Hims ED review

Does Hims work for ED?

By the Everything Men's Health editorial teamUpdated October 20266 min read

Verdict

For many men, yes. Hims has the widest ED medication menu in the category: generic sildenafil and tadalafil, brand-name Viagra® and Cialis®, compounded Hard Mints chewables and combo plans. Its core ingredients are FDA-approved PDE5 inhibitors, considered first-line therapy for ED.

The limits are in the formula and the format. Every Hims ED option works on blood flow only, and the chewables are swallowed, so onset is about 30 to 60 minutes, much like a pill.

Head-to-head: Hims vs Rugiet Ready®

Prices verified May 2026

Feature	Hims	Rugiet ReadyOur pick
Active ingredients	Sildenafil and/or tadalafil (3-in-1 Hard Mint adds vitamin B12)	3-in-1: sildenafil, tadalafil, apomorphine
Arousal support	None, blood flow only	Apomorphine supports arousal signalling in the brain
Format	Tablets and chewables, swallowed	Sublingual, dissolves under the tongue
Onset	About 30 to 60 minutes	Reported around 15 minutes on average
Dosing	Provider-personalized; tadalafil from 2.5mg to 20mg	Physician-customized, four strength tiers
Duration	Up to 36 hours (tadalafil)	Up to 36 hours
Medication range	Generic and brand-name pills, chews, combo plans	One focused 3-in-1 formula
Starting price	From $22/mo (generic sildenafil)¹	See rugiet.com for current plans
FDA status	Generic tablets FDA-approved; Hard Mints compounded, not FDA-approved	Compounded, not FDA-approved
Verdict	Runner-up	Winner

A third ingredient designed to support arousal, in a sublingual format with onset reported around 15 minutes.

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¹ Hims pricing. See Sources.

Prices verified May 2026.

Hims, answered

What does Hims offer for ED?

Hims is a U.S. telehealth platform available in all 50 states. After a free online intake, a licensed provider reviews your answers and, if appropriate, prescribes medication that ships discreetly to your door.

For ED, Hims offers generic sildenafil (20mg, 50mg, 100mg) and generic tadalafil (2.5mg to 20mg, daily or as needed), plus brand-name Viagra and Cialis. Its Hard Mints line adds compounded chewables in tadalafil-only, sildenafil-only and a 3-in-1 sildenafil, tadalafil and vitamin B12 formulation. Sex Rx combo plans pair ED treatment with hair loss, testosterone support, a multivitamin or PE treatment. No other platform we reviewed offers this much range, and it is Hims' clearest strength.

How do Hard Mints work, and how fast?

Hard Mints use the same PDE5 inhibitors as Viagra and Cialis, which help support blood flow when you are sexually aroused. They are chewed and swallowed about 30 to 60 minutes before sex, with most absorption in the digestive tract, so they are not much faster than a pill. Tadalafil Hard Mints can last up to 36 hours; sildenafil chews last about 4 to 6 hours. They can be taken anywhere without water.

What does Hims cost?

As of May 2026, generic sildenafil starts at $22/mo and generic tadalafil at $24/mo. Tadalafil Hard Mints and sildenafil chews start at $30/mo, and the daily 3-in-1 Hard Mint and Sex Rx combo plans start at $39/mo. No insurance is required. Hard Mints cost more each month than the standard generics.

Is Hims FDA-approved?

Hims' generic sildenafil and tadalafil tablets are FDA-approved. Hard Mints are compounded and are not FDA-approved as finished drug products, although their active ingredients are individually FDA-approved. Men who want only FDA-approved finished products should stick to Hims' generic tablets. Rugiet Ready is also compounded and not FDA-approved.

What are the side effects?

Common side effects include headache, flushing, nasal congestion, upset stomach, dizziness, muscle or back pain and temporary vision changes. Rare but serious effects include sudden vision or hearing loss and severely low blood pressure. An erection lasting more than four hours needs immediate medical care. Never combine these medications with nitrates, other ED drugs or certain blood pressure medications.

Want a formula that also supports arousal? Rugiet Ready is a 3-in-1 sublingual option in four strength tiers.

See Rugiet Ready pricing and strengths

The Rugiet case

A focused 3-in-1 formula

Rugiet Ready is a 3-in-1 sublingual formula designed to support both arousal and blood flow.

Sildenafil, which helps support blood flow
Tadalafil, which can keep working for up to 36 hours
Apomorphine, a dopamine agonist that supports arousal signalling in the brain

Rugiet does not try to match Hims' catalogue. Every Hims ED option focuses on blood flow, and blood flow support may not be enough when the arousal signal is the weaker link, for example with performance anxiety.

Sublingual, not swallowed

Ready™ dissolves under the tongue and is absorbed through the blood vessels there, bypassing first-pass liver metabolism, with onset reported around 15 minutes on average. Chewables are mostly absorbed after swallowing and may still be affected by food timing.

Physician-customized dosing

Ready is physician-customized across four strength tiers, so a provider can adjust based on your response, side effects and medical history. Apomorphine can cause mild nausea in some users. Individual results vary. For a deeper look, read our Rugiet Ready vs Hims comparison.

Rugiet Ready's arousal-enhancing 5-in-1 benefits, prescribed after an online consultation.

Check if Rugiet Ready is right for you

Who should choose which

Hims may suit you if you want the widest choice of ED formats, prefer daily tadalafil, want FDA-approved generic tablets or brand-name options, or want to bundle ED treatment with hair loss, testosterone or PE care in one plan.

Rugiet Ready may suit you if you have not fully responded to single-ingredient medications, deal with performance anxiety or inconsistent arousal, or want a sublingual format with a dose your provider can adjust.

Ready to compare for yourself? A licensed provider will determine if a prescription is right for you.

Start your free visit

Frequently asked questions

Does Hims work for ED?

Hims prescribes sildenafil and tadalafil, PDE5 inhibitors that are FDA-approved for ED and considered first-line therapy by major urology associations. They are designed to support blood flow during sexual stimulation and can work for many men. They do not act on arousal. Individual results vary.

How long do Hims Hard Mints take to work?

Hard Mints are chewed and swallowed about 30 to 60 minutes before sex. Tadalafil Hard Mints can last up to 36 hours; sildenafil chews last about 4 to 6 hours.

How much does Hims cost for ED?

As of May 2026, generic sildenafil starts at $22/mo, generic tadalafil at $24/mo, Hard Mints and sildenafil chews at $30/mo, and the daily 3-in-1 Hard Mint and Sex Rx combo plans at $39/mo. No insurance is required.

Is Hims FDA-approved?

Hims' generic sildenafil and tadalafil tablets are FDA-approved. Hard Mints are compounded and are not FDA-approved as finished drug products, although their active ingredients are individually FDA-approved. Rugiet Ready is also compounded and not FDA-approved.

What are Hims Sex Rx combo plans?

Daily plans that pair an ED prescription with another treatment, such as hair loss, testosterone support, a multivitamin or PE treatment, in one subscription. As of May 2026 they start at $39/mo.

Sources

This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Talk to a provider before starting or changing any ED treatment.

Ready is a compounded drug product available by prescription only. Compounded drugs are not approved by the FDA. Hims Hard Mints are also compounded drug products not approved by the FDA. Prescriptions require an online consultation with a licensed provider who will determine if a prescription is medically appropriate. Individual results may vary. This article is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice.