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Hims vs Roman What to Know About These Men s Health Services

Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Tim Jewell — Updated on October 20, 2022Share on PinterestHims vs Roman: What to KnowWe include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Hims and Roman are both rising telemedicine brands that seek to give customers treatment services for erectile dysfunction (ED) and other health issues without relying on traditional healthcare systems. But how do these two companies, their products, and their services stack up against one another? We’ll do a deep dive into each company, how they compare, and how you can decide which one may work for your needs.

An overview of Hims and Roman

About Hims

Hims is a men’s health brand founded in late 2017 when, as the story goes, the sister of founder Andrew Dudum commented on Dudum’s skin issues. Focused on full-service telemedicine for men’s health, Hims provides digital management tools for appointments, prescriptions, and generic medications for common ED treatments like sildenafil (Viagra) and tadalafil (Cialis). Hims also has services and treatment offerings for:hair lossskin caremental health Hims has also created partner brand Hers, which addresses women’s healthcare needs through the digital management of appointments, prescriptions, and treatments.

About Roman

Roman is an offshoot of a company called Ro. It was founded in 2017 as an “end-to-end” healthcare service. Their services are aimed directly at consumers, with minimal obstruction from healthcare professionals, physicians, and pharmacies. Since their founding, Roman has aggressively advertised this service. They’ve become a recognized brand in the men’s health space, especially for their generic Viagra (sildenafil) and generic Cialis (tadalafil). Roman’s primary service is helping you access healthcare on their platform. This includes:making appointmentsgetting prescriptionshaving easy access to a physician to guide you through your questions and concerns Ro also operates two other major brands:Rory for women’s healthZero for quitting smoking

Hims vs Roman

HimsRomanED treatments• Viagra
• sildenafil
• Cialis
• tadalafil
• Stendra
• paroxetine• Viagra
• sildenafil
• Cialis
• tadalafilPremature ejaculation (PE) treatments• sertraline
• lidocaine spray• sertraline
• benzocaine wipesHair loss treatments• finasteride and minoxidil spray
• finasteride pills
• thickening shampoo and conditioner
• finasteride pills
• topical minoxidilPricestarting at:
• $16 for hair loss treatments
• $3 per dose for ED treatments
• $24 per month for PE treatments
starting at:
• $16 for hair loss treatments
• $2 per dose for ED and PE treatments
Customer reviewsBetter Business Bureau (BBB) rating (A+)Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating (A) Shippingfree shipping, discreet packagingfree 2-day shipping, discreet packagingInsurancenot covered by insurancenot covered by insurance

Pros and cons of using Hims or Roman

Pros

Both companies offer online consultations and ED medication delivery options.Both companies offer discreet packaging.Both companies accept a wide variety of online payment options.Both companies employ licensed healthcare professionals whose credentials are easily accessible through the company website.

Cons

ED medications may not work if you need to make dietary, lifestyle, and mental health changes to treat your symptoms.Doctors may be general physicians rather than urologists or specialists in men’s health.If you have insurance, both companies may be more expensive than what’s provided by your insurance plan.Hims has a broader selection of medications but is generally more expensive.These services are not available in all U.S. states.

ED treatments offered

In addition to their telemedicine services, both Hims and Roman offer ED treatments. Here’s a brief overview of what each company offers. Keep in mind that many of these ED treatments are similar in how they work but may come in different dosages that take different lengths of time to work and may be taken at different intervals, such as daily or weekly. Some medications used to treat ED are prescribed “off-label.” This means that physicians have found therapeutic use for a medication outside of what the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it for. A good rule of thumb when taking any medication you haven’t used before, whether it’s completely new to you or from a different manufacturer or supplier, is to note how you feel and any side effects. Discuss this with your doctor in a follow-up appointment. Though the FDA may approve a category of medications with active ingredients like sildenafil or tadalafil, versions on the market may contain additional ingredients or have different dosages that can affect you differently.

Hims treatments for ED

Sildenafil (Viagra): This oral tablet was created to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Known as a phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitor, Viagra treats the inability to get an erection, or ED. It helps smooth muscle relax, so blood vessels allow more blood flow into the penis for an erection.Tadalafil (Cialis): This is another PDE5 inhibitor oral tablet meant to treat ED.Avanafil (Stendra): Avanafil is another PDE5 inhibitor oral tablet for ED.Sertraline: This oral tablet used off-label for PE has the same active ingredient as the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant Zoloft. For PE, sertraline helps you last longer before ejaculating during sex or masturbation.Lidocaine spray: This spray-on numbing agent helps reduce nerve sensation so that you can potentially last longer before you ejaculate.Browse ED treatments from Hims.

