Key takeaways:
- Erections involve a complex interplay between psychological arousal and physiological processes, like increased blood flow to the penis.
- Relaxation and a healthy mental state are crucial for healthy erections, as stress can disrupt the “rest and digest” system.
- Diet and exercise play a major role in enhancing erection quality, with benefits seen in diets like the Mediterranean and activities like aerobic exercise.
- Natural remedies such as stress management and mindfulness meditation can improve erectile function by supporting overall health.
- BlueChew offers prescription-based solutions for men seeking stronger, longer-lasting erections when lifestyle changes alone don’t cut it.
Most men remember that first exciting feeling below the belt—whether it was during an unexpected middle school moment or that first wet dream. Erections are a natural part of sexual health and a big part of life for most men.
But have you ever stopped to think about how an erection actually happens?
In this article, we’ll explain the science behind erections, from what gets things going to how to keep them strong. We’ll also share tips on how to boost your performance naturally through lifestyle and diet changes.
And if you’ve tried everything and still aren’t getting the results you want, no worries—BlueChew is here with the most convenient, effective solutions to help you up your game.
The Basics of Erection: What’s Really Happening Down There?
Although you may have experienced your fair share of erections, have you ever thought about what is really going on in your body to make the magic happen?
Erections occur due to a complex interplay between physiological (think blood flow and nerves) and psychological (getting in the mood) factors.
Let’s break it down.
Psychology of an Erection
Psychologically, to get an erection, you need to experience, see, or think about something you find sexually arousing, and that can be different for everyone. Whether it’s a hand on your leg after a romantic date or a snuggle from your wife in the middle of the night, you need to experience something that turns you on.
Another essential part of the psychology behind erections is feeling relaxed. When you get an erection, you need to feel safe and calm enough to switch into a part of the nervous system known for allowing us to “rest and digest” or the parasympathetic nervous system.
This is one reason psychological issues (like stress or depression) can impact erection quality.
This brings us to the important role of the nervous system.
How Do Your Nerves Play A Part?
Once you see or feel something arousing, feel calm, and safe, the brain will send signals to the nerves in the penis. These signals will cause the release of certain chemical compounds (mainly cyclic guanosine monophosphate and nitric oxide) in the blood vessels of the penis that will cause the arteries to dilate (widen) or relax.
As the blood vessels dilate, blood flow increases by 20 to 40 times usual into the penis. When the vessels become filled with blood, the spongy tissue inside the penis (corpora cavernosa) becomes rigid.
At the same time, muscles around the base of the penis contract, and the blood flow out of the penis through several veins becomes blocked by the tunica albuginea (connective tissue near the base of the penis).
Think of it as a pump that’s trying to push as much blood into the penis as possible to help it get firm.
Essentially, more blood in and less blood out means the erectile tissue becomes rigid. And this rigidity is what we know as an erection.
Maintaining An Erection
You’ve got your erection, but what happens next to keep it up?
Once your penis is fully erect, it enters what’s known as the rigid erection phase.
During intercourse or with repetitive stimulation, the muscles at the base of the penis contract even more strongly, pushing additional blood into the erectile chambers, intensifying rigidity. At the height of this phase, the pressure within the chambers of the penis can reach several hundred mmHg.
Keeping the pressure just right is key to maintaining that firm erection. This is where the body’s finely tuned systems come into play to make sure you stay in the game for as long as you need.
What Happens After an Erection?
Once the fun wraps up, your body kicks off the process of detumescence—basically, your penis returns to its flaccid state.
It starts with the veins in the penis expanding, allowing blood to drain out slowly. As the pressure gradually decreases, the firmness fades, and things settle down.
Finally, complete drainage occurs, blood flow normalizes, and your penis is back to its resting state.
It’s your body’s natural way of resetting, getting you ready for whatever comes next.
How to Maximize Your Erections Naturally
Because we’ve learned erections are all about good health and great blood flow, there are a few simple tips that can help you maximize your erections naturally. They include:
- Eating A Healthy Diet
Eating healthy can improve blood flow, balance hormones, and enhance erections. Research has found that men who adhere to a healthy diet, particularly the Mediterranean Diet (rich in vegetables, lean meats, and fish), are less likely to develop erection problems and even improve their erectile function if they already have them.
- Exercise
Probably one of the most well-known natural remedies for enhancing erections is increasing exercise.
Engaging in regular physical activity has been shown to boost blood circulation. Aerobic exercise (such as running, hiking, swimming, or cycling), in particular, can improve cardiovascular health and men’s erectile function, particularly in men dealing with erectile issues.
Keeping your cardiovascular system in tip-top shape by engaging in exercise improves circulation and, in turn, erections.
- Stress Management
It’s worth noting that getting solid erections isn’t just about your physical health but also about your mental state. Finding ways to lower your stress levels is essential to get into the “rest and digest” state.
Great options include meditation, yoga, and exercise. Research even shows that engaging in mindfulness meditation can help improve erectile function.
