EMLA Cream

EMLA (Eutectic Mixture of Local Anaesthetics) is an anaesthetic cream containing lidocaine and prilocaine that numbs the skin. It is used for a number of reasons, but is prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation. When applied to the penis before sex, it numbs the skin so that you can last longer during sex.

EMLA cream is used to numb the skin to reduce pain or sensitivity for several medical reasons. Common uses include:

• Before injections or minor procedures.
• To reduce irritation from skin procedures such as tattooing.
• To help delay ejaculation.

At 121doc, we prescribe EMLA cream off-label for the treatment of premature ejaculation.

EMLA cream works by blocking pain signals where it is applied. This numbs the skin, helping you last longer in bed.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how it works:

1. EMLA cream is absorbed: The active ingredients, lidocaine and prilocaine, are absorbed into the skin within 15-30 minutes.
2. It numbs the skin: This partially blocks the nerve endings, which numbs the area and reduces signals sent to the brain.
3. Sensitivity is reduced: The penis becomes less sensitive, helping you last longer during sex without removing sensation entirely.

EMLA cream 5% is clinically proven to prolong ejaculation for up to 10 minutes.

In a study of 40 men with premature ejaculation, applying EMLA cream 30 minutes before sex increased the time taken to ejaculate by an average of 8 minutes and 42 seconds, with some participants even lasting 10 minutes or longer. This is generally how well EMLA works, but some patients may respond to treatment better or worse.

Follow these instructions when applying EMLA cream:

1. Squeeze a pea-sized amount of cream onto your fingertip
2. Apply the cream to the affected area 15-30 minutes before sex
3. Wash your hands with soap and water once the cream has been applied
4. Wash the cream off your penis before having sex

Please note: If any amount of cream gets in your eyes, wash them thoroughly with saline solution.

EMLA numbing cream works best when applied 15-30 minutes before sexual activity. This gives the ingredients enough time to take effect, but not too long for it to numb the penis too much and cause problems getting an erection.

Individual responses to treatment may differ. Work with your doctor to find what works best for you.

The numbing effects of EMLA cream can last for up to 1-2 hours after you remove it, but this largely depends on how long you leave it on for. For best results, leave it on for 15-30 minutes and have sex soon after it has been washed off.

One study showed that EMLA cream applied too early (more than 30 minutes before sex) caused some patients to have difficulty maintaining an erection, so make sure you time your application well.

Only men aged 18 or over with premature ejaculation can be prescribed EMLA cream from 121doc.

Do not use it if you are allergic to any ingredient found in this medicine. Additionally, check with your doctor first if you have:

• a rare inherited illness known as ‘glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency’
• a problem with blood pigment called ‘methaemoglobinaemia’
• an itchy skin condition called ‘atopic dermatitis’

EMLA cream side effects include:

• skin reactions
• a tingling sensation
• skin irritation

Not everyone will experience side effects, and some mild skin reactions are just a sign the cream is working. Check with your doctor if you are worried about your reaction to treatment.

For a full list of side effects, consult the patient information leaflet.

Avoid using latex condoms with EMLA as oil-based creams can weaken the plastic and make them more likely to break. This can increase the risk of unintended pregnancy. Instead of latex, try polyurethane condoms, which are more durable and less likely to break during sex.

Yes, you can generally use other treatments like Priligy (Dapoxetine) alongside EMLA, but you should check with your doctor first. Some healthcare providers may recommend both treatments together if they are ineffective alone, but this is subject to prescription.

No, EMLA is not the same as lidocaine, although it does contain lidocaine as well as prilocaine as one of its active ingredients. Lidocaine and prilocaine are local anaesthetics that numb the skin, causing men to last longer in bed when applied to the penis.

No, you cannot get EMLA cream without a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Safety is our number one priority at 121doc, and our doctors will only prescribe treatment if you meet the criteria in your online consultation.

A prescription from a trusted healthcare provider like 121doc ensures:

• safety during treatment
• effective results
• monitoring of side effects