Roman treatments for ED

Sildenafil (Viagra): This PDE5 inhibitor treats ED and is sold as an oral tablet.Tadalafil (Cialis): Roman offers this popular PDE5 inhibitor for ED as well.Sertraline: Roman also offers a generic version of the SSRI antidepressant Zoloft as an off-label treatment for premature ejaculation.Benzocaine wipes: Sold as “Roman swipes,” these wipes are pre-moistened with 4 percent benzocaine, a numbing agent that can reduce sensation in your penis so that you last longer during sex. Browse ED treatments from Roman.

How do these medications work for ED

Here’s how some medications that both Hims and Roman sell work for ED and PE.

Sildenafil and tadalafil

Typically, when your penis nerves are stimulated, smooth muscles around the spongy tissue in your penis called the corpus cavernosa relax and let blood flow into this tissue to engorge it. This results in an erection. With ED, this process is disrupted. Sildenafil and tadalafil are in a class of drugs called PDE5 inhibitors. These medications stop the production of the enzyme PDE5. This allows your body to produce higher levels of nitric oxide and relax your penis muscles, letting sufficient blood flow into the penis for an erection.

Lidocaine and benzocaine

Typically, stimulated nerves in your penis use sodium to communicate signals to the central nervous system called “action potential.” But you can get too stimulated and ejaculate earlier than you’d like. Benzocaine and lidocaine help block sodium channels so nerve signals can’t take place. This means you’ll feel less sensation or none at all, so the sensation of sex or masturbation doesn’t overstimulate you. Some people find this helps them with performance and lowers some anxiety around sex.

Hims vs Roman price comparison

Here’s how the costs stack up between each company for common ED medications:HimsRomanSildenafil$3 per use$2–$10 per doseViagra$70 per use$70 per doseTadalafil$82 per month based on daily doses$11–$44 per doseCialis$958 per month based on daily doses$17–$69 per doseSertraline$24 per month$24 per monthAvanafil$59 per usenot offeredLidocaine premature ejaculation spray (0.18 fl oz.)$31not offeredBenzocaine wipes$19 for starter pack$22–$27 per month

How Hims and Roman work

Each company has a slightly different process for setting you up with a doctor and the ED medications you may need. Here’s how each company’s process works:

Physician s assessment via Hims

Here’s what to expect when you use Hims for medical consultations and prescription services:You’ll answer a brief questionnaire on your symptoms and experience with ED products.Hims will tell you whether you’re covered and a licensed physician is available based on your location.You’ll create an online user account and provide a government-issued ID along with a brief medical history.A licensed physician will contact you for a brief consultation with recommendations, prescriptions, or treatment plans.Your prescription is submitted. You’ll get any approved medications through the mail.

Physician s assessment via Roman

Here’s what you can generally expect when you consult with Roman and their physicians before receiving a prescription or any other treatment:You’ll create an online user account with a user ID, blood pressure reading, and medical history.You’ll be connected with a licensed physician or nurse practitioner for an appointment and evaluation via video chat.Your physician will encourage you to get any necessary lab tests. They will examine them at no extra cost.Your physician will reach out to you once they’ve analyzed your tests and give you a recommendation, treatment plan, or prescription.Your prescription is created. You’ll receive your approved medications through the mail.You can reach out to your physician anytime with questions, concerns, or for further consultation.

Hims vs Roman customer reviews

Although each company may promise easier alternatives to traditional healthcare, the marketing bluster can sometimes be deceiving. It’s worth checking out official company websites and third-party review sites, such as Trustpilot. These can give you the broadest, unbiased sense of what to expect from these companies based on personal experience. Here’s what customers have to say about each of these brands.

Hims customer reviews

Hims doesn’t offer refunds on certain prescription medications due to regulatory controls around selling and reselling medications. But as their website states, Hims does allow you to pause or cancel any subscription service without charge if you pause or cancel at least 48 hours before your next scheduled purchase or delivery. As of October 2022, Hims has over 1,130 Trustpilot reviews with an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars. Here are common reports in Trustpilot reviews about Hims and their products:

Hims pros according to customers

discreet packagingproducts work as intended, including unexpected effects like more stamina from ED productswebsite is easy to use and understandorders and subscriptions are easy to start

Hims cons according to customers

late or unreceived shipmentsdifficulty reaching customer service representatives, with waits up to 2 weeks or longer for responsessubscription charges that weren’t authorized and then not refunded for monthsdifficulty canceling ordersunintended side effects, such as rashes, from using skin care products Hims is rated at 1.1 out of 5 stars on the BBB website from over 60 customer reviews. Many of the reviews cover the same concerns listed above.

