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Our Hims erectile dysfunction (ED) review includes information on how Hims ED medication works, what customers think of the service, and the other products Hims offers for premature ejaculation and hair loss.
This article discusses Hims pills and other Hims products and services in more detail. It also explores some health benefits, risks, drawbacks, and alternatives.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
The global prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) ranges from
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| ED treatment | Price per dose | How to use | How long it lasts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hims Sildenafil | $4 to $10 per dose | take on an empty stomach around 1 hour before sex | around 4 hours |
| Hims Viagra | around $139 per use | take around 1 hour before sex | around 4 hours |
| Hims Tadalafil | $1 to $25 per tablet | take as needed or daily | 24 to 36 hours |
| Hims Cialis | around $35 per dose | take once a day, at the same time | 24 to 36 hours |
| Hims Hard Mints | from $1.63 per use | bite, chew, and swallow at least 30 minutes before sex, daily or as needed | up to 36 hours |
| Hims Stendra | from $53 per use | take 15 to 30 minutes before sex, a maximum of once daily | 3 to 5 hours |
Hims pills work by suppressing or inhibiting an enzyme in the body called phosphodiesterase 5 (PDE5). This enables blood to flow more freely through the body, relaxing the smooth muscle and increasing blood flow to the penis, which causes an erection. However, sexual stimulation or arousal is necessary for these medications to work.
While the structural difference between each Hims ED medication is minimal, they have different dynamic properties, such as active ingredients, how quickly they work, and how long they can be effective.
We look at each active ingredient in more detail below.
Sildenafil
Sildenafil citrate is the active ingredient in ED medications labeled sildenafil or Viagra. People should take sildenafil 1 hour before sex and no more than once a day. Its effects will begin to wear off 2 to 4 hours after a person takes it.
Several clinical studies show that sildenafil is effective for ED. It allowed the study participants to develop and keep an erection longer than without the drug.
Tadalafil
Tadalafil is another PDE5 inhibitor, meaning it works in the same way as sildenafil. However, tadalafil stays in the body longer than sildenafil.
People can take a 5 mg dose of tadalafil every day. When people take it daily, they can have sex spontaneously, eliminating the need to plan when to take ED medication. A daily dose may take 4 to 5 days to become effective at first.
If people choose to take tadalafil as and when needed, the medication will take effect in about an hour and may remain effective for up to 36 hours.
Clinical trials also showed tadalafil to be effective for ED. A 2024 study found that tadalafil at a dose of 5 mg daily is effective, safe, and tolerable for use in people with mild-to-moderate ED.
The researchers found statistically significant improvements in participants’ Arabic version of the international index of erectile function (ArIIEF-5) scores after taking 5 mg tadalafil every day for 1 month compared with placebo.
Avanafil
Avanafil is the active ingredient in Stendra. People cannot buy a generic version of Stendra. Stendra works much faster than other ED medications and can take effect in as little as 15 minutes.
People should take Stendra 15 to 30 minutes before sexual activity. It can work for up to 5 hours.
A clinical trial involving 646 males with ED found that avanafil improved their symptoms after 3 months. Additionally, a
Hims also sells products for other sexual health conditions and concerns, including:
- PE medications: The company offers sildenafil, antidepressants, and sprays and wipes that help desensitise the penis to help people last longer before ejaculating.
- Hair loss: The company offers prescription and nonprescription hair loss treatments, including minoxidil, finasteride, and shampoos that may help block DHT.
- Skincare: The company offers prescription and nonprescription skincare products that can help reduce the appearance of aging, acne, and more.
- Sexual health: Hims also sells condoms, which help
reduce the spread of sexually transmitted infections and protect against pregnancy. The company also sells water-based lubes and vibrators that may help improve sexual performance and pleasure.
At the time of publication, Hims has accreditation with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) and an A+ grade. Reviewers on the BBB give Hims an average of 3.85 out of 5 stars, as of August 2024.
Hims claims that it takes user privacy very seriously and takes significant steps to keep user data secure by using 256-bit encryption, one of the most secure encryption methods available.
Additionally, Hims uses discreet packaging when shipping products to the customer, protecting their privacy during the shipping process.
When people sign up for Hims’ services, they will provide the company with certain personal information such as their name, email address, shipping address, phone number, certain transactional information, and demographic data.
Hims uses this information to:
- process the user’s registration
- communicate with the user via email, text, or telephone
- develop, test, or improve the site
- promote and market
- produce and distribute information regarding the use of telehealth
- improve the user’s experience of the site
- protect or enforce the rights and properties of others
- analyze behavior and activity on or through the site
Hims claims that it keeps the user’s information for as long as it deems necessary or for as long as necessary to provide the user with the required products or services.
Hims will only pass on the user’s personal details to third parties with the user’s consent or as the company determines necessary to complete transactions or provide the services the user requested or authorized.
Users should be aware that Hims is not a covered entity under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, Public Law 104-191.
People can choose what data they provide to Hims and how Hims uses that data. A person can ask for their personal information to be deleted by emailing privacy@forhims.com or by calling 1-800-368-0038.
Telemedicine services offer a convenient, accessible way to receive healthcare. However, people must consider privacy and confidentiality when selecting a telehealth provider.
Telehealth services may not be suitable for treating or dealing with certain health concerns. Additionally, they may not always accept health insurance.
For long-term healthcare, it may be more beneficial to have in-person appointments with a doctor.
Online medical services such as Hims are unsuitable for health emergencies. If someone needs urgent care, they should contact emergency services or visit the nearest urgent care center.
If a person has concerns about ED, they may wish to speak about it with a doctor they already know and feel comfortable with. Although Hims pills can be effective for ED, psychological and physiological factors
This is also true of hair loss medication.
Hims works by connecting people with healthcare professionals and prescription medication online. Hims is a telehealth company, meaning people answer a health questionnaire and have an online health consultation to discuss their health concerns.
If medically appropriate, a Hims healthcare professional will send prescription medication to the person’s chosen address.
The time it takes for Hims to work ranges from 15 minutes to 2 hours. For instance, Hims Stendra can start working in 15 minutes, Hims Viagra can start working in 1 hour, and Hims Cialis can take up to 2 hours to work.
BlueChew may not be better than Hims if a person wants a greater choice of ED treatments. BlueChew only offers chewable medication, which may not suit everyone and is not an FDA-approved form of ED medication. Hims offers swallowable ED medication, which is an FDA-approved form.
Not all Hims products will make a person’s erection last longer. Hims ED medication will help a person develop erection, but it will not change how long it takes for them to ejaculate. Hims premature ejaculation treatments can help a person last longer. These treatments include wipes, pills, and sprays.
Hims is a telehealth company that provides help with sexual health issues and other health concerns without the need to visit a clinic. The company offers online consultations, personalized treatment plans, and support groups.
Before scheduling an online visit, a person may consider other telehealth companies offering similar products and services.