What is Emla Cream?

Emla Cream is a local anaesthetic or numbing medication that contains lidocaine and prilocaine. Local anaesthetics are used to reduce sensation in the penis to delay ejaculation. It can also be used to reduce pain from certain skin conditions, like sunburns or abrasions, though it’s more commonly used for medical procedures.  

How does Emla Cream work?

Emla cream contains two active ingredients: prilocaine and lidocaine, which are both local anaesthetics. They are used to numb areas that would otherwise feel pain.

Sensitivity is caused by the stimulation of the pain receptors at the end of the nerves. The stimulation causes the entry of sodium to the nerve ending, causing an electric signal to build up in the nerve, which when big enough, will be passed along the nerves to the brain.

Lidocaine and prilocaine temporarily block the pathway of the pain signals along the nerves by stopping the entry of sodium in the nerve endings at the site. This prevents the build-up of an electric signal and the passing along nerve fibres to the brain.

When Emla cream is applied to the skin, the lidocaine and prilocaine prevent the signals from passing from that area to the brain. This means that sensitivity is decreased and when used on the penis, it can help a man to take longer to ejaculate.