Lidocaine for ED: Can It Help with Sensitivity or Hurt Performance?

Lidocaine for erectile dysfunction is a topic that often sparks curiosity, mostly because lidocaine is widely used for premature ejaculation, and people wonder if it can also help with ED. The truth is, lidocaine is a numbing agent that reduces penile sensitivity - useful for delaying ejaculation, but not for improving erections.

In this article, we’ll clear up the confusion by explaining what lidocaine is really used for, why it’s mistaken as an ED treatment, the risks and side effects you should know about.

What is Lidocaine and What is the Use of Lidocaine for Penis?

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic, commonly used in the form of sprays, creams, or gels. You might have experienced it at the dentist’s clinic before a treatment, where it helps numb the gums. It works by blocking nerve signals in the area where it’s applied, creating a temporary feeling of numbness.

When it comes to sexual health, the use of lidocaine for the penis is mainly in treating premature ejaculation (PE) - a condition where a person ejaculates much earlier than desired during sex. By reducing penile sensitivity, lidocaine increases something called intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT),[1] which is just a medical way of saying it helps men last longer during penetrative sex.

But here’s where the confusion begins: many people wonder if lidocaine can also help with erectile dysfunction (ED). Let’s clear this up.

Why Do People Consider Lidocaine for Erectile Dysfunction?

The idea of using lidocaine for erectile dysfunction often comes from confusion between premature ejaculation and ED. Both conditions can overlap and sometimes occur together, but they are not the same.

Some over-the-counter products are marketed vaguely, which blurs the line between lidocaine sprays for PE and topical gels advertised for ED. However, it’s important to understand:

• ED sprays or ED gels do not contain lidocaine.
• Treating ED requires improving blood flow and erections, not reducing sensitivity.

Unfortunately, internet myths, incomplete knowledge about ingredients, and curiosity for quick fixes mislead many into thinking that applying lidocaine cream on the penis can treat ED.

Using lidocaine sprays or creams for ED can sometimes backfire. By numbing the penis, they may actually make it harder to maintain an erection.

Does Lidocaine Actually Help Erectile Dysfunction?

The answer is clear: No, lidocaine does not treat erectile dysfunction. In fact, using lidocaine spray for ED may actually make things worse. By dulling penile sensation, lidocaine can reduce sexual pleasure and interfere with achieving or maintaining an erection.

For men who struggle with both premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction, using lidocaine for PE without addressing ED can backfire, as the numbing effect may worsen erection quality.

According to Allo Health, 1 out of 2 patients who visited us were dealing with erectile dysfunction, about 1 in 50 had premature ejaculation, and 1 in 10 experienced both together, which is based on our internal clinical data of more than 2.5 lakh patients who come to our clinic.

Risks and Side Effects of Lidocaine

Using lidocaine on the penis is not without risks. Let’s break it down:

Local Side Effects of Lidocaine

• Irritation or tingling at the site of application
• Temporary numbness
• Mild burning sensation
• Allergic reactions

Serious Risks of Lidocaine

• Methemoglobinemia, which is a rare but dangerous condition affecting oxygen transport
• Toxicity with symptoms like tremors, dizziness, or abnormal heart rhythms
• In extreme cases, it can cause seizures or cardiovascular collapse

Side Effects of Lidocaine on the Partner

• Burning or discomfort in the vagina/genital area
• Reduced sensation during intercourse
• Headaches in rare cases

Who Should Not Use Lidocaine

Avoid lidocaine if:

• You or your partner have a known lidocaine allergy
• Your partner is pregnant
• You have broken or inflamed skin in the application area
• You have severe liver or kidney problems

When Lidocaine May Have a Role in Helping with Erectile Dysfunction

On its own, lidocaine is not a treatment for ED. Its role is limited to managing premature ejaculation. But, it may be used in combination therapy when PE and ED coexist.

Tadalafil with Lidocaine

A clinical study[2] found that using tadalafil (a PDE5 inhibitor) along with lidocaine increased IELT (lasting time) to 5.6±1.7 minutes compared to 3.7±1.3 minutes with lidocaine alone.

Sildenafil with Lidocaine

Another study[3] showed that combining sildenafil (Viagra) with topical lidocaine cream was more effective than sildenafil alone for men with both ED and premature ejaculation.

If you have both erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation, addressing ED (often linked to blood flow or performance anxiety) may also improve PE. Combination use of lidocaine with oral ED medications should only be done under medical supervision.

How to Use Lidocaine Cream on Penis Safely

If prescribed for premature ejaculation, here’s how to use lidocaine spray/cream properly:

1. Clean the area thoroughly before application.
2. Apply a pea-sized amount to the glans and frenulum.
3. Massage gently for even distribution.
4. Wait 15-20 minutes for absorption.
5. Wash thoroughly before sex to avoid transfer to partner.
6. For sprays like Fortacin, use a maximum of 3 sprays per dose.
7. Do not exceed 3 doses in 24 hours, leaving at least 4 hours between applications.

Safe and Effective Alternatives for ED

If you’re dealing with erectile dysfunction, there are safer and more effective options than lidocaine:

• Medications (Viagra, Cialis): These improve blood flow and help achieve firm erections.
• Lifestyle changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol, and stress management can significantly improve sexual health.
• Therapy and counseling: If ED is linked to anxiety, depression, or relationship stress, psychological support or couples therapy can be very effective.
• Advanced treatments: In more complex cases, doctors may recommend vacuum erection devices, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, or even penile implants.

The right treatment depends on the cause, so the best step is to consult a doctor for a personalized plan.

Bottom Line

Lidocaine does not treat erectile dysfunction. Its real role is in managing premature ejaculation. In some cases where both PE and ED coexist, doctors may recommend combination therapy with ED medications. For men with erectile dysfunction, using lidocaine without guidance may actually worsen erections. So, instead of chasing quick internet fixes, it’s best to consult a doctor who can identify the root cause of your ED and recommend safe, effective treatments.