How do premature ejaculation (benzocaine) wipes work?

Premature ejaculation affects at least one third of men in the U.S. This condition can be frustrating—but fortunately, it is also treatable. One option is using benzocaine wipes to help you achieve more satisfying sex. Read on to learn more about how benzocaine wipes work.  

Premature ejaculation

Last longer with OTC and prescription treatments

Start now

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common types of male sexual dysfunction and affects at least one third of sexually active men. PE is when ejaculation happens before you or your partner would like. Occasional PE is usually not a problem, but if it is happening regularly or causing you significant distress, then it’s time to speak to your healthcare provider about your symptoms (Crowdis, 2021).

You may have premature ejaculation if (Crowdis, 2021): 

• You always or almost always ejaculate within one minute of penetration (for lifelong PE) or within three minutes of penetration (for PE that comes on after having normal ejaculations).

• You cannot control or delay ejaculation during sexual activities all or nearly all of the time.

• You are experiencing distress, frustration, and/or avoidance of sexual intercourse because of your ejaculatory issues.

Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic, a drug that makes the treated area numb. It works for PE by decreasing the sensitivity of the penis, which increases ejaculation control. Benzocaine wipes are available over-the-counter; they are specially formulated to reduce penis sensitivity without causing numbness. They are usually discreetly wrapped moist towelettes that you apply to your penis before sexual intercourse.

In a small study published in The Journal of Urology, 21 men with PE received either 4% benzocaine wipes or placebo wipes to use before sex. After two months, the men who used the benzocaine wipes reported significant improvement in the duration of their ejaculations after vaginal penetration compared to those using placebo wipes. Also, compared to the untreated placebo group, men in the benzocaine group reported that they felt a decrease in sexual frustration and a more significant improvement in sexual satisfaction and control of their ejaculations (Shabsigh, 2017).

The researchers measured the time it takes from vaginal penetration to ejaculation, also known as the intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT). After using the benzocaine wipes, the IELT increased to an average of 165 seconds after one month and 330 seconds after two months (Shabsigh, 2017). 

In fact, 76% of men in the treatment group had an IELT of at least two minutes at one month, and this increased to 88% at two months. Only 33% of the untreated placebo group reached the 2-minute mark (Shabsigh, 2017). 

Another study looking at different topical agents, including benzocaine wipes, found that these treatments seem effective. However, more clinical trial data is needed to determine their effectiveness (Butcher, 2020). 

Most benzocaine products take 5–10 minutes to desensitize your penis, and the effects typically last up to 60–90 minutes (Porst, 2019).

Overall, men in the benzocaine wipe study tolerated the treatment well, and there were no reports of their partners also having numbness or decreased sensation (also called transference) (Shabsigh, 2017). 

Potential side effects of benzocaine wipes include (Butcher, 2020): 

• Skin rash

• Irritation

• Burning

• Itching

• Excessive numbing

In other topical anesthetic products, like creams or sprays, there are reports of the numbing medication getting transferred to partners or numbness of the penis leading to erectile dysfunction (Raveendran, 2021). However, none of these have been reported with benzocaine wipes as yet. 

You should avoid benzocaine products if you have an allergy to benzocaine.

---

How we reviewed this article

Every article on Health Guide goes through rigorous fact-checking by our team of medical reviewers. Our reviewers are trained medical professionals who ensure each article contains the most up-to-date information, and that medical details have been correctly interpreted by the writer.

Editorial Guidelines | Medical Review Process

Current version

September 14, 2021

Written by

Chimene Richa, MD

Fact checked by

Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM

---

About the medical reviewer

Mike Bohl, MD, MPH, ALM

Dr. Mike is a licensed physician and a former Director, Medical Content & Education at Ro.