Key Takeaways Why Trust Us

More than 30 million men in the United States are affected by erectile dysfunction (ED), a physical condition that often goes untreated due to stigma and privacy concerns ^[1] American Urological Association, Urology Care Foundation. What is Erectile Dysfunction? June 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed) . Online health providers specializing in ED treatment address these issues by providing a private, convenient way to access care, offering FDA-approved medications like sildenafil (generic Viagra) and tadalafil (generic Cialis), both of which have been shown in clinical studies to enhance the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

Sexual health is an important consideration at every stage of life, and is an important contributor to overall health and well-being ^[2] Smith l., et al. Sexual Activity is Associated with Greater Enjoyment of Life in Older Adults. Sexual Medicine. Dec. 13, 2018. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/smoa/article/7/1/11/6815746 . A recent study found that a sizable number of older adults remain sexually active well over the age of 60 ^[3] Steckenrider J. Sexual Activity of Older Adults: Let’s Talk About It. The Lancet. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00003-X/fulltext . But because of the physical and psychological side-effects of ED ^[4] Allen M. S., et al. The Psychology of Erectile Dysfunction. Current Directions in Psychological Science. Sept. 8, 2023. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09637214231192269 , sexual health can suffer, and can grow to be a barrier to other kinds of intimacy for some people.

Our Reviews Team’s survey of 300 online ED patients showed that 77% of respondents felt ED negatively impacted their mental health ^[5] NCOA Adviser [ED] Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024. , while 54% wanted treatment but did not feel comfortable bringing it up to their regular doctor in person. Of those who did start online ED treatment, 80% had improved self-esteem, and 82% had improved mental health as a result.

LeMeita Smith, LPC, NCC, director of clinical services at United Health Services, told us, “The connection between your psychological and physical well-being is profound, and resolving ED can substantially enhance your overall quality of life. It’s completely natural to feel some reluctance or embarrassment, but health care professionals are here to aid, not to criticize.” 

Telehealth providers like Lemonaid Health are designed to serve patients who are hesitant to seek in-person care for ED. By providing a platform for discreet, accessible treatment, these companies address the barriers that hold people back, making it easier to seek the care they need from the privacy of home.

Our Lemonaid Health experience

Our expert opinion

We compared Lemonaid Health to other popular telehealth providers for the treatment of ED. While similar companies like Hims and Roman offer free consultations, their medications are slightly more expensive, so the overall pricing is comparable. The ED medications available from Lemonaid Health, sildenafil and tadalafil, are limited compared to the four medications offered by some competitors, but these two types are suitable for most patients.

We found the Lemonaid Health website easy to navigate, and we appreciated the thoroughness of the new-patient questionnaire. ED medications can be dangerous for some people, and Lemonaid Health is careful about vetting new patients before approving them for an ED drug. One of the requirements is to submit an up-to-date blood pressure reading, which can be done for free with a participating blood pressure machine.

While you’re not required to sign up for a subscription with Lemonaid, you are automatically set up with monthly orders unless you make a request to cancel your shipment at least 48 hours before the order goes through.

Overall, we found Lemonaid Health to be an excellent telemedicine option.

“I think telehealth providers are a great option for the treatment of ED. I would have no qualms about recommending Lemonaid Health to patients.” – Alan Lidsky, MD, internist with Kaiser Permanente

Special considerations of erectile dysfunction medication for older adults

Viagra and Cialis may be ineffective or dangerous based on your health history and current medications.

Some of the most common chronic conditions affecting older adults—including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, and diabetes—can damage penile blood vessels and nerves ^[6] Defeudis G, et al. Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes: A Melting Pot of Circumstances and Treatments. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. Sept. 13, 2021. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dmrr.3494 , leading to new or worsening ED that doesn’t respond to Viagra or Cialis. If you are not eligible for ED medications due to a physical condition, you may want to talk to your doctor about several other ED treatments that are available ^[7] McMahon C.N., et al. Treating Erectile Dysfunction When PDE5 Inhibitors Fail. British Medical Journal (BMJ). March 11, 2006. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1397768/ , including penile injections, vacuum erection devices (penis pump), and penile prosthesis ^[8] University of Virginia School of Medicine. Penile Prosthesis. Department of Urology. Found on the internet at https://med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/mens-health-practice/penile-urethral-reconstruction-at-uva/penile-prosthesis/ .

