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Most men can relate – things are getting heated, you’re headed for the bedroom, but you notice your member isn’t rising to the occasion. What gives?

There are many reasons that you may be facing erectile troubles. Some may be temporary, like a stressful day or a fight with your partner, while others may have more complex causes. Fortunately, no matter the reason for your less-than-ideal erections – there’s a way to access a boost.

In this post, we’ll explore the most common causes of erectile dysfunction and give you the scoop on how to get your hands on effective erection-enhancing medications through BlueChew.

Mental Health

Your brain isn’t just along for the ride when it comes to erections—it’s in the driver’s seat.

Stress and anxiety can be major roadblocks to getting and staying hard. Think about it: when you’re stuck in “fight-or-flight” mode (thanks to cortisol), your body’s too busy prepping for battle to send blood where it’s needed most. To get that firm, reliable erection, your nervous system needs to be in “rest and digest” mode—basically, the relaxation state where blood flows freely to your member instead of your biceps.

And just like you might freeze up before a big work presentation, performance anxiety can mess with your game in the bedroom. Research has shown it’s very common and one of the biggest culprits behind erectile issues.

Depression doesn’t do your sex life any favors, either. Not only can it dampen your mood, but some antidepressants (like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) can add to the problem, as erectile issues are one of the main side effects.

Let’s not forget the power of connection. If you’re dealing with relationship problems—whether it’s constant arguments, poor communication, or a lack of intimacy—it can weigh on your ability to perform. 

The solution? Open up, talk it out, and tackle these issues with your partner. It’s good for your relationship and even better for your sex life.

Medical Conditions

Erectile issues aren’t just in your head—sometimes, it’s your body throwing a wrench in the works. Chronic health conditions, especially those hindering your blood flow or nervous system, can seriously impact your ability to rise to the occasion.

Take cardiovascular diseases like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, for example. They cause a buildup of sticky plaque (AKA atherosclerosis) in your arteries, making it harder for blood to flow where it’s needed most when the moment strikes.

Your nervous system is also a big player here. It’s the middleman delivering those “let’s get it on” messages from your brain to your penis. But conditions like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, or even a spinal cord injury can disrupt these signals, making erections less reliable.

Other conditions like prostate cancer (which may need to be treated with prostate surgery) can also damage important nerves for strong erections. 

Then there’s the hormone factor. Low testosterone—a key player in male sexual health—can dim your bedroom performance. Add in other common culprits like obesity, heavy drinking, or sleep disorders, and it’s clear your body’s health and your sex life are closely linked.

The takeaway? Taking care of your overall health is one of the best things you can do for your erections. 

Healthy heart, healthy nerves, and healthy you = better nights between the sheets.

Lifestyle Factors

A healthy lifestyle is the key to longevity and the ticket to optimal erectile function. 

Smoking

Research has shown that smoking is a leading cause of erectile troubles. This is because nicotine (the active ingredient in cigarettes) can damage the blood vessels, reducing blood flow and limiting circulation. Studies show that the more you smoke and the longer you do it, the greater your risk of developing erectile issues. In fact, one study found that smoking more than 20 cigarettes per day doubled the risk of severe erectile troubles.

Alcohol

Unfortunately, that evening cocktail can also be keeping you down. Alcohol has also been linked to reduced erection quality. In the short term, most men can relate to the mood-busting “whiskey dick” or the inability to achieve an erection when you’ve had one too many. This is largely due to alcohol’s ability to reduce sexual sensitivity and slow signals from the brain to the penis that it’s time to step up its game. Long-term heavy alcohol use can reduce circulation, damage nerves, and alter hormone levels, all common causes of erectile issues.

Diet

A poor diet rich in saturated fats and highly processed foods can wreak havoc on your cardiovascular system and impact your erections. It also puts you at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies (vitamin B9, B12, and vitamin D), which have been proven to impact erectile function. 

Exercise 

If your cardiovascular health is shot, likely so is your circulation. Researchers have found men who lead sedentary lifestyles are significantly more likely to develop erectile issues. On the flip side, increasing aerobic activity has been proven to enhance erectile function.

Aging

Let’s face it: aging comes with its share of changes, and unfortunately, your erections aren’t immune. As you get older, your body naturally slows down in a few areas that are pretty crucial for getting it up, and research has linked older age with a greater risk of erectile troubles.

