DISCLAIMER: This article contains affiliate links. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Medically reviewed by Dr. Shalaka Samant.
Erectile dysfunction (ED), clinically defined as the persistent inability to achieve and maintain a penile erection adequate for satisfactory sexual intercourse, can manifest as failure to attain tumescence, only partial tumescence, or loss of rigidity during coitus.
Per epidemiological studies, approximately 30 million men in the United States suffer from some degree of ED, with prevalence increasing with age from 5% in men aged 40 years to 15-25% by age 65 years.
Beyond sexual frustration, ED can engender psychosocial distress like embarrassment, diminished self-esteem, and relationship stress based on qualitative reports.
Thankfully, evidence-based pharmacological therapies for ED approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA and supported by extensive randomized controlled trials exist, including PDE5-inhibitors like sildenafil and tadalafil.
This analysis compares popular direct-to-consumer ED treatment modalities from companies like Hims, Roman, and BlueChew, assessing their relative efficacy, safety profiles, costs, and convenience based on published clinical data.
Benefits of Online Prescription Erection Medications
- Proven by science to be effective.
- Have been tested for safety.
- Cost-effective solutions.
- Target your particular erectile dysfunction issue.
- No embarrassing in-person visits to the doctor.
What Are Hims vs Roman vs BlueChew?
In essence, these three brands are very similar—and are hence suitable for this comparison article.
Hims, Roman, and BlueChew are all online-based subscription services—you sign up and then receive scientifically proven treatments for erectile dysfunction delivered to your door.
Notice what I mentioned? They are all scientifically proven.
Bro, I know what it’s like.
Your email spam folder is probably full of pills claiming to either make your penis bigger or harder. You only have to type the words ‘penis pills’ into Google, and you’ll have page upon page of tablet offers—all promising the world.
The issue is, that most of these are complete trash.
These ‘miracle’ pills often contain ingredients that are no more effective than placebos. Or, if they do include some beneficial compounds, they’re typically so underdosed that they wouldn’t stir the manhood of a mouse.
This is where the Hims vs Roman vs BlueChew battle raises the bar—their ED treatments are effective, and backed by peer research.
You read that right.
These three brands offer one or more of the following solutions:
1) Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra)
Everyone knows Viagra—or its unbranded generic equivalent, sildenafil. This pill revolutionized the erectile dysfunction world in the 1990s, rendering the previous treatments of penile injections and vacuum pumps obsolete.
Scientists describe this treatment as a PDE5 (phosphodiesterase type 5) inhibitor. As such, it has two functions:
- Blocking the enzymes that prevent the attainment of a firm phallus.
- Elevating nitric oxide levels, boosting blood flow to your member, making it hard.
2) Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis)
Like sildenafil, the equally potent tadalafil works as a PDE5 inhibitor.
Its difference lies in its half-life. That is, for how long this treatment remains active in your body. Sildenafil possesses a comparatively short half-life of about four hours, while tadalafil is considerably longer at 36 hours.
Your choice depends on your particular circumstances.
If you feel you’re going to get lucky today—but not sure exactly when—tadalafil would be the ideal option. So, knock one back before you go to a party or social gathering, and you’ll be able to achieve a hard-on for the next 36 hours.
Conversely, take sildenafil relatively close to intercourse time, making it frequently the choice of couples, where each partner is aware when sex will happen.
Just bear in mind, even with the 36-hour action of tadalafil, you’re not going to be constantly sporting a massive rigid rod. You still need stimulation to kick off the erection system.
3) Avanafil (the active ingredient in Stendra)
Again, avanafil is another PDE5 inhibitor—with a similar half-life to sildenafil.
Some studies indicate that avanafil has a higher success rate than Viagra. However, being a relative newcomer to the erectile dysfunction market—first hitting the shelves in 2012—research is limited, and its long-term effects are unknown.
I know what you’re thinking while reading this Hims vs Roman v BlueChew article:
Sounds great! But aren’t all these treatments prescription only?
Stick with me, buddy, and I’ll let you into a secret.
The Legality of Roman vs Hims vs BlueChew
For years, it’s been possible to purchase sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil on the internet—or at least products claiming that they’re the real deal.
Many guys, not wanting the embarrassment of visiting their doctors, searched and purchased these apparent erectile dysfunction solvers online.
Often with unfortunate results.
As it was illegal to retail these drugs without a prescription, many website vendors were breaking the law, meaning you had to make surreptitious purchases with that feeling of guilt in the back of your mind.
