Hims ED Review: Real Results From a Real Customer

One of the largest-ever studies on erectile dysfunction (ED) found that 52 percent of men ages 40 to 70 had some degree of ED. And no matter your age—40, 70, or somewhere in between—it often feels too soon to be dealing with ED. 

Although that study dates back to 1994, newer research confirms that ED is more common than many realize, and the risk increases as you get older. 

For 42-year-old Hims customer Rick F., dissatisfaction with his sexual experiences started even earlier — in his late 30s — partly due to depression triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

We talked to Rick about what it was like to deal with erectile dysfunction, why he decided to try ED medication, and how Hims ED treatment has impacted his life.

RICK: When COVID hit, I went into a bit of a depression, as it significantly impacted my business and ability to provide for my family financially. Looking back now, I realize that the depression was a major cause of my inability to perform for my wife, which really impacted my confidence and feelings of inadequacy. I had never had depression impact my sexual well-being until that point. It felt like adding insult to injury, and it was very hard for me to deal with mentally and emotionally. I also didn’t want to say anything to my wife because I didn’t want her to think I felt she was less desirable.

Note from Hims: Men can develop erectile dysfunction at any age, though it becomes more common with age: More than half of men over 75 are affected, and nearly 30 percent of men under 40 may also experience ED at some point, according to more recent studies.

Causes and contributing factors to ED include:

• Physical causes. Health issues that contribute to ED include atherosclerosis, heart disease, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea, low testosterone, cancer treatment, nerve damage, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and Peyronie’s disease.

• Medications. Medications that can cause erectile dysfunction include antidepressants, narcotic pain medications, antiandrogens, prescription sleep medications, and appetite suppressants.

• Psychological causes. Psychological causes of ED include depression, performance anxiety, relationship problems, guilt, low self-esteem, and chronic stress.

RICK: Too long. I didn’t want to admit to myself that I needed medication or that I truly had ED. It’s a tough thing mentally to cope with, but I’m so glad I took that first step and looked into Hims.

Note from Hims: A survey from 2008 in 300 men sponsored by the manufacturer of Cialis^® (tadalafil) revealed that 40 percent of men with ED don’t discuss their symptoms with their doctor, even though ED can be an early warning sign of other health conditions, such as heart disease and diabetes. In fact, research shows that ED can be an early manifestation of cardiovascular disease and that men with ED should be carefully assessed for risk factors to prevent future adverse effects, like a heart attack.

RICK: I looked around and finally decided that Hims’ daily tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis^®) was the best way for me to address my ED and hopefully gain back some confidence. I liked the simplicity of the platform and the fact that the questions they asked in the intake form were designed to get me the best care and practitioner for my condition and me personally.

Again, this being not easy to verbalize and admit, the doctors were very supportive and reassuring and answered all of my questions, giving me added confidence that this was the right choice for me.

Note from Hims: Hims is a telehealth company that offers access to prescription medications and over-the-counter products for men’s health issues like erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, hair loss, skincare, weight loss, mental health, and more.

In addition to the generic medication tadalafil, Hims offers access to other FDA-approved ED medications like brand-name Cialis, brand-name Viagra, and its generic version, sildenafil citrate. Want an alternative to ED pills? We also offer Hims Hard Mints and Sex Chews, which are chewable ED medications that contain the active ingredients in Viagra and Cialis in personalized dosages. All of these medications help improve blood flow to the penis by enhancing the natural process of blood vessel relaxation in the penis(you still have to be sexually aroused for these drugs to work).

If you are experiencing other medical conditions that commonly co-occur with ED, like premature ejaculation, hair loss, low testosterone, or high cholesterol, Hims also offers access to sexual health prescription medications that target many of these health concerns in addition to ED.

RICK: The treatment has been so simple and effective, and even my wife is amazed by my newfound levels of intimacy. She’s even made comments about how much fuller my erections are, and it’s like I’m back in my 20s when we first started dating. Confidence restored!

Note from Hims: Studies show that PDE5 inhibitors like tadalafil are effective in 60 to 70 percent of people with ED. Other research suggests that daily low-dose tadalafil offers a better impact on ED than as-needed tadalafil for long-term treatment (with a lower incidence of side effects).

RICK: Honestly, almost instantly! It gave me the confidence back that I had been missing for so long, and it was such a great feeling. Feeling good about yourself is never a bad thing.

The follow-up messaging with the doctor was also very pleasant. Quite frankly, it felt comforting to be able to address a problem such as ED with a care provider. I really felt like he was personally and genuinely invested in me and ensuring everything was going well with the treatment.

Note from Hims: Cialis works within 30 minutes and has a long half-life, remaining active in the body for up to 36 hours. Taking daily tadalafil at a lower dose allows customers to be ready for sex whenever the mood strikes, allowing for more spontaneous sexual encounters.

RICK: I’ve not had any negative side effects from treatment, and I love the confidence it brings me.

Note from Hims: Like Rick, you may not experience any side effects while taking ED medication, but they can occur.

Commonly reported side effects of tadalafil include headache, indigestion, back pain, muscle aches, nasal congestion, and flushing.

Less common, more serious side effects include prolonged erection (priapism), hearing loss, and vision loss. Tadalafil also shouldn’t be taken with other PDE5 inhibitors or certain medications prescribed to treat hypertension (high blood pressure), fungal infections, and other heart conditions. For a comprehensive list of contraindications and potential drug interactions, refer to Hims’ Cialis Medication Guide and talk to your healthcare provider. 

RICK: I’ve been going to therapy for almost two years now. I’m exercising regularly at the gym and eating healthy, though the diet was never an issue. I’ve always tried to be cognizant of what I put into my body.

Note from Hims: Modifiable risk factors for ED include smoking, poor diet, lack of physical activity, excessive drinking, and being overweight. Studies show that lifestyle-based interventions may help ED by improving endothelial function, nitric oxide bioavailability, and testosterone levels.

RICK: I’d say, “Check out Hims.” Taking that first step was effortless, and there’s so much information on the Hims app about the different treatment types. The videos are helpful and insightful, and the communication with providers is almost instant, which was incredible. Even on weekends, I receive responses within minutes, which you won’t get with a standard brick-and-mortar healthcare provider. 

Note from Hims: If Rick’s story sounds familiar to you and you think you might benefit from ED medication, get advice from a healthcare professional today to discuss your options. You’ll be asked to complete an intake form first and share your medical history so your medical provider can determine which erectile dysfunction treatment options are safe and appropriate for you. This online consultation is free of charge. If you are approved for prescription medication, you should receive your medication in discreet packaging within a few days.

Rick’s ED journey is one that many men silently relate to. If you’re dealing with ED, you’re far from alone. Whether you’re looking to increase your confidence, improve your relationship, or just feel like yourself again, prescription medication may be the answer you’re looking for. Telehealth sites like Hims make it more convenient to get the support you need discreetly and on your own terms.

Inspired by Rick’s review of Hims ED treatment, but still have questions about how Hims works? Check out how Hims works to learn more about the process, and explore tadalafil pricing.

Want to learn more about how Hims products compare to those found on other telehealth sites? Check out our guides to Hims vs. Roman, Hims vs. BlueChew, and Hims vs. Friday Plans.

Note: Hims compensated Rick F., a real Hims customer, for participating in this review.