Key takeaways:

  • Harder erections rely on healthy blood flow, hormone balance, and nervous system function.
  • Regular exercise and modest weight loss can improve erection firmness within weeks.
  • High-quality sleep, especially REM, is directly linked to testosterone levels, arousal, and erectile firmness.
  • Cutting out alcohol and quitting smoking may lead to harder erections in just a few weeks.
  • Medications like BlueChew work in as little as 30 minutes, offering the fastest support for getting noticeably harder erections.

Let’s be real—getting a rock-solid erection isn’t always easy. Even though it’s totally normal to have an off night now and then, struggling with erection firmness regularly can mess with your confidence, your sex life, and your performance in the bedroom.

The good news? You’ve got options

From boosting your fitness routine to upping your sleep quality, there are science-backed ways to enhance your erection hardness quickly.

The best part is that combining lifestyle changes with prescription-strength medications like the ones from BlueChew may be one of the easiest, most effective, and fastest ways to get the hardest erections of your life.

Below, we’re breaking down the top 6 ways to get harder erections quickly—plus everything you need to know about how to access chewable erectile enhancement treatments through BlueChew.

woman holding black bluechew pouch for enhanced sexual performance
Hormones, blood flow, and nerve function can impact your erection quality. 

Understanding Erectile Function

Getting an erection might seem like a simple process, but it actually involves a coordinated effort between your brain, blood vessels, hormones, and nerves. 

When you’re aroused, your brain signals your body to increase blood flow to the penis. At the same time, muscles relax to allow that blood to flow in and stay there—leading to a firmer, longer-lasting erection. Disruptions in any part of this process can lead to erection issues or difficulty maintaining firmness.

One of the most significant factors behind weaker erections is reduced blood flow, which can happen due to things like high blood pressure, poor circulation, or even lifestyle habits like smoking or lack of exercise. 

Based on research, healthy vascular function and a balanced neurohormonal system are key to achieving hard erections.

That’s why improving your physical health and using erection-enhancing medications (when appropriate) can make a big difference. 

When your body and mind work in sync, it’s much easier to get and stay hard. 

Here are the top 6 ways to get harder erections fast:

1. Start Exercising

If you’re looking for a natural way to enhance your erections, start by moving your body. 

Regular exercise—especially aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming—can significantly improve erection hardness by boosting blood flow, lowering inflammation, and supporting healthy testosterone levels.

In fact, a 2017 meta-analysis found that moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise performed four times per week was associated with improved erectile hardness in men after only 8 weeks. Another 2023 study confirmed that physically active men consistently reported better erection quality compared to sedentary individuals.

Because erections and your cardiovascular system are highly interconnected, exercising won’t just help your erections—it also helps your heart. Physical activity supports endothelial function (which controls blood vessel dilation), and according to research, healthy endothelial function is critical for getting firm erections. 

Plus, strength training and high-intensity workouts may support natural testosterone production, which plays a key role in arousal and hardness of erections.

A man lifting a barbell in a gym, demonstrating the benefits of strength training and exercise for erectile health.
Exercising may improve erectile hardness, particularly aerobic activities like running, cycling, and swimming.

2. Lose Weight

Carrying excess weight doesn’t just affect your energy or confidence—it can have a major impact on your ability to get and maintain solid erections. 

Research shows that obesity is strongly linked to reduced erection quality, lower testosterone levels, and impaired blood flow. According to a 2023 review, obesity disrupts hormonal balance, damages blood vessels, and promotes inflammation—all of which interfere with the hardness of your erections.

Fortunately, losing weight may be able to improve your erectile hardness, and potentially faster than you would think. A 2020 study found that intentional weight loss can improve sexual satisfaction and reduce erectile issues in men with obesity.

In a landmark 2004 study, overweight men with erection issues who lost just 10% of their body weight through diet and exercise experienced significant improvements in erection firmness and sexual function. Although this study was performed over a two-year period, according to the Obesity Action Coalition, losing weight may improve erectile hardness in as little as 2 months.

Although losing weight may seem like a long-term solution (which it is), for individuals on groundbreaking weight loss medications like Ozempic, faster weight loss may also potentially lead to quicker improvements in erectile hardness.

3. Improve Sleep Quality

When it comes to getting harder erections, it’s not just about how much you sleep you get—but how well you sleep. Both sleep quantity and quality play a major role in testosterone production, vascular function, and sexual performance, ultimately impacting how hard your erections are.

A 2022 study found that men experiencing erectile issues had significantly lower amounts of deep sleep, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, and total sleep time compared to those without issues. Translation: the less restorative your sleep is, the more likely you are to have trouble getting or keeping a hard erection.

Poor sleep also impacts hormone levels. In one 2011 study, healthy young men who were restricted to 5 hours of sleep per night for only one week saw their daytime testosterone levels drop by 10% to 15%—an effect more dramatic than what’s typically seen with normal aging. Lower testosterone has been directly linked to reduced erectile function, particularly hardness.