By calming your mind, you’re not just improving your mental health—you’re giving your body the green light to perform at its best where it counts.
When Natural Remedies Aren’t Enough
You’ve tried the lifestyle changes, started exercising, meditating, and getting in that green juice, but it just isn’t cutting it. That’s where BlueChew comes in.
BlueChew offers convenient, compounded chewable tablets that help men achieve stronger, longer-lasting erections. These medications work by dilating blood vessels, allowing blood to enter the penis, resulting in an erect penis. Whether it’s the shorter-acting Sildenafil or Vardenafil or the 24-36 hour erection-enhancer Tadalafil, these medications will enhance blood flow, providing better erections.
No need for complicated processes or awkward trips to the doctor’s office—BlueChew makes it easy to get the boost you need discreetly, delivered right to your door.
Interested in learning more? Check out our available treatment options here.
Final Thoughts
Erections aren’t just about the reproductive system; there’s a complex interplay of psychological and physiological factors that work together to make the magic happen.
From the initial spark of sexual arousal to the precise coordination of blood flow, nerve signals, and muscle contractions, the process behind an erect penis is quite the intricate process. Whether it’s during planned sexual activity or those spontaneous erections, the body’s mechanisms ensure this vital function plays its part.
Maintaining good mental and physical health is key to supporting this process, especially since factors like high blood pressure and stress can impact erections. But don’t worry—if natural remedies and lifestyle tweaks aren’t cutting it, treatment options like BlueChew are here to help.
Whether you’re just exploring the science, looking for natural tips, or considering an extra boost, knowledge is power—and now you’re ready to take charge of your sexual health.
How To Get Medications Through BlueChew
Interested in boosting your bedroom performance? BlueChew has got you covered.
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.
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 causes an erection?
A combination of physical and mental stimulation (plus a complex interplay between our nervous system and vascular system) results in increased blood flow to the penis. As blood vessels dilate, blood rushes into the penis, causing a penile erection. Psychological factors like stress, depression, and anxiety can impact erection quality. Certain medical conditions, including neurological disorders, prostate cancer, diabetes, and spinal cord injuries, may also influence your erections.
Why can stress affect erections?
Stress activates the “fight or flight” response, the opposite of the “rest and digest” state needed for erections. Chronic stress can reduce blood flow and make it harder to achieve or maintain an erection. It can also lead to heart disease, a leading cause of erectile issues.
What are some natural ways to enhance erections?
Lifestyle changes are one of the easiest ways to boost erectile function. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, healthy sleep habits, managing stress with activities like yoga or meditation, and avoiding smoking or excessive drinking can all improve blood flow and boost erection quality. Depending on the underlying cause for erectile troubles, one method may work better than another.
How does BlueChew work?
BlueChew provides compounded chewable medications containing the same active ingredients as the popular erection-enhancing medications Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra (Sildenafil, Tadalafil, or Vardenafil respectively). These medications increase blood flow to the penis, helping you get and maintain stronger, longer-lasting erections. The process is discreet, with prescriptions available online and medication delivered straight to your door.
Are there side effects to BlueChew?
The medications offered by BlueChew contain prescription erection-enhancing drugs, and like all prescription medications, do come with the risk of side effects. Common side effects include headache, flushing, indigestion, stuffy nose, and muscle pain.
More severe side effects include sudden changes in vision or hearing, chest pain, and priapism. If you experience priapism (erection lasting more than 4 hours), seek immediate medical treatment in the emergency room, as this condition can cause permanent damage to the penis.
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
- Panchatsharam PK, Durland J, Zito PM. Physiology, Erection. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK513278/
- Allen MS, Wood AM, Sheffield D. The Psychology of Erectile Dysfunction. Current Directions in Psychological Science. 2023;32(6). doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/09637214231192269
- Rajkumar RP, Kumaran AK. Depression and Anxiety in Men with Sexual dysfunction: A Retrospective Study. Comprehensive Psychiatry. 2015;60:114-118. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2015.03.001
- Bauer SR, Breyer BN, Stampfer MJ, Rimm EB, Giovannucci EL, Kenfield SA. Association of Diet With Erectile Dysfunction Among Men in the Health Professionals Follow-up Study. JAMA Network Open. 2020;3(11):e2021701. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2020.21701
- Di Francesco S, Tenaglia RL. Mediterranean Diet and Erectile Dysfunction: A Current Perspective. Central European Journal of Urology. 2017;70(2). doi:https://doi.org/10.5173/ceju.2017.1356
- Khera M, Bhattacharyya S, Miller LE. Effect of Aerobic Exercise on Erectile Function: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2023;20(12):1369-1375. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdad130
- Valderrama F, Sánchez-Sánchez LC, García-Montes JM, Petisco-Rodríguez C. A Scoping Review of the Influence of Mindfulness on Men’s Sexual Activity. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2023;20(4):3739-3739. doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043739
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