What Is Sildenafil (Viagra)?

Published by Dr. Nicolette NataleProfile Picture

10 min read

Key Takeaways

  • Sildenafil chewables are a convenient, berry-flavored option for enhancing erections, custom-compounded to fit men’s unique needs.
  • This medication works by inhibiting the PDE5 enzyme, which increases nitric oxide and blood flow to the penis, leading to harder, longer-lasting erections.
  • Sexual health benefits include improved erection quality and function, higher intercourse success rates, enhanced sexual satisfaction, & boosted confidence for both partners.
  • Overall health benefits encompass reduced inflammation, improved exercise capacity, increased testosterone, better mood, & enhanced cognitive function.

Explore all you need to know about the original erection-enhancing medication Sildenafil, the key ingredient in Viagra. Learn how it works, why it's a great option for stronger, longer-lasting erections and overall health, and discover how to access Sildenafil through BlueChew.

sildenafil sachet with 3 pills

Sildenafil is the active ingredient in the erection-enhancing medication Viagra.

What are Sildenafil chewables?

The active ingredient in BlueChew's chewable tablets is a prescription medication originally made popular as the first erection-enhancing medication.

The Sildenafil offered through BlueChew is a convenient compounded chewable tablet prescribed for as-needed use.

What makes it so unique is that it's a compounded medication. This means our team of medical providers has custom-designed Sildenafil to be compounded in the dosage and form best tailored to meet your specific needs.

Why use a chewable tablet instead of a pill? Chewable tablets have some distinct advantages over the traditional pill.

First, they provide you with unmatched convenience. With BlueChew, you can take your medication anywhere, chew thoroughly, and then wait for its positive effects to kick in. Plus, the berry flavor makes taking Sildenafil a treat.

No water, no swallowing pills, and no bad taste— just a simple, subtle, and effective erection-enhancing medication on your terms.

Research has also shown that chewable medications like Sildenafil may be more bioavailable. Because the tablet is broken down so finely when you chew, more of the medication may be available to be absorbed by your system.

Increased bioavailability can make the medication work better and faster, and you may need less medication to reap the benefits.

How does Sildenafil work?

Sildenafil is a type of medication known as a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor or PDE5i for short.

It works 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, allowing more blood to flow to the penis.

What does this mean for you?

As blood flow into the penis increases, the tissues become engorged, so it's easier to achieve and maintain a hard, long-lasting erection when you experience sexual stimulation.

Enhanced erections can lead to better sex and boost your confidence in the bedroom.

multiple sildenafil pills

Sildenafil is a PDE5 inhibitor that works by increasing blood flow to the penis

What are the sexual health benefits of Sildenafil?

Due to the blood flow enhancing properties of Sildenafil, you can expect to achieve and maintain harder erections with men reporting significant improvements in erection quality and erectile function. Additionally, the rate of improvement has been found to be higher in younger men, so you can expect to see fast and massive gains if you’re below the age of 60.

But, that’s not all Sildenafil can do for your sex life. This blue pill can lead to improvements in erection quality and function which have been shown to lead to increased intercourse success rates, sexual satisfaction, orgasms, and even improve quality of life. And men weren’t the only ones reporting these boosts in the bedroom, as partner responses backed up these benefits.

Not surprisingly, these drastic improvements in sexual performance can ramp up your confidence and self-esteem in and out of the bedroom. And these benefits have been linked to enhancing both sexual and social relationships and relationship satisfaction.

What are the potential health benefits of Sildenafil?

After gaining FDA approval over thirty years ago, Sildenafil has become well-known for its erection-enhancing effects.

But did you know it has also garnered attention for its myriad other health benefits? From increasing exercise capacity to improving depressive symptoms, Sildenafil packs quite a lot of punch for a little blue tablet.

The top health benefits include:

But did you know that Sildenafil, in addition to its well-known health-boosting properties, also helps treat cancer, reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease, and prevent altitude sickness?

Interested in learning more about the wide range of health benefits of taking Sildenafil? Check out our blog post here.

sildenafil sachet on hand

Sildenafil may improve mood, cardiovascular function, and cognition.

How often can I take Sildenafil?

The Sildenafil prescribed through BlueChew is for on-demand use, so it's best to take it before a date night or evening out when the opportunity for sexual intimacy might arise.

Your BlueChew medical provider will give you specific instructions, but generally you should take your Sildenafil chewable tablet about 30 minutes before sexual activity.

Avoid taking it more often than your medical provider recommends.

How long does Sildenafil last?

Once you take your Sildenafil chewable tablet you can expect rock-hard erections for anywhere between 4 to 6 hours.

Sildenafil is best to take 30 minutes to 1 hour before an expected intimate moment, and will only cause an erection when you experience sexual stimulation.

If you're out for date night or cooking dinner at home, it's important to note that meals, especially high-fat ones, can impact Sildenafil absorption. For the best results, try taking Sildenafil on a relatively empty stomach. It's also a good idea to skip that cocktail, as avoiding alcohol enhances the medication's effectiveness.

Due to its need for precise timing and the shorter duration of action, Sildenafil may not be the right erection-boosting medication for everyone. Contact a BlueChew healthcare professional to discuss your specific needs to help you select the best medication and plan for you.

For more information on the pros and cons of each BlueChew sexual performance enhancer, check out our blog post comparing each medication side-by-side.

When the mood strikes you’ll be ready to enjoy the moment without any limitations.

man holding 2 sildenafil sachets

Sildenafil has been proven effective in up to 80% of men.

What are the potential side effects of Sildenafil?

While Sildenafil is typically well-tolerated, it's important to note that, like all prescription medications, it carries a risk of specific side effects.

Although Sildenafil has a solid track record of safety and effectiveness, spanning almost over thirty years—with success rates up to 80%—it's crucial to stay informed about potential side effects to make sure this medication is right for you.

Here are the most common side effects to look out for:

  • Skin flushing
  • Headache
  • Indigestion
  • Light nasal congestion
  • Muscle pain

Other possible side effects include a prolonged erection lasting more than 4 hours, low blood pressure, sudden vision loss, irregular heartbeat, or sudden decrease in hearing.

If you experience any of these side effects, don't hesitate to call your doctor or contact a member of our BlueChew team. Our dedicated medical providers are here to offer prompt assistance and guidance, ensuring you're on the right plan to improve your sexual wellness.

It is possible to have an allergic reaction to the ingredients in Sildenafil tablets. If symptoms feel life threatening contact your doctor or pharmacist immediately and seek emergency medical attention.

3 sildenafil sachets

BlueChew offers three options of erection-enhancing medications: Sildenafil, Vardenafil and Tadalafil.

BlueChew Sildenafil Plans

The Sildenafil chewables offered through BlueChew can help boost your sex life and your overall health.

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

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

With Sildenafil 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 at BlueChew.

FAQ

Is Sildenafil the same as Viagra®?

Yes. The Sildenafil tablets offered through BlueChew are a generic drug version of the erection-enhancing medication sold under the brand name Viagra®.

Generic versions of medications have been shown to be equally effective, strong, and safe as their brand name counterparts. Originally created to treat high blood pressure, Sildenafil has been approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Why use a Sildenafil chewable tablet instead of a pill?

What are the sexual health benefits of Sildenafil?

What are the potential health benefits of Sildenafil?

How long does Sildenafil make you last?

How do I get a prescription for Sildenafil through BlueChew?

What are the potential side effects of Sildenafil?

References

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