Fortunately, improving your sleep quality and quantity may be able to turn things around pretty quickly. A 2023 study found that men with erectile issues experienced significant improvements in nocturnal penile tumescence (NPT) parameters after just one night of better sleep. The study utilized objective sleep monitors and observed that enhancements in REM sleep duration and reductions in wake after sleep onset were closely associated with improved erectile function the following night.

Another crucial fix to getting harder erections quickly – if you snore or have untreated sleep apnea, that could be contributing too. A 2020 review found that men with obstructive sleep apnea who used CPAP machines not only slept better but also reported improved erectile function, more frequent nighttime erections, and higher overall sexual satisfaction. Studies have shown that men using CPAP machines have had improvements in erectile function in as little as 3 months.

A couple embracing and sharing a kiss while lying in bed demonstrating how better sleep can improve your erections
Improving sleep quality may enhance erectile hardness, particularly in men with sleep apnea.

4. Limit or Quit Drinking Alcohol

A drink here and there is no big deal—but when it comes to erection quality, too much alcohol can quickly become a problem. A 2020 study emphasized that both psychological and physiological effects of alcohol can reduce arousal and interfere with your sexual response. This is because alcohol is a depressant, meaning it slows down the nervous system, interferes with hormone production, and reduces blood flow—all of which are critical for achieving and maintaining hard erections.

A 2018 study found that 58% of men with alcohol dependence reported some form of sexual dysfunction, including reduced erection firmness. The severity of these issues was strongly associated with the duration and amount of alcohol consumption, as in the more they drank and the more often they did so, the worse their erection hardness was.

More recent research supports these findings. A 2021 review noted that chronic alcohol use impairs the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, which regulates testosterone and also contributes to vascular dysfunction—two major pathways affecting erection quality. 

Fortunately, improvements can happen fast. Some research suggests that men may notice better erection hardness within 2 to 3 weeks of cutting back or quitting alcohol, especially if they’re otherwise healthy. The less you drink, the more responsive your body may be to arousal and stimulation.

5. Quit Smoking

Lighting up might feel like a stress reliever, but smoking is one of the fastest ways to sabotage your erection quality. It damages blood vessels, reduces nitric oxide availability (which is essential for blood flow to the penis), and accelerates vascular aging—all of which can lead to weaker erections.

A 2005 study found that men who smoked had significantly higher rates of erection issues compared to non-smokers and that the severity increased with the number of cigarettes smoked per day. The good news? Quitting helped. Men who stopped smoking for even a short time showed improvement in erection quality, particularly those who didn’t already have severe vascular damage.

A 2015 review also confirmed that smoking cessation improves erection firmness in many cases, especially in younger men or those without major chronic conditions. Similarly, a 2014 study reported that smokers had higher rates of erection-related concerns and lower sexual satisfaction than non-smokers—but also noted that those who quit often regained normal function over time.

open satchel of bluechew sildenafil tablets for stronger erections
Erectile-enhancing medications can provide harder erections in as little as 30 minutes.

6. Start Using Erectile Enhancing Medications

The fastest way to get harder erections? Using prescription-strength erectile enhancing medications—especially if you’re looking to get noticeably harder erections

That’s where options like BlueChew come in.

BlueChew offers compounded chewable erectile-enhancing medications that contain the same active ingredients found in medications like Viagra, Cialis, and Levitra. These active ingredients are PDE5 inhibitors, well-studied and proven medications that increase blood flow to the penis, which directly results in harder erections. They take effect in as little as 30 minutes and can last between 24-36 hours, depending on the active ingredient chosen. 

Fortunately, research shows the cause of weaker erections may not matter in how quickly these medications can improve erectile hardness. A 2013 review found that PDE5 inhibitors significantly improved erection hardness on the first dose, even in men with longstanding issues.

Another study found that Sildenafil improved erection hardness scores in a majority of users over the course of 10 weeks—especially those with moderate to severe erection issues. So, for men with persistent problems, these medications may provide relatively quick, significant changes.

Final Thoughts

Getting harder, longer-lasting erections doesn’t always require major life changes—but it does require consistency. 

Whether you’re starting with small improvements in sleep, cutting back on alcohol, or looking into prescription-strength erectile enhancement medications like those from BlueChew, every positive change adds up.

The fastest way to get harder erections? Combining science-backed habits with proven prescription treatments. And with BlueChew, it’s easier than ever to get safe and effective support from licensed medical providers to enhance your erectile hardness—all from the comfort of your home.

How To Get Erection-Enhancing Medications from BlueChew

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

BlueChew makes it easy to get an erection-enhancing medication that fits your needs. 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.

single bluechew tablet for erectile dysfunction
BlueChew contains the same active ingredients as Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis at a fraction of the cost.

FAQs

How long does it take to get harder erections after making lifestyle changes?

 It depends on the change. Some people see improvements in as little as a few days (like better sleep), while weight loss or quitting smoking may take a few weeks to show results.

Can I combine lifestyle changes with BlueChew medications?

