Hims ED Review 2024: Cost, Pros & Cons, & Does It Work?

Hims Key Takeaways

• Hims does not accept insurance and only has cash-pay solutions.
• The sign-up process and prescription delivery are very easy and fast.
• Hims healthcare providers only treat a limited number of conditions.
• Hims has unique treatments that improve the ease of taking ED medications.
• Hims is free to receive a consultation and discounts are available on the first prescription.
• Hims provides a minimal interaction consultation process to receive care for sensitive topics. Most appointments happen via text messaging and you may not speak to a provider face-to-face unless you have chosen to see a therapist.

How Does Hims Work?

Hims is an online telemedicine platform that treats various conditions that affect men. The platform specifically advertises treatments for disorders that can be embarrassing or hard to talk about, like sexual health, including genital herpes, mental health, and hair loss. Treatment and prescriptions are not covered by insurance, but most services are $100 or less monthly.

Prescriptions are written through Hims only after filling out an in-depth health questionnaire that is then reviewed by a board-certified health practitioner from your state. The specific provider could be a nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant, or physician. When seeking treatment for ED, you do not see the provider face-to-face but instead, communicate within a messaging platform between you and your assigned provider. Medications are shipped to you based on the frequency and amount that you choose; there is even the option to pick up your medications at your local pharmacy.

The initial sign-up process and evaluation take no more than 30 minutes to complete.  You run through questions about your health history and current symptoms and also select your preferred treatment option. You will hear from your provider within a day or two to confirm or change your selected prescription. Follow-up appointments are only required if your health status changes or if your provider requests a follow-up appointment based on the feedback you provide.

Which Sexual Disorders For Hims Treats & Medications Available

Hims treats sexual disorders for men including premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction. For each disorder, they offer a variety of prescription treatments. Some treatments are common and available in other pharmacies, while some treatments are Hims-specific compounded medications.

Common sexual disorders Hims can treat include:

• Premature Ejaculation: This is considered ejaculating within a minute of penetration. Causes of premature ejaculation can be varied, and thus, treatments can be varied too.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty getting or keeping an erection during sexual activity. To be considered as having erectile dysfunction, it needs to happen for at least 6 months and cause a person significant stress. Many things can cause ED, including heart disease, medications, or anxiety.
• Genital Herpes: This is a viral infection that can cause genital breakouts and be transmitted to others easily. Although not curable, current suppressive therapy can manage/prevent breakouts and drastically reduce the chance of transmission.

Men’s sexual health disorders happen for various reasons, and treatments vary as well. Some treatments look to treat the underlying issue, while others offer symptom relief. Some of these medications have significant side effects and should be reviewed fully with a doctor or pharmacist before taking them.

Common medications Hims prescribes include:

• Tadalafil: The generic form of Cialis. It works during stimulation to improve and maintain an erection. It can be used daily or just as needed.
• Sildenafil: The generic form of Viagra. It works during stimulation to improve and maintain an erection. This medication is intended to be used only as needed.¹
• ED Mints: Hims can prescribe specially compounded mints that are a proprietary blend of erectile dysfunction medications. They are intended to be used as needed.
• Lidocaine Spray (Climax delay spray): This is a topical numbing spray used before sex to prolong the time to ejaculation. Studies have shown that it works well for the treatment of premature ejaculation.⁴
• Anti-anxiety medications: Paroxetine or sertraline are examples of the types of premature ejaculation medications that Hims can prescribe. Studies have shown that these two medications help improve symptoms of PE when used regularly.^{2, 3}
• Herpes Medications: Hims currently offers Valacyclovir as an oral antiviral treatment for genital herpes. The website states that Valacyclovir can be prescribed for breakout treatments as needed or for preventative use.

Hims Mental Health

Hims offers mental health treatment for depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. It is not comprehensive mental health care but offers easy-to-access treatment for specific issues. Through Hims, you can either choose a medication subscription or therapy sessions.