First off, blood flow starts to take a hit. Over time, your blood vessels may lose some of their flexibility, making it tougher to get the kind of circulation needed for a rock-solid performance. And without strong blood flow, your erections can lose their edge.

Then there’s testosterone—the hormone that fuels your sex drive and helps power your erections. Testosterone levels naturally decline as you age, and with less of it in your system, you might notice things aren’t as reliable in the bedroom.

Medications 

Sometimes, the culprit behind erectile issues is lurking in your medicine cabinet. Many prescription medications can interfere with your ability to achieve or maintain an erection. This is because some drugs impact blood flow, nerve function, or hormonal balance—three key players in the erection process.

For instance, medications used to treat high blood pressure, like beta-blockers, can reduce blood flow, while certain antidepressants, such as SSRIs, might lower libido or cause difficulty in reaching climax. Even treatments for prostate conditions, like surgery or hormonal therapy, can disrupt the delicate balance required for healthy erections.

It’s not just prescriptions to blame—over-the-counter remedies and dietary supplements aren’t off the hook either. Ingredients in some dietary supplements can interact with medications or affect circulation in ways that might not be erection-friendly.

Fortunately, if a medication is interfering with your bedroom performance, your healthcare provider can suggest alternatives or adjust your dosage to minimize side effects.

When paired with lifestyle changes and prescription-strength solutions like BlueChew, you can take control of your sexual health and get back to feeling your best.

What To Do For Erectile Issues

If you’re struggling with erectile issues, whether it’s from a conflict with your partner, a medication, or an untreated or undiagnosed medical condition, there are scientifically proven treatment methods that can get you back to performing your best in the bedroom.

Being upfront and open with your medical provider will help them determine the most likely underlying cause of your erectile issues and guide you on how to best solve these issues. 

The best treatment plan often combines lifestyle factors and prescription medications to enhance erections. Eat those leafy greens, go for that run, and manage your stress to get things going in that department. 

For stronger support that’s where BlueChew comes in, providing you access to prescription-strength erection-enhancing medications.BlueChew offers six options of chewable erection-enhancing medications, which contain the same active ingredients as the popular brand-name drugs Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra (or Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil, respectively). The entire process, from your medical intake to your medication selection, is completed entirely online from the comfort of your own home.

Final Thoughts

From blood flow problems to radiation therapy for prostate cancer, various medical conditions can contribute to erectile issues. Mental health, certain oral medications, and even limited physical activity can negatively impact the quality of your erections. 

Fortunately, no matter what your medical history is, prescription drugs (like the ones offered by BlueChew) can help to boost erectile function to give your sexual health the improvements you’re after. These medications can increase blood flow to the penis for harder erections when you experience sexual arousal. 

Pairing these prescription solutions with healthier habits—think better diet, regular exercise, and stress management—can help you kick erectile issues to the curb. 

BlueChew makes it easy to reclaim your confidence and achieve a standout performance in the bedroom.

How To Get Erection-Enhancing Medications Through BlueChew

Interested in trying a surefire way to turn your erections up a notch? BlueChew has got you covered.

BlueChew makes it easy. Select a plan, complete an online intake, and you’re done. One of our healthcare providers 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

Can sexual performance enhancers improve my erections?

For most individuals, these medications can improve erection quality. The medications offered by BlueChew belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors. These medications increase penile blood flow for harder, longer-lasting erections. 

Can medical conditions cause erectile issues?

Yes. Because achieving an erection involves a complex interplay of nerves, hormones, and circulation, certain chronic diseases that impact these systems can reduce erection quality. Common physical causes of erectile troubles include diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney diseases, high cholesterol, prostate cancer, and obesity. Certain injuries, like spinal cord injuries, can also contribute. 

Can medications impact erectile function?

Yes, certain prescription drugs can affect erections. Medications for prostate cancer may lower testosterone levels, reducing sexual performance. Some antidepressants and blood pressure medications can also interfere with erectile function. Even certain dietary supplements might impact blood flow to erectile tissue. Always consult your doctor if you suspect a medication is affecting your sexual health.

Are there non-medical solutions for male sexual dysfunction?

Lifestyle changes and natural strategies may help. Pelvic floor exercises can strengthen muscles involved in erections while managing performance anxiety through mindfulness or therapy can improve sexual satisfaction. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, and limiting alcohol can also positively impact your sexual performance.

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.

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