Furthermore, many sites were—and in some cases, still are— fronts for scams. You’d make a payment on your credit card, and then never see any product in return. Alternatively, you may receive a bottle of pills labeled ‘Viagra,’ but inside was nothing but sugar pills or tablets that actually contained harmful ingredients.
However, Hims, Roman and BlueChew are different.
All three of these companies allow you to purchase original sildenafil, tadalafil, or avanafil (not available on BlueChew) online entirely legally.
How? Because they provide you with a prescription before mailing out the product.
Following telemedicine regulations, these companies employ licensed medical providers to practice in the majority of US states. They examine your symptoms and medical history online and, if suitable, prescribe the above medications—although some are excluded due to particular state laws.
How to Purchase Hims, Roman or BlueChew
While the ordering system varies slightly, the typical process is as follows:
- Sign up to the website (use “PLPROJECT” code & get first month FREE).
- Complete an online health questionnaire and submit.
- Upload an image of your government ID to prove who you are and that you’re over 18.
- A physician—licensed to practice in your home state—will examine your health questionnaire to ensure that the pills are a suitable treatment for your erectile dysfunction.
- The medical provider may ask you to provide a recent blood pressure reading. If you haven’t had such a check in the last six months, then you can obtain a blood pressure figure by visiting a clinic or pharmacy—or buying a home kit.
- You’ll receive contact details of your online physician in case you have any questions or issues.
- Assuming all is well, the medical provider will issue a prescription, and you sit and wait for your pills to arrive at your door.
- Consume the tablets and enjoy a concrete-column of an erection.
As subscription services Hims, Roman, and BlueChew allow you to receive your medications every month without having to reorder. Just choose the number of treatments you require!
Bear in mind that you’ll probably need more than you think. Once you start enjoying a rock-hard ramrod, your confidence and appetite in the bedroom will undoubtedly grow.
Hims vs Roman v BlueChew—Down to the Detail
While, initially, they’re very similar solutions, these three brands do have some distinctive characteristics:
Hims
About
This brand decided to steer away from the current stereotypical erectile dysfunction sufferer and give its products a much broader appeal.
In 2017, Andrew Dudam founded this company. Kicking off with $7M of venture capital investment, this guy took a new approach.
Dudam was annoyed that the vast majority of erection enhancers were aimed at older guys—when, in truth, men of all ages were struggling with limp dicks. He said that most pill providers used the following demographic:
“For a really long time, you’d think of an affluent white male. He’s 65, he’s graying.”
Hence, to combat this discrimination, Dudam founded an online resource targeting man between 20 and 55 years who had erectile dysfunction.
Product Choices
This company offers a wide spectrum of proven solutions to erectile dysfunction. In consultation with your online physician, you have the choice between:
- Viagra: a branded form of sildenafil.
- Generic sildenafil.
- Cialis: a branded form of tadalafil.
- Generic tadalafil.
- Stendra: a branded form of avanafil.
We’ve already explored the difference between sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil, but what about the decision between branded or generic? For example, Viagra or sildenafil?
In short, it’s cost and kudos.
Branded examples are generally harder on the pocket than their generic counterparts and come with brand awareness. Inside, the pills are the same and are equally as efficient.
Dosage and Subscription Options
Perhaps the most significant downside of this service is the lack of transparency in subscription packages and doses.
Its site indicates that these variables are to be discussed and appropriately selected by your online physician. While this is admirable and advisable, some example packages would provide useful comparison information. However, the company explains that you can select between quarterly or monthly deliveries.
Additional Information
With your online account, you can snooze, postpone or completely cancel your subscription at any point. That said, the company indicates that, should you wish to make any changes, you must give them at least 48 hours’ notice before your next delivery is due.
Pros
- Five different products: wide range of erectile dysfunction solutions.
- The site sells a range of men’s health products, including COVID-19 tests.
- Choice of monthly or quarterly deliveries.
Cons
- The online site lacks transparency: you need to begin an order to find out information.
- Some users found that customer services took a long time to respond to queries.
Roman
About
This is a brand that was formed out of both frustration and necessity.
Zachariah Reitano, the founder of Roman, was an erectile dysfunction sufferer. With this penile issue leading him to low self-esteem and depression, he looked online for a solution.
However, he was dismayed to find that, according to him, 80 percent of Viagra retailed through websites was fake. And, while he understood that he could visit his physician, he wanted to avoid the embarrassment of discussing such personal issues.
