BLUECHEW blog

We’ve all heard about the endless benefits of PDE5 inhibitors for your performance in the bedroom, but what about its unexpected benefits in the gym?

Although not FDA-approved for this use, recently, erection-enhancing medications (known as PDE5 inhibitors) have been gaining attention as a pre-workout supplement. This is due to their ability to dilate blood vessels, improve blood flow, and potential to maximize gym performance and pump up muscle gains.

Does it sound too good to be true? We’ll let the research speak for itself as we examine the hype surrounding the potential use of PDE5 inhibitors as a pre-workout. 

Once you’ve seen the possible benefits, we’ll discuss how to access these impressive erection-enhancing medications (which may also enhance your workouts) through BlueChew’s online telehealth platform.

How BlueChew Works: The Science

Before we discuss the reasons why PDE5 inhibitors may be your new favorite pre-workout, let’s examine exactly how these medications work to better understand the potential exercise benefits.

BlueChew’s medications belong to a class of drugs known as phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5) inhibitors. These medications work by inhibiting the action of an important enzyme that lines the body’s blood vessels, PDE5. When this enzyme can’t do its job, it leads to a buildup of specific chemical messengers that play a crucial role in the dilation (widening) of blood vessels, mainly cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and nitric oxide (NO).

When these chemical messengers build up in the bloodstream, it leads to increased dilation of the vessels. The wider your vessels, the better blood can flow through them (think about water running through a straw vs. a hose; way more water can come out of the hose and much faster).

Because there are high concentrations of PDE5 in the vessels that line the penis, these medications work great to increase blood flow to the penis for harder erections. However, PDE5 lines all the body’s vessels and is also found in high concentrations in the brain and lungs. 

Increasing blood flow to these areas during your workout may enhance oxygen delivery to muscles for a better pump, increase oxygen exchange in your lungs for improved cardiovascular performance, and better muscle recovery due to improved nutrient delivery and waste elimination.

We’ll get into the details below.

Benefits of Using PDE5 Inhibitors as a Pre-Workout

Although it may seem strange, using PDE5 inhibitors as a pre-workout has some substantial research to back it up. This largely comes down to the medication’s ability to improve blood flow, which may result in a range of potential workout benefits.

Increased Exercise Tolerance

We’ve all been there—mid-set, killing it, and then boom—your muscles tap out. They’re practically screaming for oxygen, burning, and your body just can’t keep going. When oxygen delivery to your muscles can’t keep up with the demand, muscle fatigue hits like a freight train, cutting your gains short.

This is where BlueChew may come in. Thanks to its vasodilatory effects, it opens up your blood vessels, letting blood and oxygen flow freely to your muscles. 

Translation? You’re less likely to run out of gas halfway through your set, which means you can crush more reps, push past plateaus, and walk out of the gym feeling like a beast.

A 2002 study found that Sildenafil helped patients with congestive heart failure work out longer and harder, increasing their exercise time, distance, and even maximum oxygen consumption. Similarly, a 2007 study found men with heart failure and pulmonary arterial hypertension saw boosted exercise capacity and an improved quality of life from taking Sildenafil.

But do these improvements translate over to the healthy gym-goers trying to push their limits? Good news—research says yes. 

One study showed that even in healthy men, Sildenafil enhanced exercise capacity during short periods of low oxygen (like high-altitude training or sprints). This boost was especially noticeable during intense workouts, where the medication helped delay exhaustion and reduce lactate buildup—that nasty stuff responsible for the burn that makes your muscles quit before your brain does.

The bottom line? BlueChew might boost your bedroom performance and be your secret weapon for outlasting the burn, training harder, and crushing your fitness goals.

Why Are Athletes Taking Sildenafil (Viagra) For An Extra Boost?

Boosts Muscle Function

If you want to crush your workouts, your muscles need to be firing on all cylinders. 

Top-notch muscle performance relies on a mix of factors—proper blood flow, the right proteins working behind the scenes to dilate blood vessels, and your body’s ability to meet the energy demands of intense exercise.

This is where short-acting PDE5 inhibitors, like chewable Sildenafil or Vardenafil, come into play. Researchers have found that daily use of these medications can ramp up your body’s ability to build muscle protein, tweak protein expression for increased nitric oxide levels (crucial for maximum blood flow), and reduce fatigue in skeletal muscle.

