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From pro athletes chasing records to weekend warriors grinding out reps at the gym, men from all walks of life have turned to performance-enhancing substances to get an extra edge. Whether crushing a personal best or simply outlasting the competition, the quest for peak performance often leads to unconventional solutions.

Performance-enhancing drugs (PEDs) like anabolic steroids, human growth hormone, and even the ADHD drug Adderall have long been the go-to tools for athletes looking to build muscle, boost stamina, or turbocharge their workouts. 

But recently, a surprising contender has entered the ring: Viagra (Sildenafil). 

What started as a bedroom booster is now making waves in the gym and on the field. From NFL players to cycling stars, this medication has gained recent popularity as a performance enhancer for professional athletes. 

How can a medication designed to enhance sexual performance possibly help you perform better athletically? Is it safe? Legal? And is it worth a shot (or chew)?

We’re breaking it all down—why athletes are turning to the ‘little blue pill’ for more than just enhancing intimate moments and the science behind its surprising athletic benefits. 

We’ll also give you the scoop on how you can get Sildenafil through BlueChew.com to up your bedroom performance and potentially support your gains on the field.

What is Viagra (Sildenafil)?

Viagra, which contains the active ingredient Sildenafil, is a medication that was originally developed to treat cardiovascular issues like chest pain (angina) and high blood pressure. During clinical trials, participants reported an interesting unintended effect – enhanced erections. 

Shortly after, the FDA approved Sildenafil for erectile enhancement, and it is currently one of the most commonly prescribed medications for sexual enhancement in the US. 

Sildenafil belongs to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. 

These medications work by inhibiting PDE5, an important enzyme in the body responsible for breaking down vessel-dilating compounds. When PDE5 is inhibited, it raises the levels of two important chemical messengers: cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and nitric oxide (NO). As levels rise, vessels begin to dilate (widen), leading to increased blood flow. This ultimately improves circulation and enhances the delivery of vital nutrients and oxygen to our tissues.

The dilatory and circulation-boosting properties of Sildenafil have led to its FDA approval for pulmonary arterial hypertension. In this condition, the blood pressure in the lungs is too high. By relaxing the blood vessels, Sildenafil effectively lowers the blood pressure in the lungs, making it easier for the heart to pump blood to the rest of the body.  

This has also led to the drug’s off-label use to improve gym performance, enhance muscle growth, and maximize athletic performance.

But how can this medication be helpful for athletes? We’ll dive into the top reasons below.

Athletic Benefits of Sildenafil

Although not FDA-approved for enhancing athletic performance, research has demonstrated some interesting potential benefits. From improving blood flow to enhancing altitude training, this little blue pill may be able to do it all. Let’s break down the science behind how this medication may positively impact athletes.

Improved Blood Flow

Most athletes know that when their muscles work hard, they demand a steady supply of oxygen and nutrients to perform at their peak. 

That’s where medications like Sildenafil come into play. As a potent vasodilator, it relaxes blood vessels, boosts blood flow, and supercharges oxygen and nutrient delivery to the tissues.

Translation? Sildenafil may help athletes’ muscles get the good stuff they need to grow, recover, and crush their workouts.

According to research, Sildenafil increases the level of oxygen in the blood during exercise and reduces pulmonary artery pressure (pressure in the vessels of the lungs) at rest and during exercise. Studies even show that individuals on Sildenafil can push themselves harder (higher max workload), and their hearts worked more efficiently (better cardiac output) than those on a placebo. 

The result? Better stamina, less fatigue, greater workout capacity, and an overall stronger performance—exactly what every athlete wants.

Altitude Training

High-altitude adventures, such as scaling Everest or cycling through mountain passes, push the body to its limits. With less oxygen in the air and increased pulmonary pressure, athletes’ performance and safety can take a serious hit. Surprisingly, research points to Sildenafil as a powerful ally for anyone operating at extreme elevations.

Research at Mount Everest Base Camp (4,350 meters, or approximately 14,000 feet above sea level) showed that Sildenafil significantly reduces altitude-induced pulmonary hypertension, a dangerous increase in lung blood pressure that can lead to life-threatening conditions like high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). In the study, participants taking Sildenafil experienced normalized pulmonary artery pressure, while those on placebo saw their pressure remain dangerously elevated. Essentially, Sildenafil helps athletes’ lungs breathe a sigh of relief.