Therapy sessions are $99 for each 50-minute session and are held via video call. Live therapy sessions are one of the only times you will see a provider face-to-face on the For Hims website. Medication management is completed through online assessments and text messaging with your provider. Your prescription plan is $85 monthly, which includes assessments and visits. Hims also offers mental health supplements.

To learn even more about these offerings, you can read our comprehensive review of Hims Mental Health.

Hims Other Treatments

Hims advertises a skincare line that touts custom acne cream and custom anti-aging cream. The acne cream is a combination of multiple topical prescription products. Plans start at $30 a month and go up to $45 per month. Hims also advertises performance anxiety treatment, Hims supplements, and primary care. Primary care consultations start at $39 per visit.

How Much Does For Hims Cost?

For me, Hims ED treatment cost just over $50 for a consultation and a shipment of 8 pills. This included a first-visit free discount, and I selected one of the cheaper medication options. A follow-up evaluation would cost the normal price which starts at $89 plus medication costs, but it seems another visit would not be required until a year has passed.

Does Hims Accept Insurance?

No, Hims does not accept insurance. However, the out-of-pocket prices For Hims are reasonable and are not much higher than an average copay for an in-person visit. The medication costs seemed to be better than what I see at many pharmacies. I believe the convenience is well worth the lack of insurance coverage.

Out-of-Network Benefits

The Hims platform states that HSA/FSA payment is not accepted. The ability of your insurance company to reimburse for costs from Hims appointments and prescriptions will be based on your specific plan. I always recommend checking with your insurance company before you begin a new service like For Hims.

How Do I Sign Up For Hims ED Treatment?

The sign up process For Hims is quick and efficient. From start to finish it takes about 20-30 minutes to fill out all forms and answer questions. After you complete a health assessment and treatment selection, it is about 1 – 2 days until your treatment is reviewed and confirmed or denied. After confirmation, the medication arrived within the week.

Here are the steps to sign up for Hims ED treatment:

1. Go to the Hims website and select sexual health treatment.
2. Select your location to be paired with a provider.
3. Answer an assessment of symptoms.
4. Fill out a medical history evaluation.
5. Choose your preferred treatment option, including type of pill and how many pills.
6. Submit your questionnaire for review by a provider.
7. Received confirmation or change of treatment selection after a few day review period.
8. Medication is shipped to you.
9. Schedule follow-ups or select alternative medications to try.

Hims ED Treatment Key Features: Detailed Review

Hims offers limited treatments for sexual health, hair and skin, mental health, and everyday general health. Out-of-pocket costs are applied per visit and per medication shipment and vary based on selection. Hims is a subscription-based health platform specializing in easy-to-access treatment with discreet, fast shipping of medications.

Hims advertises treatments for erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, and genital herpes as part of their sexual health treatments. Medications prescribed include sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and special combination mints for erectile dysfunction. For premature ejaculation, medication options include paroxetine, sertraline, and lidocaine. For genital herpes, medications include valacyclovir and other antivirals.

A provider is matched with you and reviews your intake forms to determine if treatment is right for you. Currently, all online sexual health treatments are text-based, so if this is your first time receiving treatment for ED, in-person treatment is recommended. Once a treatment plan has been agreed on you will receive a small package with your medication within the week.

Hims services are only available through the Hims app. It is very easy to use and visually engaging, with fun illustrations throughout. Communication with my provider only occurred via text message and it was not in real-time – it seemed more like email than direct messaging, with responses from the provider being long and formal. The process from start to finish was simple, efficient, and not very time-consuming. It took 2 days to be approved for a prescription and then about 3 days for the medication to arrive.

I enjoyed using the Hims app. It is a streamlined experience that asks the questions necessary to provide treatment without tons of hoops to jump through. The options for treatment were reasonably priced and made it feel like I had options. I did not opt for the Hims-specific mints, but they did look fun. The experience was not embarrassing or uncomfortable and was very professional. I will say, it did not feel like a classic doctor’s office visit, but that was okay for me. I think if I had more in-depth health concerns, I would opt for a real-time encounter.

Who Is Hims Right For?