Hence, he formed Roman—a legal way to obtain prescription erectile dysfunction treatments without any stigma.
Product Choices
In consultation with an online doctor licensed to practice in your state, the company offers a choice of:
- Sildenafil.
- Viagra.
- Cialis.
From these options, sildenafil is the most budget-friendly, followed by Cialis, and then Viagra as the hardest on the pocket.
Dosage and Subscription Options
While you’ll agree your prescription in conjunction with your physician, the current doses available are:
- Sildenafil: 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100mg.
- Viagra: 25, 50 and 100mg.
- Cialis: 2.5, 5, 10 and 20mg.
You can elect for monthly or quarterly deliveries, with an option to postpone or cancel your order at any time.
As the company will automatically rebill you, there’s no need to worry about reordering every few weeks—meaning you’ll always have these bedroom boosters available. However, if you wish, you can choose an on-demand service with no auto-billing.
Additional Information
The company offers a two-day shipping option—allowing you to get down and dirty in the bedroom as quickly as possible. Furthermore, they provide unlimited doctor follow-ups.
Pros
- Transparent pricing policy.
- A choice of three erectile dysfunction treatments.
- Wide range of doses.
Cons
- Despite offering two-day delivery, some customers indicated it took longer.
- Lengthy health questionnaire.
How Much Do Hims and Roman Cost Per Month?
Hims and Roman offer monthly subscriptions as a part of their pricing strategy. Both hims and Roman offer per-dose pricing for erectile dysfunction and hair loss medications. Roman subscription options start at around $17 a month, while hims uses an entry point of $20 a month.
However, it must be noted that these are just entry prices. Eventually, your individual need will determine the final monthly cost. This is based upon the dosage and frequency of use determined by an online health practitioner.
BlueChew
If ever a company broke the mold in erectile dysfunction treatments, it’s BlueChew.
Founded in 2012, it’s revolutionized the men’s health market by introducing chewable treatments to address less-than-rigid ramrods.
In short, no more pills.
While having erectile dysfunction is incredibly common and, therefore, nothing to be ashamed of, you hardly want to shout to the world that your Johson is misfiring.
The beauty of BlueChew is that it provides a highly discreet method of gaining a mighty boner. Simply pop one of these candy-flavored treatments in your mouth, and chew.
Let’s face it, if you’re hitting it off with a girl, and you think sex is on the cards. It could appear a little presumptuous if you whip out your blister pack of Viagra.
With BlueChew, you simply chew an innocent sweet.
Furthermore, these will appeal to those guys who have trouble swallowing tablets, which means they don’t need to source a glass of water.
BlueChew Product Choices
The ethos behind BlueChew is simplicity.
It offers just two treatment choices—sildenafil and tadalafil—so there’s no confusion with mixing them in with Viagra or Cialis:
- Want long-lasting, all-day readiness? Opt for tadalafil.
- Alternatively, if you prefer to consume your chewable immediately before intercourse, go for sildenafil.
BlueChew Dosage and Subscriptions
For me, one of the largest appeals of BlueChew is the choice of options. Depending on the frequency of your sex life, you can select a dose and volume to match. Currently, they offer:
Sildenafil BlueChew 30 mg or 45 mg
- Active plan: 6 chews.
- Busy plan: 10 chews.
- Popular plan: 17 chews
- Pro plan: 34 chews.
Tadalafil BlueChew 6 mg or 9 mg
- Active plan: 4 chews.
- Busy plan: 7 chews (This is my favorite).
- Popular plan: 14 chews.
- Pro plan: 28 chews.
Once you’ve completed your online questionnaire, you’ll receive your chosen BlueChew plan monthly. At any time, you can cancel or place on hold your prescription—with no cost or penalty.
Furthermore, the manufacturer indicates that it’ll deliver these chewables to your door in plain packaging. Your mailman won’t know you’re receiving ED treatments from BlueChew!
BlueChew Additional Information
Not only is BlueChew discreet, easy to take and one of the most competitively priced erection pill brands on the market, it also has the benefit of:
- A 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re unhappy with the product.
- The company (BlueChew) adheres to the HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act 1996), which dictates that only certified medical practitioners dealing with your online account can access your private health information.
- Promises to attend to your application within 48 hours.
- BlueChew offers a first-month FREE trial so you can try it risk-free.
BlueChew Pros
- Simple choice: sildenafil or tadalafil.
- Suitable for those guys who can’t take tablets or swallow pills.