Beyond protecting against severe complications, Sildenafil may enhance your body’s ability to adapt to very high altitudes. It has been shown to improve gas exchange, oxygen delivery, cardiac output (heart function), oxygen saturation, and maximum oxygen consumption, meaning your muscles get more of the good stuff they need to perform. Study participants on Sildenafil experienced smaller drops in exercise performance compared to those on placebo, translating to better stamina and endurance when the air gets thin.

And athletes don’t have to be summiting Everest to reap the benefits. Whether cycling through a mountain range, playing football in Denver, or skiing the slopes in Aspen, Sildenafil may help athletes stay strong, go harder, and recover better at high altitudes.

Enhanced Recovery

Whether training for a marathon or bouncing back from a high-intensity workout, fast recovery is crucial to keep the gains coming. Athletes know that the quicker they can recover, the sooner they can hit the gym again and keep the momentum alive. That’s why enhancing recovery times is a game-changer for so many.

Research suggests Sildenafil might be a surprising ally in this department. By boosting blood flow to muscles, reducing muscle fatigue, and supporting muscle protein synthesis, Sildenafil could help athletes recover faster after intense physical activity.

One standout study on swimmers found that Sildenafil’s recovery benefits may also come from its ability to increase muscle lactate clearance—that’s the chemical responsible for the burn and soreness after exercise. Sildenafil achieves this by altering MCT1 and MCT4 protein levels in muscles responsible for lactate uptake and export. 

To put it simply, more of these proteins equals less lactic acid hanging around to slow athletes down.

By clearing out lactate more efficiently, Sildenafil may speed up recovery and reduce post-workout fatigue, allowing athletes to perform at their best day after day. It’s not just about pushing harder in the moment—it’s about bouncing back stronger for the next challenge.

Improve Muscle Growth

For most athletes, stronger muscles mean better performance, more wins, and, let’s face it, bragging rights. Interestingly, research has shown that Sildenafil may play a surprising role in boosting muscle growth.

According to one study, short-term use of Sildenafil doesn’t just reduce muscle fatigue—it actually doubles skeletal muscle protein synthesis. That’s a big deal because protein synthesis is essentially the muscle-building blueprint your body follows to repair and grow stronger after a workout. And here’s the wild part: this boost in protein synthesis is on par with what you’d see from 100–200 mg of testosterone per week.

But the benefits don’t stop at growth. Sildenafil also seems to enhance the quality of your muscles. It may alter muscle protein expression and improve nitrosylation (a process that helps regulate muscle contractions and reduces fatigue). 

With Sildenafil, athletes’ muscles may not only grow stronger, but perform harder, longer, and more efficiently.

Potential Side Effects in Athletes

Like all prescription medications, Sildenafil does come with the risk of side effects. When athletes use Sildenafil for athletic performance, they may experience the same side effects as individuals who take the drug for erectile enhancement.

Common side effects include:

• Headache
• Indigestion
• Flushing 
• Pain in muscles 
• Nasal congestion

Due to its blood vessel dilating properties, it may also cause blood pressure fluctuations in certain individuals. 

Although this medication has a low risk of side effects, always check with a medical professional before starting Sildenafil. 

Regulation in Professional Sports

Sildenafil has earned quite a reputation in locker rooms. 

Football players like Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall shared that some teammates had discussed its potential performance benefits, while Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson famously admitted to taking it before every game to level up his abilities.

And it’s not just NFL players catching on. MLB players, professional wrestlers, and cyclists have also been buzzing about Sildenafil’s athletic perks. The big question, though, is whether using it in sports is legal.

The good news? For now, athletes optimizing their game with Sildenafil can breathe easy—it’s not on the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) banned substances list, meaning it’s fair game for athletes across professional leagues.

However, this legal status might not last forever. Off-label use for athletic enhancement could lead to future bans, especially if it’s determined that Sildenafil provides an unfair competitive advantage.

Does Sildenafil Actually Boost Athletic Performance?

We’ve dove into the research and explored some of the science behind why athletes may be taking Sildenafil for an extra boost, but does it really work?

The scientific evidence is promising, but it’s not a magic pill that’ll instantly turn you into the next Michael Jordan overnight. That said, there’s solid evidence that Sildenafil has some unique benefits that may boost physical performance in specific ways.

While Sildenafil has compelling athletic benefits, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Most studies focus on specific scenarios, like altitude training or post-workout recovery, so it’s unclear if the benefits extend to all sports or athletes.

The verdict? Sildenafil shows potential, but more clinical trials are needed to fully understand its impact on athletic performance.

