Sex should be enjoyable, but for many men, premature ejaculation hinders not only their pleasure during intimacy but self-confidence as well. Although PE isn’t your fault, it can be frustrating to deal with, especially when you previously didn’t have the issue. In fact, studies report that one in three men between 18 and 59 deal with PE, so you’re not alone [1].

There are various treatment options available for premature ejaculation, such as the start-stop strategy, pelvic floor exercises, herbal remedies, psychosexual therapy, and premature ejaculation wipes.

If you haven’t heard of PE wipes, they may be a possible solution that could help you reduce the frequency of premature ejaculation and enjoy greater physical intimacy with your partner. This guide will cover everything you need to know about PE wipes, including pros and cons, side effects, and commonly asked questions.

What Are Premature Ejaculation Wipes?

Premature ejaculation wipes are disposable, single-use wipes that contain a low dose of a topical anesthetic called benzocaine. As such, you’ll sometimes see these wipes marketed as benzocaine wipes.

Sometimes, PE wipes use alternatives to benzocaine as a numbing agent, but they all serve the same purpose: decrease sensation in the penis to reduce the chance of premature ejaculation during intercourse.

By reducing feeling on the penile head and shaft, PE wipes may be able to help reduce the urge to ejaculate quickly after starting sexual activity. This could increase the amount of time it takes for you to climax during sex, leading to a more fulfilling sexual relationship for you and your partner.

Pros and Cons of Premature Ejaculation Wipes

Like any treatment option for premature ejaculation, PE wipes have their own pros and cons to consider.

Pros:

• Easy to get
• Simple application
• Can be highly effective for some men
• May be good alternative for those who don’t want to or can’t take prescription medication for PE

Cons:

• Do not address any underlying psychological issues that may be causing PE
• Potential side effects of the anesthetic used in the wipes
• Not a cure-all for PE, and may not work as much as desired
• Not approved by Health Canada as a treatment for premature ejaculation

Who Should Consider Premature Ejaculation Wipes?

Men who struggle with premature ejaculation and do not have any allergies to the anesthetic agents in PE wipes may consider trying them. You might also try PE wipes if you have struggled to withhold ejaculation due to heightened sensitivity. By slightly reducing the sensation of the penile head and shaft, you could enjoy sex for longer before ejaculating.

Men who have looked for other methods on how to delay ejaculation to no avail might want to consider using numbing wipes. However, it’s important to know that PE wipes are not a one-size-fits-all solution or a permanent fix for PE. Whether it’s sexual anxiety or even your diet, treating the root cause of PE is essential for long-term relief.

Natural Alternatives to Benzocaine in PE Wipes

There are natural alternatives to benzocaine in PE wipes, and these premature ejaculation home remedies could work for some men. Every case is different, and you may need to try various options until you find a solution that works.

Options can include:

• Drinking herbal teas
• Performing pelvic floor exercises
• Masturbating several hours before sex [2]
• Approaching intercourse more slowly
• Using extended pleasure condoms
• PE sprays and creams

User Experience

Everyone’s experience with PE wipes is different. Some men dislike how numb the wipes make their penis feel while others find the effect to feel similar to wearing a thick condom. PE wipes should not cause pain or discomfort; they only numb the nerves of the penis a little to reduce sensation and increase the amount of stimulation necessary for ejaculation.

You will still be able to feel the pressure of intercourse, but the intense nerve stimulation that typically triggers PE will be extremely reduced or missing altogether.

Some men are uncomfortable with the numbness, especially if it takes longer to wear off than they’d like. The duration of benzocaine can last 20-30 minutes, but they may only extend your time during intercourse by 30-60 seconds. Every man is different.

Effectiveness of Premature Ejaculation Wipes

A 2017 study found that men who used PE wipes for two months were able to extend their duration before ejaculation by up to four minutes [3].  There are not a lot of studies surrounding the three or effectiveness of PE wipes right now, and the largest study from 2017 was conducted by the company who created them, so there could be biased results.

In that study, 15 men were given wipes with 4% benzocaine. A placebo group received wipes with no benzocaine. Researchers measured the effect of benzocaine on intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT), or how long it takes to ejaculate after starting sex.

Interestingly, those in the placebo group experienced an increase of 94.2 seconds while the control group increased by 231.5 seconds. More research is needed to repeat these results and address other variables, such as the cause of PE in the participants, the effect of different application times prior to intercourse, and the long-term effects of use.

Most recently, a 2020 literature review addressed the current data and found that topical agents for premature ejaculation can be effective and reduce sexual satisfaction, but more clinical research is necessary to consider factors like side effects, cost-effectiveness and combinations with medication and psychological treatments for PE [4].