Hims is a niche healthcare platform that serves a specific population. Men uncomfortable with in-person care, looking for convenient healthcare options, and needing refills will like For Hims.

Uncomfortable With In-Person Care

Hims is a great way to address healthcare concerns that can be tough or embarrassing to discuss. Sexual health and mental health can be difficult to talk about openly. If you are intimidated by discussing your symptoms in person, Hims is a great alternative. The platform allows you to receive healthcare from the comfort and security of your home. Depending on your health concern, you may not even need to speak face to face with a person.

Seeking Convenient Healthcare

Hims is convenient, user-friendly, and easy to access from anywhere. There is very little personal interaction with a healthcare provider which is convenient but can also have drawbacks.

Wanting Quick Refills

Hims allows you to easily get a prescription with little wait time. If you no longer have a primary care doctor or need new refills, Hims can fill that gap. Hims allows you to select your preferred treatment and have it shipped directly to you. This skips the appointment making of a doctor’s office and the wait time from a pharmacy.

Who Might Want an Alternative to Hims?

Because Hims is unique and specific it is important to remember it is not right for everyone. Certain men, like those seeking a more traditional appointment style, those looking to use insurance, and those with complex health conditions may want to seek out an alternative to Hims.

Seeking a More Traditional Visit

Hims is virtual and feels more like emailing than a doctor’s office visit. If you are looking for conversational interactions and prefer a more traditional healthcare experience, Hims may not be the right option. There are online platforms that offer more traditional care like OneMedical and MDLive.

You can learn more about MDLive and how their appointments work by reading our in-depth review of MDLive.

Looking to Use Insurance

Hims does not accept insurance. While it is generally more affordable than paying out of pocket at a traditional doctor’s office and pharmacy, payments can add up. If you want treatment that is covered by insurance you should contact your insurance or log onto your insurance website. Many companies and insurance plans now offer some version of virtual care.

Complex Health Conditions

Hims is convenient care but it has limitations. If you have significant other health conditions or a complex medical history it may be more beneficial to find a primary care physician. Building a relationship with a provider can be great for those with multiple health complications. You may also find that with certain underlying conditions, a Hims provider may not prescribe you medication as advertised. You may be referred out to another healthcare professional or be required to schedule a more in-depth visit.

Hims User Reviews

Hims has a 3.8 star review from 2,400+ reviews on Trustpilot. Most reviews are positive and tout the friendly professionalism and quick service. Some of the negative reviews mainly deal with the difficulty of canceling services.

Providers Are Friendly & Knowledgeable

Many patients left reviews about the positive experience messaging their doctor.  People seemed to be satisfied with the in depth questionnaire and how it addresses all aspects of a patient’s concern. I agree that the questions asked were in depth enough to make me feel safe and cared for.

Process Was Fast & Discrete

A huge benefit of Hims is how quickly an ‘appointment’ takes. Since it is not in real time, it can be done at any time during the day or night. This eliminates the need for scheduling time off, or waiting in waiting rooms. In addition, the general consensus is that the overall speed is relatively quick from start to finish. I agree with the consensus as my process had very little waiting/turnaround time and the medication arrived quickly.

Difficult to Cancel a Subscription

It is important to be aware that when you sign up and select a treatment, you are selecting a repeating shipment. While they make it clear you must cancel at least 48 hours before your next shipment, it can be easy to forget. Many reviews shared experiences of trying to cancel without success and finding the customer service to be less than helpful.

Hims Vs. Competitors

There are many telehealth platforms available that offer similar services to Hims.  Each platform has strengths and specializes in certain areas. Knowing the differences between the two can help decide which may be the right treatment option.

Hims ED Vs. Roman ED

Roman is a similar platform to Hims, with virtual visits and quick, discreet shipping. Roman is not just for men so there are more treatments advertised on the platform. Roman also has its own line of nonprescription supplements and vitamins. I would urge caution with products that are not prescriptions to always check with a healthcare provider before taking them. Roman also does not accept insurance.