ED can also appear as one of the first symptoms of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, anxiety, and other chronic health concerns ^[9] Capogrosso P, et al. Erectile Dysfunction in Young Patients is a Proxy of Overall Men’s Health Status. Current Opinion in Urology. March 2016. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/co-urology/abstract/2016/03000/erectile_dysfunction_in_yo . If you haven’t had a physical exam within the last year, don’t try to get ED medication online. Visit your doctor in person to ensure underlying conditions are diagnosed and treated alongside the ED.

Who shouldn’t take Viagra or Cialis

Viagra and Cialis shouldn’t be taken with some of the medications used to treat chest pain, high blood pressure, or lower urinary tract symptoms. Viagra should also be avoided in men taking protease inhibitors—a specific class of medications used to treat HIV. 

Combining nitrates or alpha-blockers with ED pills may cause a severe, life-threatening drop in blood pressure, which can be associated with feeling dizzy, fainting, falling, and even death. 

This is not a complete list of medications that should not be combined with Viagra and Cialis. Talk to your provider about everything you take—including vitamins, alcohol, tobacco, and recreational drugs—when discussing potential ED treatments.

Cialis and Viagra also shouldn’t be taken by people with low resting blood pressure, uncontrolled high blood pressure, inherited disorders of the eye or retina, recent heart attack or stroke, or uncontrolled heart disease. Cialis and Viagra can worsen abdominal pain for men with stomach ulcers.

What is Lemonaid Health?

Lemonaid Health offers telehealth care for a number of medical concerns, including mental health, sexually transmitted diseases, women’s health and birth control, hair loss, hypothyroidism, high blood pressure, and erectile dysfunction. For the purposes of this review, we limited our focus to the ED treatment program.

Lemonaid Health erectile dysfunction treatment options

Based on our Reviews Team’s experience, Lemonaid Health provides a focused and efficient approach to treating ED through a professional telehealth service that is both convenient and discreet. Lemonaid Health ED treatment offerings combine the convenience of telehealth with the assurance of professional medical care, providing effective and personalized solutions for erectile dysfunction.

ED treatment offerings

Online consultation

You’ll start by completing an online assessment and then schedule a virtual consultation with a health care professional. This step is essential for evaluating your suitability for ED treatment and discussing any health concerns.

Customized treatment plans

Based on the consultation, Lemonaid Health providers will put together a treatment plan tailored to your individual needs, taking into account your medical history and specific health conditions. They may recommend specific laboratory testing based on your history.

FDA-approved medications

Lemonaid Health prescribes FDA-approved medications for ED, primarily sildenafil (the generic form of Viagra) and tadalafil (the generic form of Cialis). These medications have been found to be effective for the treatment of ED by enhancing the ability to achieve and maintain an erection.

• Sildenafil: Typically taken before sexual activity, it works for about four to six hours. It’s suitable for those planning intimate activities within this timeframe.
• Tadalafil: Known for its longer duration of action, it can be effective for up to 36 hours, offering more opportunities for flexibility and spontaneity.

Prescription delivery

Once a prescription is given, the medication is discreetly shipped to your address. This service not only ensures privacy but also adds a layer of convenience, eliminating the need to visit a pharmacy and allowing you to set up future shipments.

Follow-up care

Lemonaid Health provides ongoing support and follow-up care. You can contact the health care team through the website or app for any questions or to request adjustments to your treatment plan. 

Affordable and transparent pricing

The service includes low-cost consultations and medications, providing an affordable option for those seeking ED treatment. All pricing is available on the website before a consultation is scheduled. This transparency in pricing is particularly beneficial for patients without insurance or who have high deductible plans.

While Lemonaid Health does not bill insurance companies, you may be able to get  reimbursement from your insurance company. Call your insurance representative to find out if you’re eligible.

