Premature ejaculation is a common issue for many men, characterized by ejaculation occurring sooner than desired, often within one minute of penetration. Lidocaine cream offers a topical solution to manage this condition. This article guides you on its proper use to help delay ejaculation.
What Lidocaine Cream Is and How It Works
Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, a type of medication that temporarily blocks nerve signals. When applied to the penis, lidocaine cream reduces the sensitivity of nerve endings, particularly around the glans (head) and frenulum. This desensitizing effect lessens overstimulation during sexual activity, allowing for greater control over ejaculation time.
The cream typically contains lidocaine in concentrations from 2% to 5%. Some products combine lidocaine with prilocaine, another local anesthetic, which can enhance the numbing effect. While some lidocaine products are over-the-counter, combination creams often require a prescription. Clinical studies show that topical anesthetics containing lidocaine can significantly increase the time to ejaculation, with some reporting improvements from an average of 1.5 minutes to over 8 minutes.
Application Instructions
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling the cream. Ensure the penile area is clean and completely dry before application. This preparation helps the cream absorb effectively into the skin.
Dispense a small, pea-sized amount of lidocaine cream onto your fingertip. Using too much cream can lead to excessive numbness, potentially reducing pleasure or causing temporary erectile dysfunction. It is always advisable to start with a smaller dose to assess individual sensitivity.
Gently apply the cream to the most sensitive areas of the penis. Focus on the glans (head), especially the underside where it meets the shaft, and the frenulum, which is a highly sensitive band of tissue. You can also apply a thin layer to the shaft of the penis if needed. Massage the cream gently until it is evenly distributed over the targeted areas.
Allow the cream to absorb for a recommended waiting period, typically between 10 to 30 minutes before engaging in sexual activity. This timeframe allows the anesthetic to take effect and reduce nerve sensitivity. Waiting longer than 30 minutes may lead to excessive numbness.
Before intercourse, it is important to thoroughly wipe off any excess cream to prevent its transfer to your partner. Transfer can cause temporary numbness or reduced sensation for your partner, which may impact their experience. After use, wash the treated area with soap and water to remove any remaining residue.
Important Considerations and Safety Tips
Using lidocaine cream can lead to temporary side effects, generally mild, including reduced sensation or numbness in the penis. Some individuals might experience mild irritation, redness, or a tingling sensation at the application site. Rarely, swelling or a burning sensation can occur.
Always avoid applying the cream to broken, irritated, or wounded skin, as this can increase absorption and the risk of side effects. Prevent contact with eyes or other mucous membranes; if accidental contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water.
Consideration for your partner is important, as residual cream can transfer during intercourse, potentially causing temporary numbness in their genitals. If using condoms, note that oil-based lidocaine creams can weaken latex condoms, increasing the risk of breakage; consider using polyurethane condoms as an alternative.
Adhere to recommended dosage frequency and do not exceed the maximum daily use specified on the product label or by a healthcare professional. Over-application can lead to excessive numbness, potentially causing a temporary loss of erection.
Consult a healthcare professional if premature ejaculation persists despite using the cream, or if you experience severe side effects or skin irritation. They can assess for underlying medical conditions or recommend alternative treatments. Store lidocaine cream at room temperature, away from moisture and heat, and out of reach of children.