Side Effects of PE Wipes

Side effects of numbing wipes for premature ejaculation are generally low, but you might experience decreased penis sensation for longer than desired or anticipated. Some men may also develop erectile dysfunction from lack of sensation, preventing arousal during intimacy. Others can develop friction burns from continual thrusting without being able to gauge the intensity of the sensation.

There are also some potential side effects of benzocaine such as:

• Burning
• Stinging
• Tenderness
• Itching
• Redness and warmth
• Skin flaking

Benzocaine has also been linked by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to a serious blood disorder called methemoglobinemia [5]. It causes too much methemoglobin to release into your bloodstream, in which not enough oxygen is delivered to your cells.

Precautions and Safety

It is important to consider your eligibility for PE wipes before trying them. You should also carefully research any ingredients in PE wipes, including ones that use alternatives to benzocaine, for safety, efficacy, and potential health risks and side effects.

Although PE wipes are generally considered safe to use, they aren’t for everyone. If you have a history of reactions to anesthesia or topical anesthetics, consult with a doctor. There are also potential drug interactions that might take PE wipes off the table for you.

See a physician before trying premature ejaculation wipes if:

• You currently take any antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
• Your PE is possibly linked to an incomplete circumcision
• You have sensitive skin and a history of easy skin irritation

You should also talk to a doctor if your PE is enduring and doesn’t improve with time or natural treatments. There may be an underlying issue that needs addressed.Some men benefit from talking to a sexual psychotherapist who can help them address fears, anxiety or other concerns that may be causing them to ejaculate prematurely.

Remember that treating PE is like treating any other sexual dysfunction; it takes time and often trial-and-error to figure out the best solution. Keep your partner in the loop during this time. It’s a lot easier for both of you to understand what’s going on and work on improving your sexual experiences together.

Frequently Asked Questions about Premature Ejaculation Wipes

How Long Do Premature Ejaculation Wipes Last?

PE wipes last for 20-30 minutes on average. It takes about five minutes for them to set in and take full effect. Every man is different, and some may find that the wipes last for longer than they’d like. Some online reviews report that it took 60-90 minutes for the effects of benzocaine to wear off completely.

Are Premature Ejaculation Wipes Safe?

Yes, wipes for premature ejaculation are generally safe, but it’s still important to consult with a doctor before using them if you have any concerns. You should also check the warning signs and contraindications of any of the wipes’ ingredients to make sure they’re safe for you to use based on your unique medical history.

Do They Affect Your Partner?

PE wipes can transfer to your partner, so it’s important to wait the full amount of time after applying them for the anesthetic to absorb. It takes five minutes in most cases. The solution can also get on your fingers, so it may be best to apply the wipes with gloves to avoid numbing your hands and transferring anything to your partner by touch.

What Is the Effectiveness of Different Brands?

There is no current evidence that supports one brand is more effective than another. They all work the same. What you should look at is the amount of benzocaine in each brand. A higher dose will lead to more numbing effects and a longer numbing duration, which may be undesirable.

If a product uses alternatives to benzocaine for premature ejaculation, you should research the ingredients and make sure you fully understand the risks and possible side effects before trying them.

What Is the Difference Between Delay Sprays vs. Wipes?

Delay wipes offer greater coverage and precision than delay sprays. PE wipes allow you to accurately apply the solution exactly where it's needed. Sprays disperse into the air as they’re applied, which can cause them to scatter and not make effective contact with your skin.

Additional Treatment Options for Premature Ejaculation

PE wipes aren’t a permanent solution for premature ejaculation. If this is an ongoing struggle for you, consider medications, lifestyle and dietary changes, and psychotherapy to help treat the condition. A combination of all three may be what you need to reach a level of sexual function you and your partner are happy with.

Conclusion

Premature ejaculation wipes have been proven to help men extend their time in the bedroom. However, clinical research is limited, and more information is needed to understand their long-term effects and effectiveness. PE is similar to erectile dysfunction in that there are often unique underlying causes for each individual. Men should consider reaching out to a doctor and discussing their experience with an expert who can offer personalized feedback.

Remember, you’re not alone and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Getting a medical professional’s insight can help you figure out the cause of your premature ejaculation and what to do about it.

References

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premature-ejaculation/symptoms-causes/syc-20354900  
• https://www.webmd.com/sex/what-is-premature-ejaculation
• https://www.auajournals.org/doi/full/10.1016/j.juro.2017.02.3143
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2050052119300204?via%3Dihub
• https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-safety-and-availability/risk-serious-and-potentially-fatal-blood-disorder-prompts-fda-action-oral-over-counter-benzocaine

‍