Final Thoughts

Sildenafil may not be a magic pill that guarantees record-breaking performances, but it certainly shows promise in boosting athletic abilities. 

From enhancing blood flow and improving altitude performance to speeding up recovery and supporting muscle growth, Sildenafil may offer some impressive perks for athletes.

Although it is not recommended to take Sildenafil recreationally for improving athletic performance, research shows that it may offer a potential edge.

Remember, it is important to only take Sildenafil as prescribed for erectile-enhancement and to thoroughly discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider. This will ensure you are receiving safe and effective treatment for erectile enhancement, and you may even reap some of the athletic benefits like the pros.

How To Get Sildenafil Through BlueChew

Interested in boosting your sexual 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 –  easily cancel or switch plans anytime. 
Click here to explore all plan options for treatments at BlueChew.

FAQs

How does Sildenafil improve athletic performance?

Although athletes and gym-goers may tout some crazy stories about Sildenafil’s benefits for athletic performance, many of these claims are backed by scientific evidence. Research has demonstrated Sildenafil may enhance blood flow, support muscle recovery, improve oxygen delivery, and help with altitude training. Although not FDA-approved for this use, research suggests that it may offer beneficial effects in athletes.

Can Sildenafil help with muscle growth?

Studies show it may be able to boost protein synthesis, potentially leading to increased muscle growth and improved muscle quality.

Is Sildenafil legal in professional sports?

Yes. Sildenafil is not currently banned by the WADA, so athletes can legally use it. However, the FDA has not approved it for enhancing athletic 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.

References

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4. Hsu AR, Barnholt KE, Grundmann NK, Lin JH, McCallum SW, Friedlander AL. Sildenafil Improves Cardiac Output and Exercise Performance During Acute Hypoxia, But Not Normoxia. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2006;100(6):2031-2040. doi:https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00806.2005
5. Kressler J, Stoutenberg M, Roos BA, et al. Sildenafil Does Not Improve Steady State Cardiovascular Hemodynamics, Peak power, or 15-km Time Trial Cycling Performance at Simulated Moderate or High Altitudes in Men and Women. European Journal of Applied Physiology. 2011;111(12):3031-3040. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-011-1930-3
6. Roseguini BT, Hirai DM, Alencar MC, et al. Sildenafil Improves Skeletal Muscle Oxygenation during Exercise in Men with Intermittent Claudication. American Journal of Physiology-regulatory Integrative and Comparative Physiology. 2014;307(4):R396-R404. doi:https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00183.2014
7. Sheffield-Moore M, Wiktorowicz JE, Soman KV, et al. Sildenafil Increases Muscle Protein Synthesis and Reduces Muscle Fatigue. Clinical and Translational Science. 2013;6(6):463-468. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/cts.12121
8. Kim TW, Park SM, Kim BK, Sim YJ, Shin MS. Effects of Sildenafil Citrate on Peripheral Fatigue and Exercise Performance after Exhaustive Swimming Exercise in Rats. Journal of Exercise Rehabilitation. 2019;15(6):751-756. doi:https://doi.org/10.12965/jer.1938712.356
9. Petersen C, Nielsen MD, Andersen ES, et al. MCT1 and MCT4 Expression and Lactate Flux Activity Increase During White and Brown Adipogenesis and Impact Adipocyte Metabolism. Scientific Reports. 2017;7(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-13298-z
10. Menzies P, Menzies C, McIntyre L, Paterson P, Wilson J, Kemi OJ. Blood Lactate Clearance during Active Recovery after an Intense Running Bout Depends on the Intensity of the Active Recovery. Journal of Sports Sciences. 2010;28(9):975-982. doi:https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2010.481721
11. Sessler M. Brandon Marshall: Some Players Use Viagra for “Edge.” NFL.com. Published 2020. Accessed January 4, 2025. https://www.nfl.com/news/brandon-marshall-some-players-use-viagra-for-edge-0ap1000000102577
12. Dator J. Chad Johnson Played Most of His Career While on Viagra: An Investigation. SBNation.com. Published July 29, 2020. https://www.sbnation.com/2020/7/29/21346449/chad-johnson-viagra-nfl-career
13. World Anti-Doping Agency. WORLD ANTI-DOPING CODE INTERNATIONAL STANDARD PROHIBITED LIST 2025.; 2025. Accessed September 29, 2024. https://www.wada-ama.org/sites/default/files/2024-09/2025list_en_final_clean_12_september_2024.pdf
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