Roman customer reviews

Like Hims, Roman does not offer refunds on prescription medications for regulatory reasons. However, if you feel that the company made an error filling your prescription, you can email them for a resolution. Roman currently has only 5 Trustpilot reviews, with an average rating of 2.5 out of 5 stars, as of October 2022. At the time of writing, one Trustpilot review refers to a hiring incident that has little to do with the company’s products, and the other complains about the pricing. Roman is rated at 1.75 out of 5 stars on the BBB website from 12 customer reviews. Here’s an overview of what customers have to say on the BBB website:

Roman pros according to customers

products arrive quickly, usually within 1 week or lessone customer’s experience with Viagra and supplements was very positive

Roman cons according to customers

lack of timely responses from customer service representativesunauthorized charges for canceled subscriptionssubscriptions being charged but never deliveredconcerns about personal information privacylack of flexibility in choosing a doctor for telemedicine appointments

Company and brand reputation

Both Hims and Roman are relatively young companies and don’t have extensive track records. This means that most complaints and legal action against these companies may not be publicly available. It can take years for enough consumer reports and evidence to build up before a lawsuit can be successfully filed and taken to court. But here’s what we were able to find that may be relevant to each of these companies.

Hims reputation

To date, the FDA has not released warning letters targeting any products or services from Hims. No lawsuits have been filed publicly against the company, either.

Roman reputation

As with Hims, no FDA warning letters or lawsuits against the Roman brand or the Ro company have been issued or filed.

Dosage options

Here’s how these two companies generally use each of the ED medications.ViagraCialisStendraGeneric available?yesyesnoGeneric namesildenafiltadalafilavanafilStrengths25 milligrams (mg), 50 mg, 100 mg2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mgDosage50 mg10 mg as needed, or 2.5 mg daily100 mgTake it when?30–60 minutes before sex30 minutes before sex 15 minutes before sex for 100 mg and 200 mg, 30 minutes before sex for 50 mgLength of effectiveness4 hoursaround 36 hours6 hours

When to talk with a doctor

One of the biggest benefits of Hims and Roman is that you can get an online consultation with a physician and be prescribed medications sent directly to your home. However, there’s no substitute for meeting in person with your doctor, if you’re able to. If you have any concerns or questions that you don’t think these online providers can address, consider talking with your doctor. They can also order additional tests, if necessary, to rule out any other potential causes for what you are experiencing. There may be a chance that recent changes to daily nutrition, mental health, or lifestyle may be contributing to your symptoms. If that’s the case, your doctor can help build a more personalized treatment plan for you. They can also recommend a local urologist or specialist who can meet with you. Also, if you experience any concerning side effects as a result of medications received through Hims and Roman, your doctor would be a good resource to reach out to for help.

Safety and side effects

Here are some common side effects that you should watch out for when using any of the medications offered by Hims and Roman.

PDE5 inhibitor side effects

Side effects of PDE5 inhibitors like sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil include:rashesflushed skinrednessachy musclessore throatback painheadacherunny noseupset stomach erection longer than 4 hours (priapism)blurry vision

Sertraline side effects

Side effects of sertraline can include:feeling nauseouslosing your appetitediarrheaupset stomachfeeling sleepyhaving trouble falling asleepsweating a lot (hyperhidrosis)feeling shakyfeeling exhaustedfeeling agitated

Benzocaine side effects

Benzocaine is a common numbing agent and is generally considered safe. It’s even used to help numb you before dental procedures. Here are some uncommon but possible side effects of benzocaine:skin flakingskin feeling tender where you wipedfeeling itchyfeeling burningfeeling stingingwarmth or skin redness

