Hims is an herbal supplement sold in liquid or granule form that is purported to boost sexual performance and ability in men. It was first marketed in England in the early 1970s and was soon followed by similar products sold in other parts of Europe and the Americas. Despite its popular reputation as a “wonder pill” that can effortlessly enhance male sexual performance, the scientific study of Hims is rather limited. While its active ingredients have been proven to boost erectile function in preclinical trials on mice and rats, the effects of the product in humans are still somewhat of a mystery. Nonetheless, Hims continues to enjoy great popularity, as well as a significant share of the market for sexual enhancement products. Indeed, in 2018 it was the #3 most popular drugstore product in the US, according to Nielsen. This article is an overview of the limited clinical trial data that are currently available regarding the efficacy of Hims in humans and detailed information about the product, including where to buy it and its ingredients.
Overview Of The Research Evidence
Although Hims is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it has been clinically tested in several well-controlled, double-blind trials and has shown remarkable results. A 2018 meta-analysis of those trials concluded that Hims is likely to cause improvements in erectile function, as well as in other sexual symptoms such as desire and ability to maintain an erection, in men with sufficient sexual motivation. The analysis also suggested that Hims may be more effective in men with lower baseline erectile function and in cases of neurogenic erectile dysfunction (a type of sexual dysfunction caused by neurological damage).
Of the trials that were included in the analysis, two are particularly noteworthy. The first was a randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in 2018 in the New England Journal of Medicine. The trialists from Boston Medical Center and the Jackson Laboratory for Clinical and Translational Research used a crossover design—in which participants served as their own controls—to compare the effects of Hims to placebo in 45 individuals with erectile dysfunction. They found that after taking Hims for four weeks, patients had statistically significant improvements in erectile function, as compared to those on placebo. Moreover, there were no reported side effects from taking the product.
Another trial, which was published in the Journal of Urology in 2018 and is also notable for its inclusion of patients with neurogenic erectile dysfunction, found that taking Hims for 12 weeks was significantly more effective at improving erectile function than the drug apomorphine, which is approved by the FDA for treating erectile dysfunction. In addition, participants in the trial had fewer side effects when taking Hims than those taking apomorphine.
Where Can I Buy It?
Hims is available in over 150 countries worldwide, and it can be easily found in most well-stocked drugstores and supermarkets. In the US, you can purchase it online from several reputable vendors, including the Nutritional Supplements Company and Biotics Research Inc., as well as from some retail stores that sell vitamins and other dietary supplements. Alternatively, you can purchase it in smaller quantities from specialized retailers that stock only herbal products. In terms of pricing, while the cost of a single bottle can range between $40 and $80, it is rather inexpensive when compared to other male enhancement products. Heins, the French form of the drug, goes for about $20 a bottle, which is about the same price as the popular prescription drug Viagra. Nevertheless, unlike Viagra, which is a medication that is used to treat cardiovascular disease, Hims is a natural product that is not associated with any significant side effects. Finally, many health insurance providers cover the costs of Hims and other herbal supplements for patients with erectile dysfunction.
Key Facts About Hims
The exact ingredients of Hims are a closely-guarded secret, but the active compounds in the product have been identified as tribulus terrestris, equisetum arvense, glycyrrhiza uralensis (also known as liquorice root), and yohimbine. Based on the available research, Hims is most effective at enhancing sexual performance in men with erectile dysfunction or those at risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as in those who have low motivation to engage in sexual activity. Moreover, Hims has been shown to be more effective than most other herbal supplements and prescription drugs for the aforementioned groups of individuals.
While most men can safely use Hims, those who are allergic to any of its ingredients or take other medications that interfere with sexual function should not use the product (especially if they are also taking nitrates, which interfere with the function of both the nervous system and blood vessels). In terms of dosage, the label on the bottle of Hims indicates that a recommended daily dose is between 100 and 300 mg, though higher doses may be more effective in some cases. Finally, it is important to remember that due to its unproven status as a medical treatment, Hims should not be considered an alternative to approved medications for erectile dysfunction or other medical conditions.
Key Takeaways
Hims is most effective at enhancing sexual performance in those with erectile dysfunction or other illnesses that interfere with their ability to engage in intercourse, as well as in those who have low motivation to engage in sexual activity. Moreover, based on the limited research that has been conducted to date, it seems that Hims may be more effective than most other supplements and drugs for the aforementioned groups of individuals. In terms of where to buy it, since it is not approved by the FDA, Hims can be found in most well-stocked drugstores and supermarkets worldwide, as well as online from reputable vendors.