What’s more, these medications may help minimize muscle damage during those grueling sessions, meaning less recovery time and more time chasing gains.

All-in-all, this may result in better muscle function so you can up your reps, boost your gains, and maximize your workouts.

Improved Muscle Recovery

Nobody wants to be sidelined by post-workout soreness. The faster you recover, the sooner you can get back in the gym. That’s where PDE5 inhibitors, like the ones offered by BlueChew, may offer an unexpected edge.

Research has found that the improved blood flow from PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil doesn’t just boost performance during exercise—it also kicks recovery into high gear. By enhancing nutrient delivery and speeding up the clearance of lactic acid (the culprit behind that burning sensation during workouts), these medications can help reduce muscle soreness and improve overall recovery.

In one study, acute Sildenafil administration reduced gastrocnemius (calf muscle) deoxygenation during exercise by up to 41% during submaximal effort and 34% at peak performance. This means your muscles get more oxygen during the easier reps and when you’re pushing yourself to the limit, helping them recover more effectively.

Other findings have shown that PDE5 inhibitors enhance skeletal muscle microvascular function and oxygenation, both at rest and during recovery. This is thanks to their ability to amplify nitric oxide (NO) signaling, which is crucial in maintaining healthy blood flow and supporting muscle repair.

The result? Potentially better recovery, less downtime, and the ability to hit the gym harder, sooner.

Potential Muscle Growth Support

The formula for building muscle is simple: the better your muscles contract, the bigger they can grow. 

Science shows that Sildenafil doesn’t just improve blood flow—it also enhances calcium movement in muscle cells. Why is this a big deal? Calcium plays a crucial role in muscle contraction, and more efficient calcium delivery may mean stronger, more sustained contractions.

Stronger muscle contractions translate directly to better workouts. When your muscles are firing on all cylinders, you may be able to push harder, lift heavier, and ultimately trigger more growth. This boost in muscle activity may significantly increase hypertrophy, helping you turn those reps into real results.

And that’s not the only way these medications can support muscle growth. A 2013 study found that daily administration of Sildenafil increased muscle protein synthesis and altered the expression of key proteins involved in muscle growth. This means Sildenafil may be able to give you an extra edge in building muscle after a workout, setting the stage for serious gains.

PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil also enhance nitric oxide-cyclic GMP signaling—a process that’s crucial for your muscles to function at their best. This signaling impacts everything from excitation-contraction coupling (how your muscles start and sustain contractions) to myofibrillar function and overall muscle metabolism. In simpler terms, these medications may help your muscles contract better and grow bigger, potentially making each workout more effective.

How to Use PDE5 Inhibitors for Gym Gains

While BlueChew’s medications have not received FDA approval for pre-workout use and are not prescribed by BlueChew for this purpose, research indicates that they may improve gym performance while enhancing erections.

To get the most out of PDE5 inhibitors for gym gains, keep the following in mind:

1. Timing

Research shows that the medication takes 30 to 60 minutes to exert its effects on erections. Similarly, taking the medication 30 to 60 minutes before your workout will give the medication time to work its magic. This will ensure peak blood flow-boosting effects when you’re ready to hit the weights. 

2. Combine with your routine

PDE5 inhibitors are not a magic shortcut to gains—they’re a possible tool to complement your existing workout regimen. Keep crushing your fitness routine, and think of these medications as a potential way to maximize the effort you’re already putting in for better results. 

3. Dosage

Start with a low dose of PDE5 inhibitors to gauge your tolerance. Watch for side effects like headaches, flushing, or lightheadedness. The higher your dose, the higher the risk of side effects, so starting low can help you avoid any unwanted issues. Log any side effects you experience so you can find the optimal dose for you and discuss them with your physician. 

4. Choose the right medication

There are multiple options for PDE5 inhibitors (Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil), all of which can enhance blood flow. However, every athlete’s response to each medication can vary. This is why choosing the right medication is important to maximize your benefits. 

For men looking for consistent performance enhancement (possibly in the gym and definitely in the bedroom), plus the nutritional support needed for muscle growth, DailyTAD is a standout choice. This chewable multivitamin packs 9 mg of Tadalafil along with seven essential nutrients, offering a dual-action approach: enhanced blood flow and the building blocks for healthy muscle growth—all in one convenient tablet.