Alternatives to Hims and Roman

HimsRomanLemonaidKeepsBlueChewED treatments• Viagra
• sildenafil
• Cialis
• tadalafil
• Stendra
• paroxetine• Viagra
•sildenafil
• Cialis
• tadalafil• sildenafil
• tadalafil
• Cialisnot offered• chewable sildenafil
• chewable tadalafilPE treatments• sertraline
• lidocaine spray• sertraline
• benzocaine wipes• sildenafil
• sertralinenot offerednot offeredHair loss treatments• finasteride and minoxidil spray
• finasteride pills
• thickening shampoo and conditioner• finasteride pills
• topical minoxidilfinasteride• finasteride
minoxidil solution
• minoxidil foam
• ketoconazole shampoo
• thickening shampoo
• thickening conditionernot offeredPricestarting at:
• $16 for hair loss treatments
• $3 per dose for ED treatments
• $24 per month for PE treatmentsstarting at:
• $16 for hair loss treatments
• $2 per dose for ED and PE treatmentsstarting at:
• $60 for 3-month supply for hair loss treatment
• $1 per pill for PE
• $2–$8 per pill for EDstarting at:
$10 per month$20 for 6 dosesBetter Business Bureau rating as of Aug. 20221.14/5 rating based on 12 customer reviews1.75/5 rating based on 12 customer reviews3.86/5 rating based on 112 customer reviews2.25/5 rating based on 36 customer reviews2.33/5 rating based on 3 customer reviewsShippingfree shipping, discreet packagingfree 2-day shipping, discreet packagingfree shipping, discreet packaging$3 per shipment$5 per shipment, discreet packagingInsurancenot covered by insurancenot covered by insurancenot covered by insurancenot covered by insurancenot covered by insurance

Frequently asked questions about Hims and Roman

Are Hims and Roman the same

No. Although they are both men’s health brands, Hims and Roman are not owned by the same parent company. Both companies provide healthcare services, medications, and treatment options for common issues, such as hair loss, skin concerns, and ED.

Are Roman and Hims covered by insurance

No, Roman and Hims are not covered by insurance.

Do Hims and Roman work for ED

Hims and Roman offer brand-name and generic medications for ED, such as Viagra, sildenafil, Cialis, tadalafil, and avanafil. Whether or not those medications work for ED depends on the individual and the cause of the ED.

Is Roman s online pharmacy legit

Yes, Roman’s online pharmacy is legitimate. While some products can be sold over-the-counter (OTC) without a prescription — like at your local pharmacy — other products will require a prescription from one of Roman’s licensed healthcare professionals who will discuss and review your medical history with you before prescribing and shipping out the medication. Roman also offers branded and generic versions of some medications, like Viagra and Cialis, so you can choose to go with a trusted brand name if you’re unsure about using a generic. You can have your medications discreetly sent to your home through Roman’s online pharmacy or your prescription filled through your local pharmacy if you prefer not to receive your medication through the mail. However, prices may vary outside of Roman’s network, and your local pharmacy must be able to receive electronic prescriptions and be part of the Surescripts network. Roman’s website also links to its advisory board of physical, psychological, and sexual health advisers that oversee the company’s medication and prescription procedures. Roman is also certified through LegitScript, which ensures telemedicine companies aren’t engaged in any criminal activity and unethical practices.

Takeaway

Both Hims and Roman aim for the same goal: easing access to sexual health and wellness while helping to remove the stigma around medical issues like ED. The choice is ultimately up to you, as both companies have pros and cons. But the choice should be centered around what service works for you and which one you believe will address your specific health needs. Get started with: Get started with Hims Get started with Roman Interested in trying Hims? Interested in trying Roman? Get started with a quick quiz to see which treatment is right for you and enjoy a 60-day money-back guarantee. Start your free online visit to find the treatment plan that is right for you.Learn moreLearn more Last medically reviewed on October 20, 2022

How we vetted this article

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Burnett AL, et al. (2018). Erectile dysfunction: AUA guideline (2018).
auanet.org/guidelines/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)-guidelineErectile dysfunction (ED). (n.d.).
niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/erectile-dysfunctionMcMurray JG, et al. (2007). Long-term safety and effectiveness of sildenafil citrate in men with erectile dysfunction.
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2387281/Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Current Version Oct 21, 2022 By Tim Jewell Edited By Steven Rowe Medically Reviewed By Debra Rose Wilson, PhD, MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT Copy Edited By Sara Giusti Sep 19, 2022 By Tim Jewell Edited By DeVonne Goode Medically Reviewed By Alan Carter, PharmD Copy Edited By Sara Giusti VIEW ALL HISTORY Share this articleMedically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph.D., MSN, R.N., IBCLC, AHN-BC, CHT — By Tim Jewell — Updated on October 20, 2022

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