can still achieve an erection, you’re not dealing with any sexual health or erectile issues. But this isn’t completely true.

As we age, our bodies change. Everything from our circulation to our hormones is impacted (all crucial factors in achieving and maintaining a solid erection). Although you may be able to achieve an erection, it may not be the same quality as it was in the past. This means you may benefit from PDE5 inhibitors, which have been proven to improve erectile firmness, stamina, sexual desire, and sexual satisfaction.

Interested in finding out if you could benefit from better erections? Click here.

Myth 4: Taking erection-enhancing medications can only improve my sex life

Erection-enhancing medications can certainly ramp up your sex life, but research has demonstrated that these medications may have many more benefits up their sleeve than initially anticipated. Although not FDA-approved for these indications, research shows these medications may improve your relationship satisfaction, boost your health, turning up the heat in your life in more than one way.

Improve your relationship satisfaction

Did you know that sexual satisfaction is one of the most critical factors in determining relationship satisfaction? 

Research has found that the more sexually satisfied both women and men are in their romantic relationships, the more likely they are to be satisfied by the relationship. 

Erection-enhancing medications like Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil have been shown to improve sexual satisfaction in both men and their partners. Interestingly, researchers found that patients taking Vardenafil reported improved sex life satisfaction across a variety of elements, such as erectile function, erection hardness, orgasms, intercourse, and overall sexual experiences. Their partners also reported improved sexual desire, arousal, lubrication, and better orgasms. 

This range of sexual benefits may lead to better relationship satisfaction and, in turn, improve your relationship.

Improve mental health

It may seem obvious that if someone is struggling with erectile troubles, getting their mojo back can seriously improve their mood. But interestingly, researchers have found that this may not be the only reason patients taking erection-enhancing medications can more easily kick the blues. 

A 2020 review on the subject found that these medications may improve mental health by reducing brain inflammation and increasing neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and create new thought patterns). Other researchers found that just 5 mg of Tadalafil daily for two months led to statistically significant reductions in depressive symptoms. 

Plus, research has shown that psychological factors can play a significant role in erectile function, meaning that enhancing your mental health can have a powerful impact on improving your erections. 

Although not currently FDA-approved for these indications, according to research, these medications may improve your sex life, brain function, and enhance your mental health.

Improve overall health

Most patients taking erection-enhancement medications are not aware of the extensive potential health benefits of these drugs. Although they are not currently FDA-approved for these uses, research has shown that these medications possess anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects and may enhance the immune system, helping you look and feel your best.

Plus, due to their widely known blood flow-enhancing properties, they may improve exercise capacity, cognition, and skeletal muscle oxygenation. 

These medications are outstanding in terms of cardiovascular health. They have been shown to enhance cardiac tissue function, lower blood pressure, reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack or stroke, and reduce the risk of death from such events.

PDE5 inhibitors have been approved for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH, or an enlarged prostate) or pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). They have been shown to improve lower urinary tract symptoms like frequent urination and difficulty urinating in BPH patients, while they may also improve walking distance and functionality and slow the progression of the disease in PAH patients. 

Myth 5: It is dangerous to take sexual performance enhancers

Let’s tackle this common misconception head-on: the idea that erection-enhancing medications are dangerous. 

The truth is these medications have a long-standing reputation for safety and efficacy, backed by years of research. 

In fact, studies have found that they’re safe for patients of all ages, from young men to those over 75.

However, like any medication, there are important considerations. The real danger comes when these drugs are mixed with certain medications or illegal drugs. For instance, combining PDE5 inhibitors with nitrates (commonly used for chest pain) can lead to dangerously low blood pressure. If you’re taking any medications, having an open conversation with your doctor about potential interactions is crucial.

In short, when used responsibly and under medical supervision, erection-enhancing medications are not just safe—they can significantly improve your sexual health. 

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from exploring options that could drastically enhance your sexual performance.

Myth 6: Once you start using them, you can’t stop

Let’s clear up another misconception: the idea that once you start using erection-enhancing medications, you’ll be dependent on them forever. 

This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Currently, there is no scientific evidence that these medications create dependence or harm your body’s ability to achieve natural erections.

Most patients find that they can still easily get an erection without erection-enhancing medications after they’ve used them. 

