EMLA cream
EMLA cream
EMLA cream
- Works in 30mins
- Can delay ejaculation
- Effective for lots of men
For men living with premature ejaculation (PE) it can increase the time between gaining an erection and ejaculating.
Using EMLA cream
15-30mins before you plan on having sex, apply a small, pea-sized amount of EMLA cream to the underside of the penis near the frenulum (commonly known as the ‘banjo string’).
Before intercourse, wipe away any excess cream to ensure it does not rub off on your partner, and apply further if you do not feel it working (across a slightly wider area – not on a focused point). Exact instructions are given when you receive your treatment in the information leaflet.
What is EMLA cream?
EMLA Cream is oil based so it can weaken latex condoms, increasing the risk of them splitting. It is therefore even more important that suitable precautions are taken to avoid pregnancy or transmission of a sexually transmitted infection (STI). You might want to invest in polyurethane condoms, which will not be weakened by EMLA.
How does EMLA work?
EMLA cream contains the active ingredients prilocaine and lidocaine, which are local anaesthetics. This means that the cream reduces sensitivity in the area to which it's applied. Reduced sensitivity at the tip of the penis can delay ejaculation for some men.
How effective is EMLA?
There is evidence to suggest that EMLA cream has been effective for lots of men. In these studies, it was shown to significantly increase the time between gaining and erection and ejaculation.
More about EMLA cream
EMLA side effects
EMLA cream can cause redness, slight swelling, tingling or turn the skin pale where it is used. Rarely, it can cause mild burning or itching. For a full list of side effects please read the manufacturer's product information leaflet that accompanies your medicine.
For full information on side effects and correct use, see the patient information leaflet. If any side effects cause you concern, contact us via your account.
Can I use EMLA?
Men over the age of 18 can request EMLA through our service. However, you will not be suitable for this treatment if you have a G6PD deficiency or certain blood disorders (such as methaemoglobinaemia). If you have an open wound on your penis, you should not use EMLA, as it can cause irritation.
Drug interactions with EMLA cream
You should be able to use EMLA cream with other medicines, if you have been prescribed it following a thorough consultation. It's important that you let us know which prescription, over-the-counter medicines and recreational drugs you are taking when you complete your consultation questionnaire so that we can prescribe EMLA safely.
Alternative PE treatments
Some men find counselling or hypnotherapy helpful as a means of exploring and treating psychological causes for PE. Others use behavioural techniques to manage their PE with success.
We can also prescribe Priligy, which affects the way your brain receives information. This can cause a delayed reaction in the areas of the brain that cause ejaculation, meaning you last longer during sex.