Differences between Hims and Roman include:

• Hims is more targeted to men’s health
• Roman offers non-prescription products like supplements
• Roman also offers treatment for a wider range of conditions
• Cost is slightly higher for Hims, but only due to minimum prescribed quantities of ED treatments. 

Hims Vs. BlueChew

BlueChew is less broad than Hims and only offers erectile dysfunction treatments. The site is rather simple and set up to get started right away. There are only three different medication options all starting at $20 a month for 4 doses and increasing to about $100 for a month supply. BlueChew still has virtual text based consultations and discreet shipping.

Differences between Hims and BlueChew include:

• BlueChew only treats ED
• BlueChew is much simpler
• Hims is more in depth with treatment options and overall care information
• Both have chewable ED treatment options

History of Hims

Hims was initially founded in 2017 by Andrew Dudum and Jack Abraham to offer telehealth services for hair loss and erectile dysfunction. A year later Hims expanded to include Hers and also expanded the types of services offered. The combined platform expanded to offer primary care, mental health, and skin disorder treatments as well. Since then the company has partnered with many hospital systems to offer telehealth services.⁵

Final Verdict on Hims ED Treatment

Hims is a great platform that is easy to use and offers a wide variety of treatments for many different health disorders. It is a great place to start if you are new to treatment and not sure where to go or if you do not have an established primary care physician. The treatments offered are FDA-approved or backed by reputable studies for the conditions being treated. It is an ideal way to obtain treatment for tough-to-talk-about conditions or those that are looking for fast and easy appointments.

I like that the Hims platform simplifies treatment options for ED. The traditional in-person system we have to receive ED treatment is time-consuming and has many costly hoops to jump through. Hims has everything in one place with easy-to-understand treatment choices and upfront cost options.  Hims provides patients with information about treatment, simplified treatment choices, and thorough confidential care.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hims

What Credentials Do Hims Providers Hold?

Hims providers are medical doctors or nurse practitioners. All providers are fully licensed in the state they live in.

How Am I Matched With a Provider on Hims?

Hims automatically matches you with a provider and does not let you self-select one at this time.

Can I Choose a New Provider?

To be matched with a new provider, you can email Hims at [email protected].

Which Medications Does Hims Provide for ED?

The medications available for selection for ED treatment included brand and generic Viagra and Cialis.  They also had the option of specially formulated chewable mints that were a special blend of ED medications.

Do Medications Work for Erectile Dysfunction & Premature Ejaculation?

Erectile dysfunction is mainly treated with a class of medications known as PDE-5 inhibitors. There are many different drugs in this class that are effective at treating erectile dysfunction. The most common is an oral medication like sildenafil taken when needed or some like tadalafil can be taken daily.¹

Premature ejaculation is most commonly treated with one of three medications. There are two medications, paroxetine and sertraline, primarily used to treat depression that can be used to treat premature ejaculation. When taken daily, some studies have shown improved sexual satisfaction marked by increased time to ejaculation. Additionally, studies have shown that lidocaine applied topically as a spray prior to intercourse, prevents early ejaculation.^{2, 3, 4}

How Do I Get My Medications?

With For Hims, you can have your medications discreetly mailed to you or you can choose to pick them up at your local pharmacy.

Can I use my FSA or HSA Funds?

No, Hims does not accept FSA or HSA funds as a form of payment.

How Can I Cancel My Subscription with Hims?

You can cancel anytime on the account portion of the platform. If you receive medication regularly, you must request a cancellation at least 48 hours before your next medication shipment to avoid being charged. To cancel your subscription, log in to Hims and access your account. Under subscriptions, you will have an option to cancel or pause your subscription. Be sure to click through and cancel your subscription permanently.

Does Hims Offer Refunds?

Hims may be able to provide refunds. You will need to email Hims at [email protected] for more information.

Is Hims HIPAA Compliant?

Yes Hims is HIPAA compliant. To learn more about how they may share your information or use your information to aid in treatment options you can read the For Hims Privacy Policy  or contact a representative through the live chat help desk.

Hims ED Treatment Summary