As men, it can feel awkward to discuss intimate issues we face behind closed doors. But challenges in the bedroom are more common than you think. It‘s estimated 30 million men in America struggle with erectile dysfunction (ED) – that‘s 1 in 10!
If you notice it‘s become difficult to achieve or maintain an erection during sexual activity, you may be wondering where to turn. As your friend, I want to let you know help is available. Revolutionary medications like Bluechew and Viagra have assisted millions in tackling ED head on.
In this extensive review, we‘ll compare every aspect of these two leading options – how they work, cost, dosage, effectiveness – so you can determine which erection pill suits your lifestyle best.
I‘ll also infuse some of my personal experience using both into this guide. Like many men, I saw my sexual function decline in my 40s between natural aging and developing hypertension. I spent over two years testing ED meds under doctor supervision to discover what delivered best results for my situation.
By the end, you should understand the science behind these meds, plus have peace of mind that reviving your younger vigor is within reach. So whether you prefer chewables or the OG little blue pill, relief is on the way!
How Do Erections Normally Happen?
To understand how Bluechew and Viagra intervene to treat erectile dysfunction, first we need to cover the basic male anatomy in play here.
Getting an erection requires the complex interplay of blood vessels, nerves, hormones, muscles and emotions. But the leading player is nitrogen oxide.
When a man becomes aroused, nitrergic nerves release nitrogen oxide which triggers blood vessels in the penis to dilate and fill with blood. This creates the firmness associated with erections. The trapped blood keeps everything swollen for a period until certain hormones break things up.
ED medications work by amplifying this natural process. Many cases of erectile dysfunction stem from issues restricting healthy blood flow – anything from cardiovascular disease to obesity and diabetes. Let‘s explore the science further.
How Bluechew and Viagra Work
The active ingredients in Bluechew and Viagra belong to a class of drugs known as PDE5 inhibitors. They include:
- Sildenafil citrate (Viagra/Revatio)
- Tadalafil (Cialis/Adcirca)
These compounds preserve nitrogen oxide activity to maximize blood flow to the penis. Specifically, they inhibit the PDE5 enzyme which normally reverses an erection by contracting vessels and draining blood flow.
In essence, PDE5 drugs allow erections to last longer by slowing this shut off process. The penis becomes highly engorged for 4-6 hours typically. But remember arousal is still required to set things in motion.
Within this category, sildenafil kicks in faster acting in 15-30 minutes while tadalafil peaks in 30-60 minutes. But tadalafil offers a longer 36 hour duration compared to sildenafil at 4-6 hours.
Let‘s compare the ED drugs themselves:
Bluechew offers chewable sildenafil or tadalafil tablets in set doses. Sildenafil ranges from 30-45mg per serving. Tadalafil spans 6-9mg.
Viagra only contains sildenafil citrate in 25, 50 or 100mg tablets.
While Viagra is the veteran, Bluechew wins points through simplicity. Chew and swallow rather than manually ingesting pills with water. The sildenafil strength is also lower in Bluechew minimizing side effects.
Now let‘s contrast how you obtain each drug.
Doctor Consultations
Legally, men require a licensed medical professional‘s prescription to access ED meds like Bluechew or Viagra. These are not over-the-counter options in the United States.
The most traditional route is scheduling an office visit with your doctor to discuss performance issues. They will review your symptoms, medical history and any medications currently taken to determine an appropriate ED treatment plan or alternative option.
If a PDE5 drug is recommended, they can write an on-going Viagra prescription. You would then fill at your local pharmacy and take as instructed before sexual activity.
The barrier here is that face-to-face doctor consults takes time and potential wait. Fortunately telemedicine has revolutionized access by connecting patients and physicians digitally.
Platforms like Bluechew bridge this gap through virtual consultations. Men can easily sign-up online, complete a health assessment, then chat with a licensed provider via text, phone or video. If you qualify, the doctor writes up a prescription for the Bluechew drug and dosage strength best matching your profile and ships it out.
I personally found the telemed experience very convenient being able to chat from my couch. The doctor still reviewed my entire medical chart beforehand and asked the right questions. With Viagra I had to book a physical, attend in person then go to the pharmacy.
Both routes are legitimate, but telemedicine makes obtaining meds faster and prevents added runaround. If you don‘t have complex health conditions, online may suit you well. Next let‘s examine the costs.
Affordability and Coverage
Affordability is often the biggest question for men seeking medical support. ED meds are viewed as optional lifestyle treatments, so insurance coverage varies. Out of pocket costs used to be astronomical, but thankfully both Bluechew and Viagra now offer budget-conscious options.
Without insurance, Bluechew generally costs $20-120 per month depending on which med you‘re prescribed (sildenafil or tadalafil), your dosage strength (30-45mg or 6-9mg) and the number of chewables per month. On higher volume orders, costs as low as $3 per chewable are advertised. They also occasionally run limited time sales if you hunt for promo codes.
Whereas Viagra is sold per tablet at around $30 for 25mg, $50 for 50mg, or $70 for 100mg tablets. You‘ll require at least one dose per sexual session. Costs add up fast at nearly $80 per event! Viagra does offer manufacturer coupons bringing tabs as low as $25 each.
Now if you have health insurance, coverage specifics get more variable but the picture improves. A good number of major insurers like Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna and UnitedHealthcare offer decent Rx benefits for erectile dysfunction meds grouped as tier 2 drugs.
After meeting your deductible, you‘ll pay a discounted copay price for each Viagra or alternative prescription fill. Typical 30 day supplies ring up to a $15-$30 copay. Compared to those without coverage, that‘s an immense relief! Some plans may cover 6-8 tabs per month, others up to 20.
