How we look at healthcare has changed, especially for men's health. Professionals take various approaches to address the health and wellness of aging men. Covering everything from the best multivitamin for men to the best options for erectile dysfunction (ED) allows ACTIVE to be a source you trust. Follow along as we dive into one of the top companies focusing on men's health with our Hims ED Review.
With many options and companies to choose from for men's health and ED treatment, it may be challenging to determine which option is the best for you. This article focuses on the company Hims and highlights its various ED options, giving you the tools you need to select the best fit for you.
Our team of health experts here at ACTIVE have done all the work for you and performed a thorough review of each ED product offered at Hims. Whether you are seeking a low-cost option, the one with the best research and reviews, or an option that works fast and is only as-needed, we have you covered.
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Why Trust Us?
ACTIVE.com's editorial team relies on the knowledge and experience of fitness and wellness experts including competitive athletes, coaches, physical therapists, nutritionists, and certified trainers. This helps us ensure the products we feature are of the highest standard. Collectively, the team has spent countless hours researching equipment, gear, and recovery tools in order to create the most accurate, authentic content for our readers. Customer satisfaction is also a key part of our review process, which is why we only feature products that are highly rated.
Hims ED Treatments
Viagra
SPECS
- Key ingredients: Sildenafil
- Dosage: 50mg tablet
Known as the "original," Viagra was the first medication approved by the FDA to treat ED. By inhibiting an enzyme known as PDE5, the blood vessels in the penis are relaxed, easing the ability to get an erection. An essential thing to note is that taking Viagra alone won't give you an erection, it just makes it easier to respond to stimulation. Arousal and stimulation are still crucial players here.
Another critical factor to consider when taking Viagra is that you will need to do a small amount of planning for its success. Men must take it before sex; the best window is 30 minutes to one hour before sex but no more than four to six hours. Meal times can also impact its effectiveness, so avoid taking Viagra right after a meal.
The last essential thing to note about Viagra is that it can impact several cardiac conditions and interact with certain medications. Be completely honest with your provider about your health history and any prescribed medications you take regularly.
What We Like
- Viagra is FDA-approved and well-tested
- Only take Viagra when needed; it's not a daily prescription
- Viagra has been on the market the longest, with more consumer usage to support its effectiveness
What We Don't Like
- Using Viagra requires some advanced planning
- It can interact with many important medications
Sildenafil - Generic Viagra
SPECS
- Key ingredients: Sildenafil
- Dosage: 20mg tablet
Hims identifies sildenafil as the gold standard since it's the most popular choice. With the same active ingredient as Viagra, the primary difference is cost. Men who take sildenafil must remember to take it before sexual activity and not too close to meal times.
As the generic version, it works the same way that Viagra does, but it's better for your wallet. Sildenafil is also a medication used to treat a condition called pulmonary hypertension, therefore there is a risk that it can interact with other health conditions and medications. It's essential always to be honest with your healthcare provider about your medical history and prescribed medications.
What We Like
- Sildenafil is FDA-approved, tested, and trusted
- It costs a fraction of what Viagra does, yet it works similarly
- Only take it when needed; there's no daily medication to remember
What We Don't Like
- There is pre-planning needed, which can have some impact on sexual activity
- It can interact with certain medical conditions and medications
Cialis
SPECS
- Key ingredients: Tadalafil
- Dosage: 2.5mg and 5mg daily or as needed with 10mg and 20mg doses
Cialis works by blocking the PDE5 enzyme, the same enzyme discussed with Viagra. Cialis was the first treatment approved by the FDA for daily use. With it being a daily medication, no pre-planning is necessary.
Similarly to Viagra, arousal and stimulation will need to occur to get an erection while taking Cialis.
What We Like
- There's no pre-planning needed
- Cialis is FDA-approved and well trusted
- You can take it with or without food
What We Don't Like
- Cialis is not cost effective for many
- It can interact with certain medical conditions and prescribed medications
- You must remember to take it daily
Tadalafil - Generic Cialis
SPECS
- Key ingredients: Tadalafil
- Dosage: 2.5 or 5mg for daily use or 5mg, 10mg, or 20mg for as-needed dosage
As tadalafil is the generic version of Cialis, the mechanism of action is the same; the generic just happens to be more cost effective. As a daily ED prescription, there is little to no planning for its use. No pre-planning means no need to wait until right before sexual activity or work around meal times to improve its effectiveness.
Taking tadalafil will not create an erection automatically, arousal and stimulation will still need to occur. Discuss your complete medical history and medications with your healthcare provider, as these drugs can interact with certain conditions.
