What to Expect at Your First Online ED Consultation
Feeling anxious about getting ED treatment online? You're not alone. Most men are nervous the first time. Here's exactly what happens during an online ED consultation—no surprises, no embarrassment.
The Good News
- ✓ No physical exam required for most telehealth ED consultations
- ✓ It's private — from your phone or computer, wherever you're comfortable
- ✓ Most consultations take 10-15 minutes (often just a questionnaire)
- ✓ 67% of platforms offer free consultations
- ✓ It's effective — studies show telehealth ED treatment works just as well as in-person
The Two Types of Online ED Consultations
Most telehealth platforms use one of two approaches:
1. Questionnaire-Based (Most Common)
You fill out a detailed health questionnaire. A provider reviews it asynchronously and makes a decision.
Platforms: Hims, Roman, BlueChew, Lemonaid
Time: 10-15 minutes to complete
Response: Usually within 24 hours
2. Video/Phone Consultation
You have a live conversation with a provider via video or phone call.
Platforms: PlushCare, GoodRx Care, some Hims/Roman cases
Time: 15-30 minute appointment
Response: Immediate decision
Most direct-to-consumer ED platforms (like Hims, Roman, BlueChew) use the questionnaire method. You'll only need a video call if the provider has additional questions or if your health history requires more discussion.
Step-by-Step: What Actually Happens
Create an Account
Enter basic info: name, email, date of birth, shipping address. Most platforms also require a photo ID to verify your identity (this is a legal requirement for prescriptions).
Complete Health Questionnaire
This is the main consultation. You'll answer questions about:
- • Your ED symptoms (how long, how severe, how often)
- • Medical history (heart conditions, blood pressure, diabetes)
- • Current medications (especially nitrates — this is critical)
- • Lifestyle factors (smoking, alcohol, stress levels)
- • Previous ED treatments tried (if any)
Provider Review
A licensed healthcare provider reviews your information. They may send follow-up questions via the platform's messaging system. Some states require a brief video or phone call.
Decision & Prescription
If approved, the provider writes a prescription and you choose:
- • Which medication (sildenafil, tadalafil, etc.)
- • Dosage and quantity
- • Subscription plan (monthly, quarterly)
Medication Shipped
Your medication arrives in discreet packaging (plain box, no indication of contents). Most platforms offer free shipping within 2-5 days.
Questions They'll Ask (Be Ready)
Knowing what to expect makes it easier. Here are the typical questions:
About Your ED
- "How long have you been experiencing erectile difficulties?" — Be specific: 3 months, 1 year, etc.
- "How often do you experience ED?" — Every time, sometimes, rarely
- "Can you achieve an erection?" — Yes/no, with difficulty, not firm enough
- "Can you maintain an erection during sex?"
- "Do you get morning erections?" — Helps distinguish physical vs psychological causes
- "What have you tried so far?" — Previous medications, supplements, treatments
About Your Health
- "Do you have heart disease or a history of heart attack/stroke?"
- "What is your blood pressure?" — Some platforms ask you to measure this
- "Do you take nitrates (nitroglycerin)?" — This is critical; ED meds + nitrates = dangerous
- "Do you have diabetes?"
- "List all medications you currently take"
- "Any allergies to medications?"
💡 Pro Tip: Be Honest
The provider needs accurate information to prescribe safely. If you have a heart condition or take nitrates and don't disclose it, you could be putting your health at serious risk. The questionnaire is confidential — honesty protects you.
Who Can Get a Prescription?
Most healthy men with ED symptoms will qualify. However, you may be referred to an in-person doctor if:
- ✗You take nitrates (nitroglycerin) for heart conditions
- ✗You've had a heart attack or stroke within the last 6 months
- ✗You have severely uncontrolled blood pressure
- ✗You don't get erections at all (may indicate nerve damage)
- ✗You're very young (under 18-21, depending on platform)
- ✗Your symptoms suggest a condition requiring in-person evaluation
If you're denied, most platforms refund the consultation fee (if there was one). They'll usually explain why and recommend seeing a urologist or primary care doctor.
What You DON'T Have to Do
- ✓ No genital exam — Telehealth providers don't perform physical exams
- ✓ No blood work required for most standard ED prescriptions
- ✓ No waiting room full of other patients
- ✓ No awkward face-to-face conversation (usually just questionnaire)
- ✓ No explaining to a receptionist why you're there
- ✓ No pharmacy pickup — delivered to your door
Tips for a Smooth Consultation
- 1. Have your medications list ready — Know the names and dosages of everything you take
- 2. Know your blood pressure — Some platforms require a recent reading. Check at a pharmacy if needed.
- 3. Have your ID handy — Driver's license or passport for identity verification
- 4. Use a private space — If a video call is needed, find somewhere quiet
- 5. Test your tech — Make sure camera/microphone work if doing video
- 6. Be prepared to wait 24-48 hours — Questionnaire-based consultations aren't instant
Ready to Get Started?
Free consultations, discreet shipping, no awkward conversations.
What Happens After Your Consultation
Once you're prescribed medication:
- •Unlimited follow-ups — Most platforms let you message providers for free
- •Dosage adjustments — If 50mg doesn't work, you can request 100mg
- •Try different medications — Switch from sildenafil to tadalafil if needed
- •Cancel anytime — Subscriptions can be paused or cancelled online
Key Takeaways
- 1. It's easier than you think — Most consultations are just questionnaires
- 2. No physical exam for standard ED treatment
- 3. Takes 10-15 minutes to complete
- 4. Response within 24 hours typically
- 5. Be honest about your health — it's for your safety
- 6. Have your medications and BP ready
- 7. Discreet from start to finish
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. ED medications are prescription drugs with potential side effects and drug interactions. Always provide accurate health information during your consultation. If you have serious heart conditions or take nitrates, see a doctor in person.