The best way to think of these medications is as tools in your toolbox – they can enhance your experience, but they’re not going to take away your ability to perform on your own.

If you’re considering giving them a try, rest assured that you won’t be stuck relying on them. It’s all about giving yourself that extra boost when you want it without sacrificing your natural abilities.

Final Thoughts

Busting these myths about erection-enhancing medications has shown that there’s a lot more to these little blue pills than you might think. 

Whether you’re concerned about dependence, age limitations, or safety, the facts are clear: these medications can safely enhance your sexual experience without compromising your natural abilities.

These drugs may offer benefits beyond the bedroom, from improving performance to boosting overall relationship satisfaction and even mental health. Although not currently FDA-approved for these uses, extensive research supports these potential benefits.

How To Get Erection-Enhancing Medications Through BlueChew

Ready to boost your bedroom performance and feel confident between the sheets? BlueChew has got you covered.

BlueChew makes it easy. Select a plan, complete an online intake, and you’re done. A medical provider will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe your plan, which will be shipped directly to your door.

No doctor appointments or patient support charges make it a stress-free experience.

BlueChew offers different PDE5 inhibitor treatments, so you can select the PDE5 inhibitor that best fits your needs.

With plans starting as low as $25 per month, BlueChew can fit into anyone’s budget. Plus, there’s no commitment—you can easily cancel or switch plans anytime.
Click here to explore all plan options for treatments at BlueChew.

FAQS

What are the common side effects of PDE5 inhibitors?

Like all prescription medications, PDE5 inhibitors also come with the risk of side effects. 

Common side effects to be aware of include:

• Nasal congestion
• Headache
• Flushing

More rare and serious adverse effects include:

• Sudden loss of vision, blurred vision, or changes in color vision
• Hearing loss or ringing in the ears
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Prolonged erection

Do not double up on these medications after a missed dose. 

These medications may also interact with other medications, especially those used to treat high blood pressure. This includes:

• Nitrates (amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, nitroglycerin, isosorbide dinitrate, and isosorbide mononitrate)
• Alpha blockers (alfuzosin, doxazosin, prazosin, tamsulosin, ​​terazosin, and silodosin)
• HIV medications (ritonavir)
• Certain antifungals (itraconazole and ketoconazole)
• Certain antibiotics (ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and clarithromycin)

Be sure to tell your doctor if you take any of these medications. Using them in conjunction with PDE5 inhibitors may put you at increased risk of experiencing serious side effects such as dangerously low blood pressure, known as hypotension. Talk to your doctor about the safety of your current medications with PDE5 inhibitors before starting treatment.

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to this medication’s ingredients. If you experience shortness of breath, rash, hives, or swelling of the face, mouth, or tongue, call your doctor immediately and seek emergency medical attention, as these may be signs of a severe allergic reaction.

PDE5 inhibitors do not protect you from sexually transmitted diseases.

Individuals with certain health conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, retinitis pigmentosa, sickle cell anemia, pulmonary veno-occlusive disease, liver disease, and multiple myeloma may not be able to take PDE5 inhibitors.

Will I have a constant erection when I take these medications?

No. Erection-enhancing medications will only cause an erection when you are sexually stimulated. This means without sexual arousal, you won’t get an erection on these drugs. Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil can be thought of as smart drugs – they only work when you need them. If you take the medications as prescribed by your healthcare professional, when you engage in sexual activity, you can expect to notice a difference in your erection quality. 

Can erection-enhancing medications make my erections bigger?

These medications don’t increase penis size, but they can make erections firmer and fuller by improving blood flow. If you have trouble maintaining an erection, you may notice a difference in how rigid or long-lasting it feels. However, these medications won’t change your natural size when you’re not aroused.

Are erection-enhancing medications safe to take?

When taken as prescribed, these medications are generally safe. However, they can cause mild side effects, such as headaches, flushing, nasal congestion, or indigestion. They should not be used with nitrates or certain blood pressure medications, as this can cause dangerous drops in blood pressure. Always check with a doctor to ensure they’re safe for you.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content provided here is not a substitute for, and should never be relied upon as, professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor to discuss the risks, benefits, and appropriateness of any treatment. BlueChew offers compounded medications prescribed solely for the treatment of erectile dysfunction and sexual performance enhancement. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved.

References

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