Potential Health Benefits of Sildenafil

Most patients have heard of the extensive sex benefits of the little blue pill Viagra (containing the active ingredient sildenafil). But enhancing erections and improving your sex life aren't the only things that sildenafil can do.

Research has demonstrated that sildenafil may have other health benefits, ranging from improving cognition to protecting your heart from damage; this active ingredient has been shown to do quite a bit more than originally expected.

Below, we'll dive into the possible health benefits of sildenafil, explore the research behind these claims, and give you the lowdown on how to get SIL chewables from BlueChew.

Key Takeaways

• Sildenafil may do more than enhance erections by supporting blood flow throughout the body
• Research suggests it may help reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and chronic pain
• Improved circulation may support muscle performance, oxygen delivery, and testosterone levels
• Studies show potential benefits for mood, cognition, and overall mental well-being
• Sildenafil may support heart, urinary tract, nerve, and gastrointestinal health
• While promising, these benefits are still being studied and are not FDA-approved indications

What is the active ingredient Sildenafil?

Originally designed to treat high blood pressure, patients taking sildenafil realized they were also experiencing an amazing benefit in the bedroom: harder, longer-lasting erections.

Shortly after that, PDE5 inhibitors were approved for enhancing erections, and each one has taken the sexual health industry by storm.

How does Sildenafil work?

Sildenafil belongs to a class of medications known as phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors (PDE5Is).

These medications work by blocking the action of an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). This enzyme typically breaks down a molecule called cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), which is crucial for releasing nitric oxide (NO). When NO is released, it helps to dilate blood vessels.

By stopping PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, sildenafil increases NO levels. This uptick in NO relaxes the smooth muscles in blood vessels, resulting in increased blood flow to the penis and other organs and tissues in the body.

What does this mean for you?

From restoring sexual function - to improving skeletal muscle oxygenation - these blood flow-altering properties have extensive benefits that we will explore in more detail next.

Potential Health Benefits

Sildenafil can improve your sexual health while also providing a range of other potential benefits. If you are looking to boost your workouts and muscle growth and improve your mood, this medication has shown promise to deliver.

Reduces inflammation and oxidative stress

Did you know inflammation and oxidative stress are major culprits behind chronic conditions like diabetes, coronary artery disease, and cancer?

Sildenafil has shown results in combating inflammation and oxidative stress.

Research reveals that it helps regulate immune responses by influencing cell processes related to inflammation and cell death. This effect also potentially enhances anti-tumor immunity, reducing the risk of cancers like colon cancer.

Sildenafil can also lower pro-inflammatory markers within just a few hours of use, which could benefit those at risk for cardiovascular diseases.

If you are suffering from an inflammatory condition, looking to lower your risk of cancer, or just want to feel your best, sildenafil may be a great addition to your healthcare routine.

Improves skeletal muscle oxygenation

Oxygen is a crucial fuel for your body. It helps your muscles produce energy, eliminates waste products, and banishes fatigue. The more oxygen delivered to your muscles, the better you can perform.

A 2014 placebo-controlled study demonstrated that sildenafil administration reduced muscle oxygen shortages during exercise in patients with intermittent claudication (leg pain due to poor circulation). In short, the blood vessel dilating properties of sildenafil led to more oxygen-rich blood reaching the muscles that needed it during exertion.

For gym goers, this can be particularly helpful for pushing through tough workouts and providing your muscles with the nutrients they need to grow.

Increases muscle protein synthesis

Want to amp up your gym gains? New research suggests sildenafil might help by boosting muscle protein synthesis, which is crucial for muscle growth.

The researchers found that sildenafil can actually increase muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle fatigue, leading to longer, harder workouts that could improve your muscle growth.

Sildenafil has also been shown to reduce heart rate during exercise. This means you can expect to exercise harder for longer, without hitting your max capacity.

Combined, these effects can lead to serious gains in the gym.

Interested in learning more about the potential benefits of PDE5Is like sildenafil for boosting muscle gains? Check out our blog where we dive into the details.

Increases testosterone

No matter your age, boosting testosterone can provide maximum health benefits for men.

From boosting erections - to increasing sex drive - to restoring hair growth - testosterone plays a vital role in men's health.

