Key Takeaways
EMLA cream can effectively delay ejaculation by muting sensation in the penis.
About 60–80% of men report EMLA cream works for them within the first few tries.
Always rinse after applying unless you want to share the numbness.
EMLA cream is prescription-only in the U.S. and not officially approved for PE.
Compared to Popstar Labs Delay Spray, it’s weaker, slower, and less convenient.
Let’s Talk Cream: Why Is Everyone Whispering About EMLA?
Premature ejaculation (PE) affects about one-third of men at some point in their lives, and while some folks go full prescription-pill warrior, many prefer a more localized, quick-acting fix. Enter EMLA cream: the double-act topical anesthetic made up of 2.5% lidocaine and 2.5% prilocaine. Doctors sometimes recommend it as a first-line treatment, but does it really hold its own in the bedroom ring?
Now, don’t get us wrong—Popstar Labs Delay Spray is the gold standard around here. With its 10% lidocaine formula, it helps you last 3 to 5 times longer in bed and has even been known to double the number of partner orgasms. But if you’re curious about the other kid on the block, let’s dive in.
So... What Is EMLA Cream Anyway?
Think of EMLA as the OG numbing cream. It’s made of equal parts lidocaine and prilocaine in a base that’s fancy enough to stay liquid at room temperature.
Here’s what you need to know:
Active ingredients : 2.5% lidocaine + 2.5% prilocaine
How it feels : Light, smooth, non-greasy. Like moisturizer’s edgier cousin.
How fast it kicks in : 5–15 minutes for the numbing to settle in
How long it lasts : Around 30–60 minutes of desensitizing glory
Where you can get it : Prescription-only in the U.S. but over-the-counter in some parts of Europe and Asia
Note: It’s not officially approved for PE, which means you're technically using it off-label. Welcome to the wild west of sexual health.
How It Works: The Numb and the Curious
The lidocaine-prilocaine combo blocks sodium channels in your sensory nerves. Translation? It mutes the nerve endings in the head and shaft of your penis, helping delay ejaculation without completely numbing your good time—if you do it right.
EMLA in the Lab: What Science Says
Let’s talk receipts. Studies show EMLA cream can help most men stretch out their time between the sheets:
Choi et al., 1999 : 78 men saw their time-to-climax nearly double from 3.8 to 7.2 minutes.
Busato et al., 2000 : A jump from 2.2 to 6.1 minutes. Partners reported happier faces, too.
El-Feky, 2005 : EMLA went toe-to-toe with sildenafil (yep, Viagra) and didn’t flinch.
2023 Meta-analysis : Across 17 trials and 1,200+ men, IELT improved by 4.5 minutes on average.
About 60–80% of men call EMLA “effective” or “very effective.” That’s like Yelp-level satisfaction.
How to Use EMLA Without Killing the Mood
- Squeeze out about a pea-sized dollop (half a gram).
- Gently rub it into the glans and the first inch or two of the shaft.
- Wait 10–15 minutes. You want a nice, even numb—not full frostbite.
- Wipe or rinse thoroughly to avoid numbing your partner.
- Use a condom if you're unsure about any leftover residue.
- Don’t overdo it. A few times a week max until there’s better long-term safety data.
How Effective Is It Really?
If your baseline is one-minute sex (hey, no shame), EMLA could get you to three to five minutes. Most guys see decent results right away, and by the third use, success rates creep up to 85%.
The Fine Print: Side Effects & Safety
- Common and mild : A little tingling or burning. Maybe some momentary numbness.
- Less common : Numbness transferred to your partner (if you skip the rinse), mild skin irritation.
- Rare : An allergic reaction to lidocaine or a very unlikely case of methemoglobinemia.
Compared to pills, EMLA is at the bottom of the risk ladder. Low stakes, medium reward.
The Good, The Meh, and The Creamy
Why it’s a win:
Works in minutes
No major drug interactions
Condom- and oral-friendly (once rinsed)
Where it flops:
Can kill too much sensation if overused
Requires some forethought—not exactly spontaneous
Insurance typically won’t cover it
Not as strong or fast-drying as Popstar Labs Delay Spray
How EMLA Stacks Up: Cream vs. Everything Else
Popstar Labs Delay Spray : Our 10% lidocaine spray is stronger, dries faster, and comes with rave reviews. Think of it as EMLA’s hotter, more reliable cousin.
Dapoxetine : You need to plan way ahead (1–3 hours) and might end up nauseous or flushed.
Daily SSRIs : Bigger gains, but the side effects are no joke—mood changes, weight gain, and a libido on vacation.
Behavioral Methods : No side effects, but they take time, effort, and usually an invested partner.
Trouble in Paradise? Let’s Troubleshoot
- Too numb? Use half the dose or apply only to the frenulum.
- Partner still numb? Wait the full 15 minutes, rinse, or go condom-only.
- Still finishing too early? Talk to your doc about adding a low-dose SSRI.
- Stinging? Check for micro-abrasions and consider switching to a lidocaine-only spray like Popstar Labs.
Final Verdict: Cream or Spray?
If you’re looking for a delay cream for men and aren’t ready to commit to daily pills or therapy sessions, EMLA cream might be your starter tool—but it’s not the most powerful option. It’s best for those testing the numbing waters. For those who want reliable, fast-drying results without the fuss, Popstar Labs Delay Spray is still the MVP of topical treatments for premature ejaculation.
Whether you’re exploring lidocaine prilocaine cream for PE or comparing EMLA vs delay spray, know your options, know your body, and don’t be afraid to experiment (safely). If you want a low-risk, high-reward experience, skip the prescription games and go with Popstar Labs Delay Spray.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use EMLA with Viagra?
Yes. One numbs, the other pumps. They don’t clash.
Does EMLA affect sperm quality?
No evidence says it does—not at the doses used for PE.
Is it oral-sex safe?
Only if you rinse well. Otherwise, your partner might lose all feeling (and not in a good way).
Can nerves build tolerance?
Not medically, but mentally, yes. Don’t lean on it every time or you might feel like it stops working.
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez
Dr. Joshua Gonzalez is a board-certified urologist who is fellowship-trained in Sexual Medicine and specializes in the management of male and female sexual dysfunctions. He completed his medical education at Columbia University and his urological residency at the Mount Sinai Medical Center. Throughout his career, Dr. Gonzalez has focused on advocating for sexual health and providing improved healthcare to the LGBTQ+ community.
Dr. Brian Steixner
Dr. Brian Steixner is a board-certified urologist and an expert in men’s sexual medicine. He completed his General Surgery and Urology training at The University of Pennsylvania and The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, one of the busiest and most comprehensive programs in the nation. During his career, Brian has treated thousands of men with sexual health issues including male factor infertility.