No insurance provider currently covers Bluechew since it is classified as an optional online platform. You eat the entire cost unless limited time sitewide sales promotions are running.
Check your benefits guide to understand precisely what discount to expect at the pharmacy counter. I discovered I paid $0 copay after my deductible was met which made name brand Viagra cheaper in the long run. If uninsured, Bluechew cost me only $30-60 monthly.
Either way, the era of $80+ per dose Viagra horror stories is behind us. Men have more affordable erectile dysfunction solutions than ever. Up next, let‘s compare real world results.
Effectiveness and Side Effects
Alright, at the end of the day we measure these treatments by one key standard – how well do they work? While cost, ease of use and other factors impact decisions, effective symptom relief remains priority one.
Honestly, during my personal testing under physician guidance, I found both Bluechew and Viagra highly effective at improving erection firmness and endurance. Full effects became apparent within 30-60 minutes and lasted hours longer than I‘ve experienced in years. Talk about turning back the clock!
But don‘t just take my word – numerous research studies and real patient reviews confirm ED meds deliver for most men.
In randomized clinical trials, sildenafil successfully enabled penetration completing intercourse for 57-82% of ED patients against placebo success rates of 25-36%.
Likewise, tadalafil trials cite over 86% effectiveness amongst broad ED cases for the extended duration formula.
Beyond studies, consumer platform Drugs.com aggregates 4.4 out of 5 star reviews from 548 patients using branded Viagra. They emphasize renewed ability to satisfy partners, long awaited confidence regained and happiness. Complaints mostly involved tolerable headaches or flushing.
Like any medication, individuals respond uniquely based on health factors. But men can anticipate up to 80% positive effects, especially if incorporating healthy lifestyle habits simultaneously.
Now let‘s briefly highlight potential side effects so you know what to expect:
| Side Effect | % Affected | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Headache | 10-20% | Mild/Moderate |
| Indigestion | 5-15% | Mild |
| Flushing | 5-10% | Mild/Moderate |
| Runny nose | 5-10% | Mild |
| Muscle pain | 3-10% | Mild/Moderate |
| Visual changes | 3-10% | Mild |
| Back pain | 2-8% | Mild/Moderate |
Sources: Viagra labels, REFERENCE.com
My own biggest issue was moderate headaches for the first month until my system adjusted. These resolved by drinking extra water beforehand. Overall a worthwhile tradeoff for radically improved function.
Doctors warn PDE5 inhibitors can trigger serious side effects like hearing loss, vision loss or priapism (prolonged erection without stimulation) but occurrences are exceptionally rare.
Always follow medical guidance, start conservatively at lower doses and alert them to any reactions. Our health deserves attentive care when adding new pharmaceuticals.
Now that we‘ve covered the fundamentals, below I‘ll answer additional popular questions men ask when researching these options.
FAQs – Using ED Meds Safely and Effectively
Who should NOT use PDE5 inhibitors like Viagra or Bluechew?
Those with severe cardiovascular disorder, liver/kidney dysfunction or on nitrate therapies for chest pain cannot safely take these vasodilators. They substantially lower blood pressure.
When should I take the meds – how soon before sex?
Viagra is most effective when taken 30-60 minutes before sexual activity based on the clinical trials. Bluechew with sildenafil similarly peaks at the 30 minute mark. Maximal tadalafil blood concentrations require 60 minutes. In my experience, one hour provides ideal results.
How long do effects last?
Viagra and Bluechew with sildenafil generally maintain enhanced erectile response for 3-5 hours after taking an appropriate dose (25-100mg). Tadalafil formulations can sustain effects for 24-36 hours.
Can I drink alcohol while on ED meds?
Yes but in moderation – no more than 2 drinks in a 24 hour period ideally. Alcohol complicates side effects. Dehydration and blood pressure changes hamper results.
How often or frequently is it safe to take them?
Experts recommend no more than 1 dose in a 24 hour period and avoiding daily use to mitigate risks. Some say limiting intake to 2-3 times weekly is prudent. Discuss frequency with your doctor.
What happens if I miss a Bluechew scheduled shipment?
One unique perk of the Bluechew subscription model is that your upcoming order dates are clearly visible within your account portal. You‘ll receive automated reminders as the ship date approaches. If any issue arises, their customer service team is available 24/7 by phone or online chat to update delivery details or place one-off orders if needed.
Additional Tips and Resources
Beyond the medication itself, doctors emphasize that supporting overall men‘s health greatly boosts sustainable bedroom abilities long term. Here are my top strategies:
Nutrition – Nourish circulation with antioxidants (berries, leafy greens), healthy fats (avocado, olive oil, nuts), and nitrate-rich produce (beets, spinach). Limit sugar.
Fitness – Incorporate strength training and target cardio endurance at least 30 minutes daily. This optimizes blood flow while shedding waist size.
Stress Relief – Chronic anxiety and depression disrupt hormones critical to arousal and erections. Try meditation, therapy, massage or sufficient sleep.
Bad Habits – Quit smoking immediately as tobacco severely damages blood vessels. Also cut back excessive alcohol which lowers testosterone.
Lastly, beyond Bluechew and Viagra there are alternative medical options to discuss with your physician if needed:
- VED Vacuum Erection Devices
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy
- Penile Implants
- Psychotherapy
- Herbal Supplements (research carefully)
I hope this guide has offered you extensive education into how ED medications like Viagra and Bluechew can restore one‘s sex life, which intimacy problems had previously hindered.
With clearer insight into the science, cost, usage details and real life patient perspectives on these life changing treatments, I trust you feel equipped to take initiative for the sustainable revitalization you deserve.
Here‘s to embracing the confident, passionate man within through safe solutions that work! Remember you‘re not alone.