Research has found that sildenafil can effectively increase total and free testosterone levels after 3-7 weeks of consistent usage.

But where is this additional testosterone coming from?

Researchers found that these increases were due to sildenafil’s direct effect on the testes, bringing men with low testosterone back to normal levels within 24 weeks.

Low testosterone has also been linked to depression, which may be one of the reasons many men report improvements in their mood after taking sildenafil.

Enhances mood

Have you been feeling down and/or anxious? This could be a result of poor erection quality, stress, or coronary artery disease - all of which may be improved by taking sildenafil.

Animal studies found that sildenafil may have antidepressant effects that enhance mood and protect us from the harmful effects of stress. Research has found it may do so by improving the balance of neurotransmitters in the brain linked to depression (mainly serotonin and noradrenaline). It may also increase testosterone and oxytocin, which have antidepressant and anti-anxiety effects.

If you're grappling with moodiness or stress, sildenafil might give your mental well-being a much-needed boost.

Improves cognitive function

Sildenafil may go beyond just lifting your mood - it could also be a brain booster with some impressive cognitive perks.

Multiple studies have found that sildenafil can improve attention and enhance memory, making it easier to excel at work or daily tasks.

As we age, keeping our minds sharp becomes even more crucial, and research suggests sildenafil could help with that, too. It may prevent the onset of dementia and slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, possibly due to its positive effects on blood flow.

Although more research is needed to draw concrete conclusions, early results have been encouraging.

Reduces chronic pain

Chronic pain can be a real buzzkill - and tackling it can be even tougher.

Shockingly, research has found that sildenafil may help reduce chronic and neuropathic pain. This might be due to its ability to lower the sensitivity of pain pathways in the brain, effectively dialing down those aggravating pain signals.

Improves urinary tract health

Sildenafil isn’t just for your heart and brain—it also has some surprising benefits for urinary tract health.

For patients dealing with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), sildenafil can offer some much-needed relief. It’s been shown to improve urinary tract function, which means fewer trips to the bathroom and a more comfortable experience overall.

Not only that, but it can also enhance kidney function and help protect the kidneys from damage.

Enhances cardiovascular function

sildenafil is definitely a friend when it comes to heart health. From lowering blood pressure to preventing death (yes, you heard that right), this drug is a wonder for the heart.

Reduces blood pressure

Health conditions like high blood pressure may be another avenue sildenafil can improve.

Research has found that sildenafil can effectively lower blood pressure in patients with CHF by 3-6 mmHg. More research demonstrated similar results, with patients with well-controlled hypertension experiencing an 11-17 mmHg reduction in blood pressure.

Prevents cardiac remodeling

Cardiac remodeling can be thought of as how your heart changes in response to exercise or heart issues like high blood pressure or after a heart attack. While working out can make these changes beneficial, injuries to the heart can make things worse.

A 2014 meta-analysis revealed some good news: Sildenafil might help prevent those negative changes in the heart. The study found that sildenafil not only boosts heart function, but also can shrink the size of the heart muscle, especially in patients with severe left ventricular hypertrophy (problematic thickening of the muscle of the left ventricle of the heart).

This suggests that sildenafil may have anti-remodeling benefits, making it a significant win for patients aiming to boost their cardiovascular health.

Prevents damage to the heart

Cardiovascular diseases (congestive heart failure or coronary artery disease) and cardiovascular events (heart attack) can cause significant damage to the heart muscles that can change the way it functions.

Surprisingly, the cardiovascular superstar sildenafil may also play a role in preventing damage to the heart due to its effects on certain channels in the heart (miATP) responsible for energy production.

In an animal study, researchers found that sildenafil administration protected against ischemia-reperfusion injuries both immediately and 24 hours after it was given.

Reduces risk of cardiovascular events

A 2023 study found that patients who took sildenafil had a 13% lower rate of experiencing a cardiovascular event like a stroke, heart failure, or unstable angina. Another 2016 study found that patients also had lower rates of heart attacks.

Even more impressive is that both of these studies found that sildenafil reduced the risk of death (up to 25%) due to a cardiovascular event.

Prevents gastric ulcers

It might seem unusual, but sildenafil could also be a surprising asset to your digestive health.

