Published by Dr. Nicolette Natale
•
10 min read
In the world of men's health, few things have made as significant of an impact as the little blue pill.
If you've heard of Viagra (Sildenafil), you're already familiar with one of the most well-known PDE5 inhibitors, a class of medications that have revolutionized the men's sexual enhancement world.
But Sildenafil is just the beginning. Vardenafil (Levitra) and Tadalafil (Cialis) - two other powerful PDE5 inhibitors - have the same mechanism of action (cause erections the same way), but work faster and longer than the original erection-boosting tablet.
In this blog post, we'll explore the science behind PDE5 inhibitors, discuss the common medications on the market - and how they can be your key to experiencing more satisfying intimate experiences. Plus, we'll give you the rundown on how to easily get the PDE5 inhibitor of your choice through BlueChew.
PDE5 inhibitors dilate vessels and enhance blood flow for better erections.
Interestingly, PDE5 inhibitors weren't originally designed to enhance erections. They were being tested for their use in treating high blood pressure and chest pain when men started noticing some seriously exciting unintended effects - harder and longer-lasting erections.
Shortly after that, PDE5 inhibitors were approved for enhancing erections, and each one has taken the sexual health industry by storm.
These medications work by blocking the action of an important enzyme known as phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE5). When PDE5 is blocked, it leads to the build-up of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), a molecule in the body responsible for releasing nitric oxide (NO). When NO is released, it helps to dilate blood vessels.
By stopping PDE5 from breaking down cGMP, these medications increase NO levels. This uptick in NO relaxes vascular smooth muscle cells, dilating blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow to the penis. And increased blood flow to the penis is exactly what causes an erection.
What does this mean for you?
When you take PDE5 inhibitors and experience sexual stimulation, it's easier to get and maintain a hard, long-lasting erection.
Plus, compared to other erection-enhancing treatments like injections, vacuum pumps, and penile implants, these medications make it simple and discreet to achieve the erection of your dreams every time.
With the invention of the original PDE5 inhibitor Sildenafil (Viagra), researchers became interested in discovering how they could alter or tailor this medication to fit the varying sexual needs of men.
Some men needed faster-acting medications, others required the effects to last longer, and still others wanted to eat what they wanted before popping a PDE5 inhibitor to make it even more convenient.
Below, we'll explore the most popular PDE5 inhibitors, discuss some of their highlights and key differences, and give you the scoop on who each medication is best for.
Sildenafil was the first PDE5 inhibitor to get FDA approval for enhancing erections.
Sildenafil is the first PDE5 inhibitor to come on the market, gaining its FDA approval for enhancing erections in 1998. Since then, it has undergone rigorous clinical trials to ensure its safety. Researchers found that this medication was not only incredibly safe but also highly effective at improving the quality of erections in up to 77% of men.
For enhancing erections, BlueChew offers Sildenafil in two doses: 30 mg and 45 mg. Research has shown the effects kick in in as little as 30 minutes to 1 hour and can last between 4 to 6 hours.
The absorption of Sildenafil is dependent on the amount of food in your stomach. In particular, fatty food can make it take longer for the medication to start working. Sildenafil is best absorbed on an empty stomach, so it is recommended to take it before a meal or at least 3 hours after eating. It can also interact with alcohol, so try avoiding that cocktail before rolling in the hay.
The Sildenafil offered by BlueChew is a chewable compounded medication. Compounded medications are specially tailored to meet men's unique needs. BlueChew's Sildenafil chewables were custom-made based on the advice of medical professionals specializing in men's sexual health to provide you with a tailored treatment to enhance erections.
In fact, research has shown that chewable PDE5 inhibitors may have a quicker onset of action (work faster) and may even work better (because of how finely they are broken down upon chewing) than the pill form.
Who is Sildenafil best for?
Sildenafil is perfect for men who want a quick and flexible solution to boosting erections.
Its rapid onset of action (30 minutes to 1 hour) and short duration (4 to 6 hours) make it an excellent choice for spontaneous date nights or special occasions. Additionally, since it’s used on-demand, you don’t need to commit to a daily routine—just take it when you want an extra boost for those memorable moments.