Absolutely. In fact, combining healthy habits with prescription medications may offer the best chance at getting—and maintaining—your hardest erections.

How quickly do BlueChew’s medications work?

Most users feel effects within 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the active ingredient and individual response.

Is it normal to occasionally have trouble getting hard?

Yes—occasional issues are totally normal. But if it’s happening regularly, making a few lifestyle upgrades or exploring treatment options can help.

What’s the difference between BlueChew and other erectile-enhancement medications?

BlueChew offers compounded chewable tablets with the same active ingredients found in Viagra, Levitra, and Cialis. Advantages include a convenient online process, discreet shipping, lower cost, and no need for an in-person doctor visit.

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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  3. 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
  4. Allen MS. Physical Activity as an Adjunct Treatment for Erectile Dysfunction. Nature Reviews Urology. 2019;16(9):553-562. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-019-0210-6
  5. Liu Y, Hu X, Xiong M, et al. Association of BMI with Erectile Dysfunction: A Cross-Sectional Study of Men from an Andrology Clinic. Front Endocrinol. 2023;14. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2023.1135024
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  7. Esposito K, Giugliano F, Di Palo C, et al. Effect of Lifestyle Changes on Erectile Dysfunction in Obese Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial. JAMA. 2004;291(24):2978-2984. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.291.24.2978
  8. Boyce S. Men: Is Obesity Affecting Your Sex Life? Obesity Action Coalition. Published June 2014. https://www.obesityaction.org/resources/men-is-obesity-affecting-your-sex-life/
  9. Wu X, Zhang Y, Zhang W, et al. The Association Between Erectile Dysfunction and Sleep Parameters: Data from a Prospective, Controlled Cohort. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2022;19(9):1387-1396. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.07.002
  10. Leproult R, Van Cauter E. Effect of 1 Week of Sleep Restriction on Testosterone Levels in Young Healthy Men. JAMA. 2011;305(21):2173. doi:https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.710
  11. Rajfer J. Relationship Between Testosterone and Erectile Dysfunction. Reviews in Urology. 2014;2(2):122. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1476110/
  12. Zhang Y, Zhang W, Feng X, et al. Association between Sleep Quality and Nocturnal Erection Monitor by RigiScan in Erectile Dysfunction Patients: A Prospective Study Using Fitbit Charge 2. Basic and Clinical Andrology. 2023;33(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12610-023-00206-x
  13. Andersen ML, Tufik S. A Review of Sleep Disturbance and Sexual Function: The Effect of Sleep Apnea on Erectile Function. Current Sleep Medicine Reports. 2020;6. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s40675-020-00171-1
  14. Husnu T, Ersoz A, Bulent E, et al. Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome and Erectile Dysfunction: Does Long Term Continuous Positive Airway Pressure Therapy Improve Erections? African Health Sciences. 2015;15(1):171-171. doi:https://doi.org/10.4314/ahs.v15i1.23
  15. Julian TH, Syeed R, Glascow N, Zis P. Alcohol-Induced Autonomic Dysfunction: A Systematic Review. Clinical Autonomic Research. 2019;30(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s10286-019-00618-8
  16. Prabhakaran D, Nisha A, Varghese Pj. Prevalence and Correlates of Sexual Dysfunction in Male Patients with Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: A Cross-Sectional Study. Indian Journal of Psychiatry. 2018;60(1):71. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/psychiatry.indianjpsychiatry_42_17
  17. Li S, Song JM, Zhang K, Zhang CL. A Meta-Analysis of Erectile Dysfunction and Alcohol Consumption. Urologia Internationalis. 2021;105(11-12):969-985. doi:https://doi.org/10.1159/000508171
  18. Karunakaran A, Michael JP. The Impact of Abstinence From Alcohol on Erectile Dysfunction: A Prospective Follow up in Patients With Alcohol Use Disorder. The Journal of Sexual Medicine. 2022;19(4):581-589. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2022.01.517
  19. McVARY KT, CARRIER S, WESSELLS H. SMOKING AND ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION: EVIDENCE BASED ANALYSIS. Journal of Urology. 2001;166(5):1624-1632. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0022-5347(05)65641-8
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  21. Kovac JR, Labbate C, Ramasamy R, Tang D, Lipshultz LI. Effects of Cigarette Smoking on Erectile Dysfunction. Andrologia. 2014;47(10):1087-1092. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/and.12393
  22. Mulhall J, Creanga D, Stecher V. Improvement in Erection Hardness and Intercourse Success with First Dose of Sildenafil Citrate 100 Mg. International Journal of General Medicine. 2013;(6):849. doi:https://doi.org/10.2147/ijgm.s45449
  23. Ströberg P, Kaminetsky JC, Park NC, Goldfischer ER, Creanga DL, Stecher VJ. Hardness, Function, Emotional Well-Being, Satisfaction and the Overall Sexual Experience in Men Using 100-mg Fixed-Dose or Flexible-Dose Sildenafil Citrate. International Journal of Impotence Research. 2010;22(4):284-289. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/ijir.2010.17
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