Research shows that sildenafil boosts nitric oxide (NO) levels, which helps generate new stomach tissue and repair damage to the stomach's lining. This means it can protect your stomach from issues that might lead to ulcers.

In other words, move over antacids - sildenafil might just be your new go-to for keeping your stomach safe and healthy.

Protects nerves and promotes their growth

Nerve damage can be a serious problem, whether caused by viruses, autoimmune issues, or other health problems.

Luckily, sildenafil seems to have a knack for protecting and even regenerating damaged nerves. It’s been shown to stop nerve degeneration and encourage their growth.

In animal studies, it helped repair damaged sciatic nerves, which could be a game-changer for those dealing with sciatic nerve pain.

Similarly, it’s shown promise in treating long-term peripheral neuropathy by boosting blood flow to the nerves and restoring their function.

Final Thoughts

Sildenafil, the active ingredient in brand-name Viagra, may be way more than a way to boost your bedroom performance.

According to peer-reviewed studies, it turns out that sildenafil may have some impressive effects on various aspects of health.

From bolstering heart function and improving cognitive abilities to relieving chronic pain and supporting urinary health, the potential advantages are extensive.

Next time you go to take your sildenafil, remember it's not just about enhancing erections - it's about supporting your well-being and helping you maintain a healthier version of you.

How To Get SIL Through BlueChew

The SIL chewables offered through BlueChew can help boost your sex life and may have other health benefits.

BlueChew makes it easy. Just select a plan, complete an online patient intake, and you’re done. A medical provider will review your information and, if appropriate, prescribe your SIL plan to be shipped directly to your door.

No doctor appointments or patient support charges make it a stress-free experience.

Multiple PDE5 inhibitor treatment options exist, so you can select the PDE5 inhibitor that best fits your needs.

With plans starting as low as $20 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.

FAQ

How can sildenafil improve my health?

Although not FDA approved for these uses, according to research, sildenafil may have protective properties for the heart and nerves, reduce blood pressure, improve lower urinary tract symptoms associated with BPH, reduce symptoms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, improve mood and cognitive function, and increase testosterone and muscle synthesis.

What are the potential side effects of sildenafil?

Although clinical trials have proven sildenafil is safe and effective in treating erectile dysfunction, like other prescription drugs, it does carry the risk of some side effects.

Common side effects include nasal congestion, facial flushing, and headache. More serious side effects include a sudden decrease in vision, prolonged erection, and irregular heartbeat. If you experience any of these side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Sildenafil can interact with other medications, especially those that lower blood pressure (amyl nitrate or alpha-blockers).

It's crucial to note that individuals with certain medical conditions, such as sickle cell anemia or retinitis pigmentosa, may not be able to tolerate sildenafil. To ensure this medication is safe for you, it's always best to speak with a healthcare professional.

Never mix sildenafil with recreational drugs, as this can cause a serious problem, such as dangerously low blood pressure.

Are there any other potential benefits of sildenafil?

Although not FDA-approved for these uses, sildenafil has been shown to improve jet lag, symptoms of mountain sickness, and Raynaud's phenomenon.

Which PDE5 inhibitor is best for me?

Different PDE5 inhibitors may be ideal for different individuals. Discussing your precise needs with a healthcare provider is crucial in determining which PDE5 inhibitor is right for you.

In general:

• Sildenafil is ideal for patients looking for on-demand erection enhancement (starts working in as little as 30 minutes) for a special occasion (lasting 4-6 hours). It does interact with certain foods, so if avoiding fatty meals before sexual intercourse is a problem, another medication may be a better choice.
• Vardenafil is best for patients looking for a quick onset of action (as little as 10 minutes, although 30 minutes is closer to the average) and a shorter duration of action (usually 4-6 hours), which means it is perfect for when you need erection-enhancement in a pinch during a date night or night out. It is also more selective than sildenafil, so it may be a good choice if you experience side effects from sildenafil treatment.
• Tadalafil is best for daily use or on-demand coverage for patients who are looking for an extended timeframe to enhance their erections. This medication lasts 24-36 hours, so if you're planning a romantic weekend getaway, this may be your ticket to an elevated experience.

Although these are some general thoughts to consider, it may also come down to patient preference and which medication agrees with your unique system the best. Check out our blog post where we get into more details comparing the three top PDE5 inhibitors here.

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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