Contacting Lemonaid Health

Customer service can be reached by messaging through the website or app, or by calling 888-536-2267, Monday through Friday from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, and weekends from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT.

Our call to customer service was answered after a 30-second hold period, and all of our questions were efficiently answered.

How to sign up for Lemonaid Health ED treatment

Signing up for ED medication through Lemonaid Health involves a straightforward, user-friendly process designed to prioritize patient convenience and privacy. The process typically includes the following steps:

1. Create an account: The first step involves visiting the Lemonaid Health website or downloading its mobile app. You’ll then create an account by providing basic information, such as name, address, date of birth, email address, and password. Once you’ve created the account, you’ll be asked to choose your preferred medication.

2. Complete a health questionnaire: Once your account is set up, you’ll need to fill out a detailed health questionnaire. This questionnaire covers your medical history, health conditions, symptoms of erectile dysfunction, and any medications you’re currently taking. It also requires a current blood pressure reading, which you can get for free from a blood pressure machine (typically found in drug stores; check here for a machine located in your area).

This information helps your health care professional assess your suitability for ED treatment. You’ll also be asked to provide a photo ID and take a selfie to prove your identity and age.

You’ll be charged $25 in advance for the initial consultation and will then wait to hear back from a Lemonaid Health medical professional.

3. Consult with a health care professional: A provider from Lemonaid Health will reach out to you within 24 hours. Some states allow for a prescription to be given at this stage, while other states require a phone or video appointment with a licensed health care professional before medication can be prescribed.

If you have a telehealth appointment, the provider will review your medical information, discuss symptoms, and address any concerns you might have. The provider’s job at this stage is to ensure ED medications are appropriate and safe for you. Some conditions, like high blood pressure or the use of medications that contain nitrate, will medically disqualify you from receiving ED medications.

Lab testing for conditions that may be causing your ED are optional, but will be offered by your medical professional at this time. This should not slow down the process—a prescription may still be given before the lab results are in, depending on the type of test being suggested. It’s important to keep in mind that ED can be a sign of an underlying health condition that needs treatment, like diabetes or depression ^[10] National Institutes of Health. Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. April 18, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality/sexuality-and-intimacy-older-adults#problems . Erectile dysfunction may also be an early warning sign of cardiovascular disease ^[11] Raheem O, et al. The Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Men’s Health. Feb. 4, 2016. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1557988316630305 .

4. Prescription: If your health care professional determines you are a good candidate for ED treatment, a prescription for sildenafil or tadalafil will be provided. The choice of medication depends on your health, treatment goals, and preferences discussed during the consultation.

5. Payment and delivery: Next, you’ll proceed to payment. Once payment is complete, the prescription will be shipped in 1–2 days to your address.

How we research and evaluate erectile dysfunction platforms

Based on our expert consultations, research, and testing, we determined the following factors to be essential for our readers when signing up for an erectile dysfunction medication platform:

• Costs for medications and consultations
• Ability to conduct live calls (video or phone) with prescriber
• Users must complete a health questionnaire when signing up
• Name brand and generic prescriptions available
• Ability to message prescriber through the platform
• Ability to get an ED diagnosis through the platform
• Shipping options and costs
• Customer service

We had all of our reviews medically reviewed by an expert in the field to ensure the information is appropriate for NCOA readers’ needs. Read more on our erectile dysfunction research methodology.

Bottom line

Our positive experience with Lemonaid Health led us to confidently recommend its services. The company’s approach to treating ED combines convenience, discretion, and professional medical care, making it an ideal solution for those seeking treatment for this sensitive condition. The Lemonaid Health online telehealth treatment process includes an online consultation and the discreet delivery of ED medications sildenafil (generic Viagra) or tadalafil (Cialis) directly to your doorstep. The personalized treatment plans, affordable pricing, and commitment to follow-up care made for a positive patient experience with our testers.

Our Reviews Team liked the privacy of this online service and the efficiency with which it handles health care needs. 

