Emla Cream

What is EMLA Cream and What is it Used For?

EMLA numbing cream is a topical treatment, meaning it is directly applied to the specific area of the body to treat medical conditions. It is a local anaesthetic, so it helps to numb the area it’s applied to and reduce the ability to feel sensations. The medication is used for various purposes, such as needle insertion and cosmetic skin procedures.

In the UK, EMLA Cream is licensed for skin anaesthesia. It is also commonly used “off-label” to treat premature ejaculation (PE). This means the product doesn’t have a license for this condition, but it is widely prescribed and clinically supported for its use. “Off-label” prescribing is always based on clinical evidence.

EMLA Cream is manufactured by Aspen Pharma Trading Ltd. It contains the active ingredients lidocaine (25 mg/g) and prilocaine (25 mg/g). 

About Premature Ejaculation

Premature ejaculation occurs when a man climaxes too quickly after sex. It can be measured in terms of intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), which is the time taken between penetration and ejaculation, measured by the partner. PE is a common condition, with studies saying that one in three men (33%) say they or their partner has had problems with it.

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

Obtaining treatment for premature ejaculation is important, as it can cause a considerable amount of distress. Surveys have shown that 34% of men are afraid of being judged about their sexual problems, while 35% say the issue has impacted their relationship. Meanwhile, a third of men suffer from anxiety or frustration. 

How Does EMLA Cream 5% Work?

The two active ingredients in EMLA Cream (lidocaine and prilocaine) work by numbing the skin surface. This restricts certain chemicals from entering the nerve endings at the application site, thereby preventing signals from passing along the nerve fibres. Because these signals don’t reach the brain, it doesn’t realise that any sensations have occurred, meaning you barely feel anything.  

The reduced feeling benefits men who experience ED because of an oversensitivity in the penis, helping them last longer and delay ejaculation. 

Does EMLA Cream Delay Ejaculation?

Clinical trials have shown that EMLA numbing cream can be a very effective way to delay ejaculation. One study found a relative increase in IELT of 4-6 times. Meanwhile, another trial demonstrated an effectiveness of 77.3%, with effectiveness being described as improvement plus cure (where a treatment enhances a patient’s quality of life as well as treating the main condition).

A 2023 meta-analysis of data also found that EMLA Cream was more efficient than paroxetine or sildenafil for premature ejaculation, and considerably more effective than a placebo. In addition, it highlighted that the mean difference in IELT was 6.44 minutes.

It’s worth pointing out, however, that EMLA Cream for PE is primarily designed to help with penile hypersensititivy. As a result, it may be less effective if the condition is caused by psychological factors. If you believe that your premature ejaculation is being caused by anxiety, stress, or relationship issues, you may benefit from talking therapies such as psychosexual counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). 

How Long Does EMLA Cream Last?

The numbing effect of EMLA Cream lasts around 2 hours for premature ejaculation. It’s recommended that you apply it 20 minutes before intercourse, as studies have shown that this is the most optimal time for it to be effective.

In one trial, EMLA Cream 5% concentration was used at different timeframes before sex: 20 minutes, 30 minutes, and 45 minutes. Another group was given a placebo. All patients used a condom during intercourse. The results were as follows:

How to Use EMLA Cream for Premature Ejaculation 

EMLA numbing cream can be used to treat premature ejaculation by following the steps below:

1. Apply the cream around 20 minutes before intercourse
2. Pull back the foreskin (if present) 
3. Apply a pea-sized amount to the underside of the head and neck of the penis
4. There’s no need to rub the cream in; just apply it to the appropriate location
5. Wash your hands to prevent the cream from affecting your hands 
6. Ensure you remove all the cream from your penis before having sex, as this could impact the sensitivity of your partner

If you do not feel that EMLA Cream is working, apply more to a wider area and wait another 20 minutes for it to take effect. Your clinician will recommend a more personalised approach to applying the treatment. Always use a condom if your partner is pregnant.

Take care when applying EMLA numbing cream. If you accidentally get any in your eye, it could cause a corneal abrasion (a scratch at the front of your eye). Should this happen, it’s essential to rinse your eye thoroughly with lukewarm water or a saline (salt) solution and call 111 or your clinician. 
 

EMLA Numbing Cream Warnings

Although EMLA Cream 5% can be an effective treatment for premature ejaculation, it may not be suitable for everyone or in all circumstances. Here are a few things you should be aware of before using the medication. 

When Not to Apply EMLA Cream

EMLA numbing cream should not be applied:

• If the skin is affected by eczema/atopic dermatitis
• On broken skin
• In areas that have recently been shaved 
• On cuts, grazes, or open wounds (except for leg ulcers)
• In the mouth, nose, ears, and eyes

Who Shouldn’t Use EMLA Cream?

Do not use EMLA Cream if you are allergic to lidocaine, prilocaine, or any other ingredients in the medication. The treatment may not be suitable for you if you have:

• Anaemia
• A rare inherited illness called glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency
• A condition called methaemoglobinaemia
• Irregular heartbeats
• A known history of sensitivity to amide local anaesthetics

You should inform your clinician about any of the above conditions before you start using EMLA Cream. It’s also recommended to let them know if your partner is pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be pregnant. 

How EMLA Cream Affects Condoms

EMLA numbing cream is oil-based and can degrade latex condoms, making them susceptible to splitting, so it’s recommended that you do not use them when taking this treatment. Instead, you should use polyurethane varieties to avoid the risk of pregnancy or transmission of a sexually transmitted infection (STI).  

EMLA Cream Interactions 

Before you start using EMLA Cream, it’s important to notify your clinician if you are taking any other treatments, including over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies. Some treatments may interfere with how EMLA works, and vice versa.

Potential EMLA Cream interactions include:

• Acebutolol
• Betaxolol
• Carvedilol 
• Cimetidine
• Phenytoin
• Other types of local anaesthetics

You can find more information about medications that lidocaine can interact with on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) website.  

EMLA Cream Side Effects

Just like all medications, EMLA numbing cream has the potential to cause side effects, though not everyone will experience them. Potential adverse effects include: 

If you experience any serious side effects from EMLA Cream, consult your clinician or GP immediately. You can find more information about potential adverse effects in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) enclosed with the medication.  

Where Can I Buy EMLA Cream Online in the UK?

You can buy EMLA numbing cream from physical or UK-regulated online pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor. Many people prefer the latter option as it doesn’t require making a doctor’s appointment before obtaining treatment. Instead, you can just complete a brief medical questionnaire to get the support you need. 

Can I Buy EMLA Cream Online?

Yes, you can buy EMLA Cream online from reputable pharmacies such as Prescription Doctor. We’ve made it our mission to take the hassle out of healthcare and facilitate access to support and medication when it’s needed.

Simply complete a brief questionnaire that details your medical history and any other treatments you may be taking, and our experienced clinicians will review your information to determine if EMLA Cream is suitable for your circumstances. If approved before 3pm on a weekday, your medication could be dispatched for next-day delivery to your chosen address. 

Do I Need a Prescription for EMLA Cream? 

No, you don’t need a prescription to get EMLA numbing cream. When buying online, you will need to complete a health consultation questionnaire to ensure the treatment is right for your situation and medical history. 

Is EMLA Cream on the NHS?

Yes, you can access EMLA Cream on the NHS. You will first of all need to make an appointment with a GP to see if the treatment is appropriate for you, which can take considerable time. As a result, many people choose to go with online pharmacies instead. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About EMLA Cream