Interested in learning more about the different medications BlueChew offers? Check out our guide here. 

Final Thoughts

Taking a PDE5 inhibitor, like the ones offered by BlueChew, as a pre-workout might sound unconventional, but the science suggests it may be more than just hype. From boosting blood flow and improving muscle contractions to enhancing recovery, these medications may give you an unexpected edge in the gym and the bedroom. 

BlueChew does not recommend the use of our medications as a pre-workout, nor do we prescribe it for this use, but research has demonstrated it may provide unintended benefits in the gym when taken as prescribed for sexual performance enhancement.

How To Get PDE5 Inhibitors Through BlueChew

Interested in boosting your 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

Why does increased blood flow improve workouts?

Getting in a good workout is all about giving your muscles the oxygen they need to keep going and growing. When you take a PDE5 inhibitor, you will experience increased vasodilation (widening of the vessels), allowing for better blood flow to the tissues. The more oxygen delivered to the muscles, the longer you may be able to exercise without experiencing fatigue and the faster waste can be eliminated to prevent muscle burn (lactic acid buildup) and soreness.

Are there any side effects of using PDE5 inhibitors as a pre-workout?

Although the science is promising, BlueChew does not recommend taking PDE5 inhibitors as a pre-workout. 

When taken for erection enhancement, they can cause side effects. Common side effects include headache, flushing, muscle or back pain, and indigestion. Other side effects include low blood pressure and changes in vision or hearing. These side effects are much more rare, but if you experience them, contact your medical provider immediately or seek emergency medical treatment.

Is BlueChew a pre-workout supplement?

No. The medications offered by BlueChew are compounded prescription medications that contain the same active ingredients as the FDA-approved medications Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. These medications are prescribed for erection-enhancement. 

Although there is scientific evidence supporting BlueChew’s use as a pre-workout supplement, it is not FDA-approved for this use and is not prescribed for this indication. This article is not medical advice. Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any new medications, including BlueChew, to ensure your safety.

Featured image photo credit @shirlwalter

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

1. Dhaliwal A, Gupta M. PDE5 Inhibitor. PubMed. Published 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549843/
2. GOTO C, NISHIOKA K, UMEMURA T, et al. Acute Moderate-Intensity Exercise Induces Vasodilation Through an Increase in Nitric Oxide Bioavailiability in Humans. American Journal of Hypertension. 2007;20(8):825-830. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjhyper.2007.02.014
3. Bocchi EA, GuimarãesG, Mocelin A, Bacal F, Bellotti G, RamiresJF. Sildenafil Effects on Exercise, Neurohormonal Activation, and Erectile Dysfunction in Congestive Heart Failure. Circulation. 2002;106(9):1097-1103. doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/01.cir.0000027149.83473.b6
4. Lewis GD, Shah RV, Shahzad K, et al. Sildenafil Improves Exercise Capacity and Quality of Life in Patients with Systolic Heart Failure and Secondary Pulmonary Hypertension. Circulation. 2007;116(14):1555-1562. doi:https://doi.org/10.1161/circulationaha.107.716373
5. Faoro V, Lamotte M, Deboeck G, et al. Effects of Sildenafil on Exercise Capacity in Hypoxic Normal Subjects. High Altitude Medicine & Biology. 2007;8(2):155-163. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/ham.2007.1058
6. 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
7. Batra A, Vohra R, Chrzanowski SM, et al. Effects of PDE5 Inhibition on Dystrophic Muscle following an Acute Bout of Downhill Running and Endurance Training. Journal of Applied Physiology. 2019;126(6):1737-1745. doi:https://doi.org/10.1152/japplphysiol.00664.2018
8. Belbis MD, Yap Z, Hobart SE, Ferguson SK, Hirai DM. Effects of Acute Phosphodiesterase Type 5 Inhibition on Skeletal Muscle Interstitial PO2 during Contractions and Recovery. Nitric Oxide. 2023;142:16-25. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.niox.2023.11.004
9. 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
10. Huang M, Lee KJ, Kim KJ, et al. The Maintenance Ability and Ca2+ Availability of Skeletal Muscle Are Enhanced by Sildenafil. Experimental & Molecular Medicine. 2016;48(12):e278. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/emm.2016.134