Premature ejaculation (PE) is recognized by the International Society for Sexual Medicine as a medical condition. Most men who suffer from premature ejaculation experience all 3 of the following frequently:

1. Ejaculation in less than 2 minutes of penetration;
2. Inability to delay ejaculation during intercourse; and
3. Psychological distress and/or avoidance of sexual intimacy.

Premature ejaculation is more common than you think, affecting 1 in 3 Asian men. You may feel embarrassed talking about it, but the truth is, premature ejaculation is actually a common and treatable condition. Cornerstone treatments for premature ejaculation include:

• Oral Medication: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Priligy
• Topical Anaesthetics: Delay/Numbing Sprays
• Exercise Regimens: Pause-Squeeze Technique
• Counselling: Especially when psychological/relationship factors are present

Topical Anaesthetics – Numb it to prolong your sexual stamina

The penis is one of the most sensitive organs in the body. A seductive mix of factors is involved in the erection process, from sensation to arousal and then to orgasm. For men with premature ejaculation, too much sensation causes ejaculation to occur too quickly than what they or their partner would like. Topical anaesthetics like numbing sprays work by reducing penis sensation and delaying orgasm resulting in ejaculation only when ready.

There are two types of FDA-approved numbing sprays: Benzocaine-based sprays and Lignocaine-based sprays. Benzocaine and Lignocaine belong to two different classes of local anaesthetics, however, they both share an exact working mechanism – they reduce sensitivity when applied to your skin, muscle or other tissue.

Both Benzocaine and Lignocaine are topical anaesthetics –you apply it to a part of the body to numb it. When the penis is in contact with someone or something, sensitive nerves signal the brain to start an arousal process. Enough arousal will trigger ejaculation. Benzocaine and Lignocaine work by preventing sodium from entering the penis nerve endings. Blocking sodium will then prevent signals from being sent to the brain temporarily, this lengthens the time between first sexual contact and ejaculation.

In short, Benzocaine-based and Lignocaine-based numbing sprays work by creating a slight numbing effect, you spray them onto your penis about 10-15 minutes before sexual activity and you will last longer during sex.

What numbing sprays can do for you:

1. Numbing sprays are effective for premature ejaculation

A 2016 study on the effectiveness of numbing sprays on men with premature ejaculation showed that they are easy to use, effective and can lead to a better sexual experience. Another study in 2020 confirmed these findings, stating that delays sprays significantly improve the quality of sexual intercourse in men with premature ejaculation. Studies suggest that numbing sprays help men last around 65% longer in bed, adding about 3-4 minutes to their sexual intercourse duration. However, the effects of numbing sprays vary a bit amongst men.

2. Numbing sprays are safe for premature ejaculation when used appropriately

Unlike for surgical anaesthesia, numbing sprays use Benzocaine and Lignocaine in much smaller doses. This smaller and regulated dose helps minimise sensitivity with minimal or non-existent side effects. However, it is possible to experience side effects if an excessive amount of spray is used.

The most common side effect is your penis being desensitised or numbed, resulting in temporary sensitivity and erection loss. Other side effects may include excessive numbness, skin irritation, tingling and burning.

Side effects can be avoided by using a small dose of the numbing spray initially, and gradually increasing the dose based on your experience and results.

3. Numbing sprays are easy to use for premature ejaculation

Numbing sprays are generally fast-acting as you will generally only need to wait 10 minutes for the spray to work.

You may transfer some of the spray to your partner during sex (whether vaginal, anal or oral) so always make sure to wash up or wipe off the excess spray with a wet wipe before engaging in any type of sexual activity, and you’re good to go.

Also, sprays dry up and are absorbed into the skin faster. Take note that unlike Benzocaine, Lignocaine is corrosive to latex. Always wait until the spray is completely dried and absorbed before wearing the condom, regardless of the brand.

What numbing sprays cannot do for you:

1. Numbing sprays cannot cure ED

Numbing sprays are used for the treatment of premature ejaculation. It won’t make you last forever and it won’t cure ED.

Although numbing sprays and Viagra help couples have a better sexual experience and are considered safe to be used at the same time, present research do not indicate that they are more effective when used together, but rather in the treatment of men struggling with both ED and premature ejaculation.

Numbing sprays do not replace the need of a doctor.

2. Numbing sprays shouldn’t be used for couples conceiving or pregnant

Benzocaine and Lignocaine are not recommended if you are trying to conceive or your partner is pregnant.

Some studies show numbing sprays may cause sperm impairment, but more research is needed to draw a definitive conclusion. The bottom line is numbing sprays are not recommended if you are trying to conceive or your partner is pregnant. Always speak to your doctor.

If you’ve experienced premature ejaculation before, you probably wished that you could hit the brakes and slow down. Numbing sprays are the slow-mo buttons for people experiencing premature ejaculation. Other than numbing sprays: oral medications like Priligy, exercise regimens and counselling have been found to be effective in men with premature ejaculation.

Numbing spray vs numbing gel in Singapore?

SIRE currently stocks Lignocaine gel 2% and you can get it delivered to you quickly and discreetly by visiting this page.

Lignocaine 2% does not need a prescription, so all you need is to sign up and checkout. No appointment with a doctor needed.

Not only does Lignocaine gels have the same efficacy as numbing sprays, gels have their own benefits that make them superior to sprays or creams.

In particular, when you apply a gel to your penis, you are applying almost 100% of what you dispensed. Whereas with a numbing spray, which has to be sprayed from 30 centimetres away, you are losing a good percentage which lands on the floors, walls and bedding.

Some men would also prefer the greater control a gel allows for compared to sprays, using fingers to apply directly to the penis instead of a spray. Compared to creams, gels are generally better absorbed.

In addition, Lignocaine 2% is safe. Anything over 2% concentration carries additional risk of over-numbing.

You can also use Lignocaine gel as a lubricant for foreplay, but always remember to ensure you remove all remnants of Lignocaine before sex. Gels are water-based and would wash off easily. This helps avoid transferring Lignocaine to your partner.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is a numbing spray, and how does it work?

A numbing spray is a topical product that contains ingredients like lidocaine or benzocaine. These ingredients work by temporarily desensitising or numbing the skin and underlying tissues, reducing sensitivity and potentially delaying ejaculation.

Q: How can a numbing spray help prolong sexual activity?

By reducing sensitivity in the genital area, a numbing spray can potentially help delay ejaculation, allowing individuals to engage in sexual activity for a longer duration before reaching climax.

Q: Are numbing sprays effective for everyone?

Numbing sprays may be effective for some individuals but not for others. Responses to numbing agents can vary, and individual experiences may differ.

Q: Are there potential risks or side effects associated with using numbing sprays?

Using numbing sprays may lead to reduced sensation for both partners, potentially affecting overall sexual enjoyment. Some individuals may also experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the spray.

Q: Should numbing sprays be used without consulting a healthcare provider?

It’s advisable to consult a healthcare provider before using any numbing spray or similar product. A healthcare professional can provide guidance on whether it’s appropriate for your specific situation and offer recommendations based on your needs.

Q: Can numbing sprays address underlying factors that contribute to premature ejaculation?

Numbing sprays provide a temporary solution by reducing sensitivity, but they do not address potential underlying psychological, physiological, or relationship factors that may contribute to premature ejaculation.