Frequently asked questions

What is the best erectile dysfunction pill on the market today?

Determining the “best” erectile dysfunction pill depends on individual needs, health conditions, and responses to medication. Common ED medications include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), vardenafil (Levitra), and avanafil (Stendra). Sildenafil and tadalafil are particularly popular due to their effectiveness and longer duration of action. Sildenafil is effective for about four to six hours, while tadalafil can last up to 36 hours.

The choice of medication should always be made in consultation with a health care provider, considering the patient’s overall health, other current medications being used, and specific ED symptoms.

What is the most successful treatment of erectile dysfunction?

While medications like sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, and avanafil are highly effective for many men, the most successful treatment for ED is often a combination of lifestyle changes, therapy, and medication.

Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and reducing alcohol intake can significantly improve ED symptoms for some men. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing adverse health effects as a result of your lifestyle. Further testing may be needed before embarking on a new ED treatment.

In some cases, psychological factors like stress, anxiety, or depression can contribute to ED, health conditions that may be helped by professional counseling, therapy, or medication. It’s important to identify the underlying cause of ED to best determine the most effective treatment approach.

What medications does Lemonaid prescribe?

Lemonaid Health currently prescribes two medications for treating ED: sildenafil (available in two dose options) and tadalafil.

• Sildenafil: The generic version of Viagra is a PDE5 inhibitor that helps increase blood flow to the penis, aiding in achieving and maintaining an erection. It’s effective for a short duration, typically four to six hours.
• Tadalafil: The generic version of Cialis is also a PDE5 inhibitor but has a longer duration of action, remaining effective for up to 36 hours. This longer duration offers more spontaneity in sexual activity.

Have questions about this review? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

1. American Urological Association, Urology Care Foundation. What is Erectile Dysfunction? June 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/e/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)
2. Smith l., et al. Sexual Activity is Associated with Greater Enjoyment of Life in Older Adults. Sexual Medicine. Dec. 13, 2018. Found on the internet at https://academic.oup.com/smoa/article/7/1/11/6815746
3. Steckenrider J. Sexual Activity of Older Adults: Let’s Talk About It. The Lancet. March 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanhl/article/PIIS2666-7568(23)00003-X/fulltext
4. Allen M. S., et al. The Psychology of Erectile Dysfunction. Current Directions in Psychological Science. Sept. 8, 2023. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09637214231192269
5. NCOA Adviser [ED] Survey. 300 respondents. Conducted using Pollfish. Launched January 2024.
6. Defeudis G, et al. Erectile Dysfunction and Diabetes: A Melting Pot of Circumstances and Treatments. Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews. Sept. 13, 2021. Found on the internet at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dmrr.3494
7. McMahon C.N., et al. Treating Erectile Dysfunction When PDE5 Inhibitors Fail. British Medical Journal (BMJ). March 11, 2006. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1397768/
8. University of Virginia School of Medicine. Penile Prosthesis. Department of Urology. Found on the internet at https://med.virginia.edu/urology/for-patients-and-visitors/mens-health-practice/penile-urethral-reconstruction-at-uva/penile-prosthesis/
9. Capogrosso P, et al. Erectile Dysfunction in Young Patients is a Proxy of Overall Men’s Health Status. Current Opinion in Urology. March 2016. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/co-urology/abstract/2016/03000/erectile_dysfunction_in_young_patients_is_a_proxy.5.aspx
10. National Institutes of Health. Sexuality and Intimacy in Older Adults. National Institute on Aging. April 18, 2022. Found on the internet at https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/sexuality/sexuality-and-intimacy-older-adults#problems
11. Raheem O, et al. The Association of Erectile Dysfunction and Cardiovascular Disease: A Systematic Review. American Journal of Men’s Health. Feb. 4, 2016. Found on the internet at https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1557988316630305
12. Burnett A.L., et al. Erectile Dysfunction: AUA Guideline (2018). Journal of Urology. April 2018. Found on the internet at https://www.auanet.org/guidelines-and-quality/guidelines/erectile-dysfunction-(ed)-guideline