- Discreet.
- Delivered in discreet packaging.
- Wide choice of subscription options.
BlueChew Cons
- Can’t purchase branded products.
BlueChew Testimonials
Huge ED Meds
Huge.com is an online pharmacy dedicated to treating erectile dysfunction just like Hims, Roman, and BlueChew.
They focus on providing personalized subscriptions, so you could get a plan that really works best for you.
Orders are delivered in a discreet package and right to your doorstep.
Hims vs Roman v BlueChew Conclusion
When your manhood isn’t as firm and long-lasting as you’d like, sex either goes downhill or becomes non-existent.
For years, guys have been purchasing illegal or fake treatments online.
But, no more.
With these retailers, the average Joe can now obtain prescription-grade solutions—without having an embarrassing conversation with their physician.
And, while they’re all welcomed, BlueChew stands above the rest.
A discreet pill, available as either sildenafil or tadalafil, you know you’re obtaining a scientifically proven solution.
What’s more, delivered in plain-packaging, a simple online questionnaire for your prescription, and a plethora of subscription options mean that it’s the most bespoke and budget-friendly of all the online retailers.
So, don’t suffer from a floppy phallus—take the initiative and check out BlueChew.
When it comes to choosing the best online pharmacy for treating ED, you need to ask yourself the following questions:
- Is buying low-price and effective ED meds from a trusted pharmacy important for me?
- Is fast and caring customer service important for me?
- Is free shipping important for me?
If your answer to these questions was “yes”, I’d definitely recommend you to check out BlueChew.
How Are Hims and Roman and BlueChew Brands Different?
Roman goes for a more professional and medical-focused approach while hims is clearly differentiating itself via modern design. Both hims and Roman use very clear marketing messages and directly emphasize getting prescription medications delivered to your door without the hassle of needing to visit the pharmacy. The same is true for BlueChew.
Hims branding includes a lighter-touch to tough topics like erectile dysfunction and hair loss. BlueChew and Roman branding reflect more professionalism around such embarrassing and uncomfortable problems. Both of these companies’ websites emphasize physicians’ certifications, accreditations, medical advice, online doctor consultations, and their service discreteness.
Should Hims and Roman Switch To Value-based Pricing Model?
Both companies use a static, cost-plus pricing model, which was expected as it is a standard among prescription companies. However, switching to a value-based pricing-model could bring in incremental revenue for both companies as customers in different age segments are willing to pay different prices for the same product.
Hims Vs BlueChew | Comparing The Best ED Meds
ForHims is a telemedicine pharmacy prescribing meds for hair loss and erectile dysfunction while BlueChew is solely focused on men who struggle with ED. BlueChew offers easy-to-swallow chewable tablets at $20 a month vs Hims starts at $20 as well. However, BlueChew offers a one-month free trial, so its subscription offers more value.
Roman vs Bluechew | Comparing The Best ED Meds
Roman and BlueChew are licensed digital men’s health clinics. While BlueChew sells only compounded erectile dysfunction medications, then Roman offers branded Viagra and Cialis as well. Roman’s US-licensed healthcare professionals also provide personalized treatment for hair loss, low testosterone, and premature ejaculation.
Roman’s licensed online pharmacy also sells branded ED medications, which means that you can order brand-name Viagra and Cialis online. The cost of brand-name erectile dysfunction medications is substantially higher compared to generic drugs. Original Viagra starts at $70 per dose while Cialis sells for $69 per dose.
BlueChew vs Roman
The 6 mg Tadalafil version of BlueChew costs $5 per dose while the 5 mg Tadalafil dose sells for $8 at Roman’s. The 30 mg BlueChew Sildenafil version costs $3.5 per pill vs Roman’s 40 mg sells for $4 per pill. Roman also offers 20 mg Sildenafil ED meds for $2 which is cheaper than BlueChew. However, BlueChew doesn’t have ED meds in such low dosages.
BlueChew vs Lemonaid
Lemonaid is a telemedicine provider offering treatment plans for men and women. They mainly focus on providing ED and birth control prescriptions online. The first online video consultations with a certified Lemonaid doctor is going to cost you $25.