BlueChew offers Vardenafil in an 8 mg dose in a refreshing minty flavor. This dosage was specifically chosen to meet the needs of busy men looking for a strong and simple PDE5 inhibitor to enhance their erections.
Vardenafil (Levitra) is similar to Sildenafil (Viagra) in the timing of onset (30 minutes to 1 hour) and duration of action (4 to 6 hours), but where it significantly differs is in its strength and selectivity.
Vardenafil is a more selective PDE5 inhibitor. This means it targets PDE5, the enzyme primarily found in the penis, more precisely. This selectivity reduces the likelihood of specific side effects associated with other PDE types, such as PDE4 and PDE6, which are present in higher concentrations in the lungs and eyes (reducing the risk of changes in color vision).
Additionally, Vardenafil is nearly ten times more potent at inhibiting PDE5 than Sildenafil. As a result, a lower dose of Vardenafil is needed to achieve similar erection-enhancing effects.
Similar to Sildenafil, absorption of Vardenafil is dependent on the amount of food in your stomach and can be impacted by fatty foods, so it's best to avoid those burgers and fries before your big date night.
Who is Vardenafil best for?
Vardenafil is ideal for men who need a potent and precise medication for enhancing erections. It's particularly a great choice for men who have tried other options without achieving ideal results or are looking for a stronger, more targeted approach.
Plus, it has been shown to work in as little as ten minutes for some men, so if you're in a hurry to get to the bedroom, Vardenafil may be a perfect solution.
Tadalafil has the longest duration of action of any PDE5 inhibitor, lasting between 24-36 hours.
When Tadalafil (Cialis) gained its FDA approval in 2008, men were blown away by its extended duration of action, with its effects lasting for an impressive 24 to 36 hours.
This means men taking Tadalafil can expect harder, longer-lasting erections around the clock.
For the first time, the pressure of a short time frame to take advantage of the erection-enhancing effects of PDE5I's was over, and spontaneity became the star of the bedroom.
BlueChew offers Tadalafil in a 6 mg or 9 mg dosage in chewable tablet form. These dosages are specifically designed for men with differing needs, with tailored doses carefully selected by BlueChew's erectile function experts.
Compared to Sildenafil and Vardenafil, an important benefit of Tadalafil is that it does not significantly interact with food, which may make it easier to take on your terms.
Who is Tadalafil best for?
Tadalafil is ideal for men who want to keep things flexible and spontaneous.
Thanks to its extended duration of action, you’re covered for up to 36 hours, allowing you to enjoy intimate moments without worrying about timing. It’s perfect for men who prefer a bit more leeway in their schedule and want to enhance their erections without the need for constant planning. Another added benefit is Tadalafil doesn’t interact with food, so you can take it with or without a meal—whatever suits your plans.
For a more laid-back approach to intimacy that doesn’t require precise timing, Tadalafil is a great option.
PDE5 inhibitors may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
It might come as a surprise that these medications are not only packed with benefits for your erections, but also for your health. Plus, their ease of use will have you singing their praises for simplifying your sex life.
Besides making waves as a sex med, PDE5 inhibitors have been shown to improve health conditions, including pulmonary arterial hypertension (sold under the brand name Revatio), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and premature ejaculation (PE). Research has also found that their powerful blood flow-enhancing properties may play a role in improving cognition, exercise capacity, and muscle growth. They may also banish inflammation, balance your hormones, reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease, and improve your mood.
Interested in learning more about the potential health benefits of PDE5 inhibitors? Check out our blog .
In terms of your sexual health, PDE5 inhibitors are complete rock stars in transforming your bedroom performance into a standing ovation performance. Research has proven their effectiveness at improving your erections (boosting hardness and maintenance), increasing your control over ejaculation, and enhancing your orgasms.
But that's not all. These changes in your erectile function can also lead to boosted confidence and self-esteem, enhanced sexual desire for you (and your partner), and result in overall improvements in your quality of life and in your relationship satisfaction.
We take a deep dive into some of the impressive sexual health benefits of PDE5 inhibitors like Vardenafil here.
