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    EMLA cream

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    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 Patient Record.

    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 you 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. 

    How our service works

    1. Complete our simple, confidential online consultation

      5 mins

    2. One of our clinicians confirms your suitability and notifies you by email

      About 30 mins (Mon-Sun 9am-5pm)

    3. Choose delivery or collection

      Next day delivery

      Collect in your local ParcelShop​​​​​​​

    What our patients say

    Delivery & collection information

    • Standard delivery

      Free

      Delivered within 2-3 working days.

    • Next-day delivery

      £4.95

      Orders approved before 5pm Monday-Friday will arrive within 1-2 working days. Orders approved between 5pm Friday and 12pm Sunday will usually arrive on Monday or Tuesday.

    • Standard ParcelShop collection

      Free

      Collect from 7000+ convenient ParcelShops in 2-3 working days.

    • Next day ParcelShop collection

      £2.95

      Collect next day from 7000+ convenient ParcelShop locations, if approved before 5pm Monday-Friday. Saturday and Sunday orders, collect Monday if approved before 12pm Sunday or Tuesday if ordered after 12pm. 

    • London same-day collection

      Free

      Order before 5pm Monday-Friday to collect in pharmacy the same day. Subject to the availability of your treatment in your selected London pharmacy.

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        Meet our clinical team

        Based in our London office, our doctors and independent pharmacists have years of experience caring for patients in NHS hospitals, GP surgeries or in community pharmacies. Any one of the team may provide you with advice, your prescription or aftercare via private message.

        Meet the whole team
        • Dr Kieran Seyan  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

          Dr Kieran Seyan

          GMC: 6104204

        • Dr Gigi Taguri  - Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

          Dr Gigi Taguri

          GMC: 6129350

        • Dr Mitra Dutt- Meet the clinical team at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor

          Dr Mitra Dutt

          GMC: 6077868

        • Dr Neel Patel

          Dr Neel Patel

          GMC: 7085151

        Meet the whole team
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