Emla Cream

What Is Emla & What Is It Used For?

Emla Cream is a local anaesthetic that is applied topically. Local anaesthetics help to numb an area, reducing its ability to feel the sensation.

Emla Cream is available to buy from PrescriptionDoctor, following a free consultation, to help to treat premature ejaculation (PE) in men.

Premature ejaculation – which is when a man ejaculates too quickly during sex – is a common ejaculation problem. Many men experience it from time to time, with one survey suggesting one in three men are affected (though the figure may well be higher as some men may find it difficult to admit they have a problem).

You should apply EMLA Cream 20-30 minutes before having sex. Please read the printed information leaflet inside the pack for full details of how to use this treatment.

Causes of Premature Ejaculation

There are a number of things thought to cause premature ejaculation, including the following:

• Relationship problems
• Stress
• Anxiety (particularly performance anxiety)
• Depression
• Certain medical conditions or medicines
• Trauma caused by previous sexual experiences

Experts recommend a number of techniques you can try to prevent premature ejaculation, such as masturbating an hour or two before having sex, using thicker condoms to desensitise your penis, taking breaks during sex and distracting yourself by thinking about something else.

How Does Emla 5% Cream Work?

The two active ingredients in EMLA Cream (lidocaine and prilocaine) numb the surface of the skin.

If any of the following apply to you, EMLA Cream may not be suitable for you, or you may have to take extra care while taking it:

• You have an allergy or sensitivity to lidocaine and/or prilocaine
• You have anaemia
• You have atopic dermatitis
• You have a rare inherited illness called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• You have a condition called methaemoglobinaemia

For more information on whether or not you should take this medicine, please refer to the printed information leaflet inside the pack.

How to Use Emla Cream for Premature Ejaculation 

It is important you do not follow the instructions on the Patient Information Leaflet with this product; it gives instructions for different uses of Emla cream.     

• Pull back the foreskin and apply a pea-sized amount of Emla cream to the underside of the head and neck of the penis.    
• Leave the cream for 15 – 30 minutes before sex.    
• Ensure you remove all the cream before having sex as it can be transferred to your partner and reduce their sensitivity.    
• Emla cream is unaffected by food and alcohol and is suitable for use with non-latex condoms.

Emla Cream Side Effects

Not everyone experiences side effects when using EMLA Cream as a desensitising cream for premature ejaculation. Here are some that you should be aware of:

In less than one in 10 users:

• Redness and slight swelling of the skin
• Mild burning or itching sensation

In less than one in 100 users:

• Tingling

In less than one in 1,000 users:

• Mild allergic reactions (rash, swelling)
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, breathlessness, dizziness, swelling of the face lips, tongue or other parts of the body)
• Blue-grey skin (methaemoglobinaemia) caused by a lack of oxygen

If you experience a severe allergic reaction or bluish-grey skin while using EMLA Cream, seek medical attention immediately.

For a full list of side effects associated with EMLA Cream, please refer to the printed information leaflet inside the pack.

Please note: Some other medicines, including certain recreational drugs, may interact with EMLA Cream (read the printed information leaflet for more details).

Other Considerations

Take care when applying EMLA Cream as a delay cream for premature ejaculation. If you get some in your eye by mistake, rinse your eye thoroughly with lukewarm water or a saline (salt) solution.

If you use more EMLA Cream than you should, you may experience one or more symptoms including dizziness, tingling, blurred vision, abnormal taste and ringing in the ears. Serious cases of overdosing may be life-threatening and may result in fits, low blood pressure, slowed breathing and altered heart beat.

If you use more EMLA Cream than you should, or if you accidentally swallow some by mistake, seek medical attention immediately.

Where Can I Buy Emla Cream Online in the UK?

Emla Cream is available for purchase without a prescription at Prescription Doctor's online UK pharmacy.

At Prescription Doctor, we prioritise your privacy when you order Emla Cream through our service. Each order is dispatched from our GPhC-registered pharmacy in unmarked packaging, ensuring the contents remain confidential.

Place your order for Emla Cream before 3pm to benefit from next-day discreet delivery, getting your product delivered directly to your doorstep.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Emla Cream

Authored By

Adil Bhaloda

Content Administrator

Adil provides governance for the online services, overseeing prescription dispensation in line with UK pharmacy standards.

Published on: 25/03/2022

Reviewed By

Mohamed Imran Lakhi

MPharm - Lead Pharmacist

Imran Lakhi is the superintendent pharmacist and founder at Prescription Doctor. He has been at the core of our team.

Reviewed on: 13/11/2023