What really sets PDE5 inhibitors apart from other erection enhancement methods is their simplicity and convenience. Forget about painful injections, awkward pumps, or the daily grind of hormonal treatments. With PDE5 inhibitors, you’ve got an easy choice: take them as needed right before sex or on a daily basis to keep things running smoothly.
Whether you want to be ready for action at a moment’s notice or just keep things running at peak performance with minimal hassle, PDE5 inhibitors make it all straightforward and fuss-free.
PDE5 inhibitors have been proven safe and effective for most men.
PDE5 inhibitors are prescription medications and, therefore, do come with the potential for side effects. Although they usually pass with time, common side effects to be aware of include:
Rare but serious adverse effects include:
If you experience any of these side effects that do not subside or continue to worsen, be sure to seek medical attention or contact your healthcare provider.
PDE5 inhibitors can also result in drug-drug interactions (particularly medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as alpha-blockers or nitrates). Discuss your current medications with your healthcare provider before starting PDE5 inhibitors.
In clinical trials, PDE5 inhibitors have consistently shown to be both safe and effective for men looking to enhance their erections.
However, if you have certain underlying health conditions, such as hereditary eye diseases, liver issues, or if you've recently had a myocardial infarction (heart attack), PDE5 inhibitors might not be the best option for you. These conditions can affect how your body responds to these medications.
Always play it safe and consult with your doctor before starting any new medication. They’ll help ensure that PDE5 inhibitors are the right fit for your health profile and that you get the best results without any unwanted risks.
PDE5 inhibitors like Sildenafil, Vardenafil, and Tadalafil have revolutionized the way men approach enhancing their erections. Whether you're after quick results, long-lasting effects, or flexibility with mealtime, these medications offer tailored solutions that cater to your unique needs.
They provide an easy and effective alternative approach to invasive treatments, plus their potential health benefits extend beyond just boosting erections.
If you've been looking for a reliable way to enhance your erections and turn up the heat between the sheets, PDE5 inhibitors may be the answer you've been searching for.
BlueChew offers three PDE5 inhibitors: Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Vardenafil
Ready to boost your bedroom performance and ditch the need to swallow pills or take injections? BlueChew has got you covered.
BlueChew makes it easy. Select a plan, complete a brief 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.
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.
Yes, PDE5 inhibitors can affect blood pressure. They work by causing blood vessels to widen or dilate, which can reduce blood pressure. Because of this, you must let your doctor know if you’re taking medications for high blood pressure. Combining these medications with PDE5 inhibitors can potentially result in dangerously low blood pressure (hypotension). Always check with your healthcare provider to ensure it is safe for you to take PDE5 inhibitors.
Are you new to BlueChew? This post tells you all you need to know about our service, how it works, how much it costs and how to choose a plan that best suits your needs.
When it comes to wondering if BlueChew’s service, or even if Sildenafil or Tadalafil will work for you, it’s important to make sure you consult with a licenced medical provider prior to ordering and consuming the medications.
Discover 5 important things you need to know about BlueChew, our unique telehealth service for chewable ED treatments, Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Connect with licensed medical providers and gain access to free online consultations, medical support, and more!
Are you new to BlueChew? This post tells you all you need to know about our service, how it works, how much it costs and how to choose a plan that best suits your needs.
When it comes to wondering if BlueChew’s service, or even if Sildenafil or Tadalafil will work for you, it’s important to make sure you consult with a licenced medical provider prior to ordering and consuming the medications.
Discover 5 important things you need to know about BlueChew, our unique telehealth service for chewable ED treatments, Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Connect with licensed medical providers and gain access to free online consultations, medical support, and more!
Are you new to BlueChew? This post tells you all you need to know about our service, how it works, how much it costs and how to choose a plan that best suits your needs.
When it comes to wondering if BlueChew’s service, or even if Sildenafil or Tadalafil will work for you, it’s important to make sure you consult with a licenced medical provider prior to ordering and consuming the medications.
Discover 5 important things you need to know about BlueChew, our unique telehealth service for chewable ED treatments, Sildenafil and Tadalafil. Connect with licensed medical providers and gain access to free online consultations, medical support, and more!