Once a licensed physician determines an appropriate treatment plan for your condition, you can collect your meds in a local pharmacy. Lemonaid’s ED pills pricing is very similar to other providers. Brand name Viagra & Cialis start at around $65 per-dose
BlueChew vs Keeps | How It Works & ED Treatment Pricing
BlueChew doesn’t see hair loss meds, so Keeps isn’t a direct competitor. Keeps offer online treatments that, at a first glance, seem very similar to Hims and Roman. The most important difference is that Keeps does not offer ED subscription plans. Keeps is mainly oriented towards offering treatment for hair loss prevention.
Both Hims and Roman also offer these treatments, that’s why these companies often appear in searches together. So, if you’re looking for a Hims vs. Keeps comparison, you’ll only find hair loss treatments rather than ED tablets.
BlueChew vs PlushCare
PlushCare is widely known telehealth platforms out there today. They offer treatment to a wide range of health issues, starting from pre-exposure prophylaxis (also known as PrEP) and ending with ED pills. Something that’s very convenient about PlushCare is that its services are available on the desktop, and they also have a handy mobile app.
PlushCare offers online consultations with experienced doctors. Your medical concerns will be discussed during an online appointment, and the doctor will then prescribe the appropriate meds for you. You should note that the doctors don’t give out ED prescriptions for those who are just looking to enhance their sexual performance. Erectile dysfunction pills will only be available for those with legitimate medical needs. The ED treatment pricing is very similar to Lemonaid’s.
BlueChew vs BlinkHealth
Blink Health is very similar to Lemonaid as it is a comprehensive telemedicine provider offering ED meds among others. One big difference with Lemonaid is that the initial video consultation with a professional healthcare provider costs you only $5 instead of $25. Once you are approved for your treatment plan, you can sit back, relax and wait until erectile dysfunction pills arrive at your door. The cost of ED meds is again similar to Lemonaid’s pricing.
BlueChew vs Viagra vs Cialis
BlueChew offers two different plans – Tadalafil (the active ingredient in Cialis) and Sildenafil (the active ingredient in Viagra). Both ingredients are FDA-approved for treating erectile dysfunction, but the BlueChew tablets itself are not.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better: HIMS or Roman or BlueChew?
While all these brands offer the powerful and proven treatments of sildenafil and tadalafil, BlueChew, with its chewable form and wide range of subscription options, is the better product.
Does HIMS Really Work for ED?
Yes, HIMS really works for ED. Its men’s health products include the scientifically proven erection boosters of either sildenafil, tadalafil, and avanafil.
Does Hims and Roman or BlueChew Cause Hair Loss?
No, Hims and Roman or BlueChew don’t cause hair loss. In fact, studies indicate that sildenafil— a product of BlueChew, Hims and Roman—can reverse the effect of hair loss by stimulating growth.
How To Get ED Treatments Online?
We live in a new digital world where everything is just one click away. It’s only natural that ED MEDs among others are made available for online ordering.
With GetRoman, ForHims, and BlueChew you can have a conversation with licensed physicians online who are able to provide you an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan without you needing to leave the house.
Many men consider ED as an embarrassing health condition and discussing it with their healthcare provider can cause a lot of anxiety. By using a telemedicine company, like Roman, hims, or BlueChew you can have this conversation at the convenience of your home. In some cases, you just need to fill out a health questionnaire and erectile dysfunction pills are sent your way.
Having said that, it’s important to note that not all sites claiming to provide online healthcare consultations are legit. That’s why you should be very careful when getting ED treatment plans online.
With the companies discussed in this article, we did the legwork for our readers and we can confidently say that forhims.com, getroman.com, and bluechew.com provide trustworthy access to professional health care and ED pills online.
What Are The Other Solutions For Erectile Dysfunction?
Natural Remedies
There are a lot of sites that offer natural or homeopathic options to treat erectile dysfunction. You should, however, be wary of these remedies as these may not bring the wanted effects. Additionally, you should always consult with your doctor before initiating any treatment plans that aren’t FDA approved.
Kegel
Kegel, or pelvic floor exercises, are more commonly associated with women. However, these can also help prevent as well as treat erectile dysfunction symptoms in men. Kegel exercises will help maintain healthy blood circulation in your penis. You can do these exercises either by stopping your urine mid-stream, or just engaging these muscles while laying down, sitting or standing up. For best results, you should do about 10 to 20 reps each day.
Prevention
Prevention is key when fighting against erectile dysfunction, however, it’s technically not a remedy as such. One of the leading causes of erectile dysfunction is cardiovascular issues. You can successfully reduce the chances of getting ED by making healthy lifestyle choices. Make sure to eat a balanced diet, avoid smoking and drinking excess alcohol, and exercise regularly.