What We Like
- Tadalafil is more cost effective
- There's no pre-planning required
- You can take it with or without food
- It is FDA approved
What We Don't Like
- You must remember to take it daily
- It can interact with certain medical conditions and prescribed medications
Stendra
SPECS
- Key Ingredients: Avanafil
- Dosage: 50mg, 100mg, and 200mg; Hims will only prescribe the 100mg dose
Stendra (avanafil) is a newer ED medication that is also FDA approved. The most significant selling point for Stendra is that it is said to work in as little as 15 minutes and is an as-needed medication.
Like all other ED medications, Stendra inhibits the PDE5 enzyme, allowing for more blood flow and increasing the ability to get an erection. Taking this medication does not create an immediate erection, arousal and some form of stimulation will still need to occur.
What We Like
- Stendra is FDA approved, well-tested, and trusted
- It works in only 15 minutes
- It has the lowest side effects out of all the ED medications
What We Don't Like
- Since Stendra is a newer medication, there's less feedback from consumers
- It can interact with certain medical conditions and/or medications
What is ED?
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a medical term used to describe when a person cannot get or keep an erection on a short- or long-term basis. Only a medical professional can diagnose ED, and it can involve any of the following:
- You are unable to get an erection at any time.
- You can get an erection sometimes, but not every time you want sex.
- You may be able to get an erection but are unable to keep it long enough for a satisfactory sexual encounter.
Though ED is a common condition, it is not considered a normal part of aging. Because of this, it is best to seek professional medical treatment to ensure there is not a serious, underlying cause. Many find ED an embarrassing topic to discuss, which can delay diagnosis and treatment.
Precautions
The precautions for any of the ED treatments are generally the same. The medications used to treat ED are also commonly used to treat a condition known as pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure within the lungs). If you have any heart condition and take nitroglycerin or other medications related to heart conditions, talk to your doctor before taking any form of ED treatment. These medications can have severe interactions with certain medications.
Potential Side Effects
Side effects can vary from person to person but are mild for most men. The most common include visual changes, headaches, muscle aches, flushing, or a runny nose. Be sure to discuss with your medical provider if any of these are bothersome or worsen.
What is Hims?
Hims is a company that makes it easier for men to seek medical treatment affordably. They provide a telehealth service for men to meet with trained medical professionals to get treatment for everything from hair loss to erectile dysfunction. Hims also has a branch for women called Hers.
How Does Hims Work?
To meet with a provider or seek a prescription, you must first sign up for an account at Hims. After a brief questionnaire determining if your state offers services, you are asked medical history questions and set up for a consultation with a provider. Easy, right?
Telehealth consultations typically occur online via video but can sometimes happen over the phone. Prescriptions are delivered by subscription mail (or to your local pharmacy) and are commonly filled monthly. No in-person doctor visits and no trips to the pharmacy—goodbye ED stigma!
How to Choose the Best Hims ED Treatment
There are a few things to consider when deciding which ED treatment is best for you.
Prescription Instructions
The common differing factor among each ED medication is that medical professionals prescribe some on an as-needed basis and others daily. Some people prefer the consistency of knowing which pills they need to take daily and are pros at staying on top of their medication schedule. Other people may have difficulty remembering to take their medications. Only you can determine which option would work best for you.
Cost
Let's face it—cost is always a huge contributor to decisions. While some have prescription insurance that covers much of their needs, this is not an option for everyone. Even for those who have insurance, it may not cover some of these medications, resulting in out-of-pocket expenses.
How Quickly the Medication Works
As you read above, there are slight differences among the medication options regarding when to take the medications and how soon they will work. Some allow you to be in business in as few as 15 minutes, and others must be taken an hour before sexual activity. Some also can't be taken too close to meal times without impacting their effectiveness.
Our Verdict
While all options have pros and cons, cost-effectiveness and whether or not there is a preference for an everyday or as-needed option will likely determine the best choice. Sildenafil seems to be the most cost-effective and trusted as-needed product, whereas Tadalafil appears to be the most cost-effective daily product. Though the new guy in town, Stendra provides the added benefit of being the best option regarding how quickly you see results.
FAQs About Hims ED Treatments
Does Hims really work?
Hims provides a user-friendly telehealth experience for customers with various medical conditions with price points to benefit many incomes. Conditions treated include hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and more. By creating an account and filling out a questionnaire, you can be on your way to an online consultation in no time, with medications delivered to your door.
Does Hims work like Viagra?
Hims is an online telehealth company that provides access to licensed medical professionals who prescribe medications, including the brand and generic versions of most ED medications, such as Viagra.
Can you buy Hims over the counter?
Hims offers FDA-approved medications for trained medical professionals to prescribe, therefore you cannot purchase them over the counter.