Launching a DTC Healthcare Platform for ED: A Guide to Telemedicine Success

Hey there! 

Have you noticed how healthcare is changing lately? 

Just a few months back, Pfizer announced their PfizerForAll platform. 

It’s pretty cool!  They’re cutting out the middlemen and making it super easy for people to access vaccines, tests, and medications directly. 

Major pharmaceutical companies have embraced a new trend: direct-to-consumer (DTC) healthcare platforms. 

Imagine being able to make doctor appointments, find vaccines, and order treatments all in one place. 

Sounds convenient, right?

And Pfizer isn’t flying solo on this. Earlier this year, Eli Lilly launched their own DTC platform called LillyDirect. 

It connects patients with telehealth providers and pharmacies, but it’s a bit more focused. 

With these changes, it’s clear that patients want simpler, more direct access to their healthcare—especially when it comes to sensitive topics like erectile dysfunction (ED). 

The Need for DTC Digitization in Healthcare

With rising demand for services, patients want better experiences—similar to the seamless online shopping they enjoy everywhere else.

The market is shifting, and healthcare needs to keep pace with consumer expectations. 

This means offering user-friendly, low-code or no-code solutions that integrate easily into existing systems.

Consider this: the global healthcare e-commerce market grew from $261 billion in 2021 to $310 billion in 2022. That’s an 18.5% increase! It’s expected to reach $614 billion by 2026. 

So, what’s driving this surge?

• Choice: Patients want access to a variety of healthcare products and services online.
• Trust: Strong, credible user experiences are key to building loyalty.
• Virtual Care: The pandemic has made digital solutions a necessity for many.
• Efficiency: Patients appreciate the convenience of home delivery for medications & services.
• Affordability: Rising costs make consumers more conscious of their healthcare options.

While digitizing the healthcare journey presents challenges, especially with regulations, it also offers meaningful opportunities to enhance patient experiences. 

By embracing DTC digitization, healthcare providers can serve patients better and more efficiently.

DTC Solutions for Erectile Dysfunction: Addressing Canadian Men's Needs

Did you know that about 20% of Canadian men have erectile dysfunction (ED)? 

That's a lot! And nearly 49% of men aged 40 to 88 deal with some type of sexual dysfunction. 

This can really affect their physical and mental health.

Globally, it’s even bigger. By 2025, around 300 million men will face ED. That’s a huge number!

The market for ED medications is booming. It’s expected to jump from $2.8 billion in 2024 to $4.8 billion by 2030. 

That’s an annual growth rate of 8.9%!

This shows there’s a real need for good solutions. 

A DTC telemedicine platform for ED could help. It would give men easy and discreet access to the care they need.

Main Competitors in the Canadian Direct-to-consumer (DTC) ED Market

1. Roman

A leading player in the DTC ED market, Roman offers a subscription-based model for ED medication. 

They're known for their user-friendly platform, discreet shipping, and emphasis on telehealth. 

While they've garnered a loyal following, some users have expressed dissatisfaction with their customer service.

2. Bluechew

A standout in the DTC ED space, Bluechew offers a unique chewable ED medication. 

Their convenient format and focus on a younger demographic have contributed to their popularity. 

However, their pricing might be considered steeper compared to certain competitors.

3. HIMs

A versatile DTC platform, HIMs provides a comprehensive range of men's health services, including ED medication. 

Their robust online presence, targeted marketing, and commitment to customer convenience have helped them establish a strong foothold. 

Nevertheless, their pricing can be on the higher side.

4. Maple

A Canadian telehealth powerhouse, Maple offers a wide array of medical services, including ED consultations and prescriptions. 

Their focus on Canadian patients and extensive service offerings make them a go-to option.

However, their ED-specific services might not be as specialized as those offered by dedicated DTC platforms.

Want to Build the Next Big DTC Platform for ED?

The market for on-demand sexual health care, especially for Erectile Dysfunction (ED), is growing fast. 

If you’re aiming to create a successful direct-to-consumer (DTC) platform, following the old methods just won't cut it anymore.

You need to embrace new technology like telemedicine for your ED startup to offer easy access to care and boost it with eCommerce for added convenience.

Here’s how to get started

1. Telemedicine Integration

Start by adding telemedicine to your platform. This allows patients to consult healthcare professionals remotely, offering privacy and comfort.

2. Add eCommerce

Take it up a notch by allowing patients to order ED medications directly from your platform. This makes the experience more convenient and streamlined.

Options to Build It

• SaaS Platforms

These are subscription-based telemedicine solutions that offer quick setup but limit customization. 

They may become costly in the long run, especially if you plan to integrate eCommerce with platforms like Shopify.

• Custom App Development

For a unique, tailored solution, consider custom app development. 

This lets you design a platform specifically for your business, integrating both telemedicine and eCommerce. 

It’s a bigger investment upfront but usually pays off with better flexibility and long-term results.

Building Your DTC Platform for ED Treatments: 2 Key Options

When creating your DTC platform for ED treatments, it’s important to choose the right setup to fit your business and customer needs. Here are two main options:

1. Mobile App

A mobile app offers privacy and ease of use, ideal for discreet ED treatment management. 

Patients can quickly order medications, receive reminders, and stay updated on new offers—all from their phone. 

This creates a highly personalized experience.

2. Web App

A web app is a flexible option that works across all devices. 

It allows users to access your platform from any browser, without downloads, while offering the same secure and comprehensive experience as a mobile app.

Here's an example of a DTC ED platform app we recently developed for one of our clients.

How We Can Help You Build the Next Big DTC Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Platform

1. Custom Patient Experience

We’ll help you create a fully personalized patient journey. 

From custom intake forms to easy prescription management and subscription models, we design every aspect to reflect your brand's needs.

2. Flexible, Expert Care

With our solution, you can offer telehealth consultations with top doctors licensed across the country. 

No setup costs or minimum volumes—just seamless, high-quality care for your patients.

3. Integrated Pharmacy Network

We simplify pharmacy integration. 

Whether you choose from our LegitScript-compliant partners or use your own network, we ensure smooth connections for regular or compounding pharmacies.

4. Effortless Compliance

Don’t worry about compliance—we’ve got that covered. 

Our system ensures country-specific data storage and fast-tracks LegitScript approval, letting you focus on scaling your business.

We handle the technical side, so you can focus on growing your DTC platform!