Choosing Between Premature Ejaculation Cream and Tablets in Market Harborough
Premature ejaculation (PE) can be a source of significant distress for men and their partners. It is a common condition, characterised by difficulty controlling ejaculation, which often happens sooner than desired during sexual activity. Fortunately, there are several effective options available, including premature ejaculation tablets and creams. In this guide, we explore the differences between these two forms of treatment, looking at how they work, their advantages and the points worth considering before you choose.
If you would like to talk through your options in Market Harborough, contact us or book an appointment for a confidential consultation with our team.
Quick Answer
Premature ejaculation tablets, such as dapoxetine, work through the brain’s chemical messengers to help delay ejaculation, and are taken before sex or, in the case of some daily antidepressants, over a longer period. Creams and sprays containing a local anaesthetic numb the skin to reduce sensitivity and act more quickly, with fewer whole body side effects, but they can reduce sensation for both partners. Neither option is automatically better. The right choice depends on your health, your other medication and your preferences, so a pharmacist consultation is the best way to decide.
Understanding Premature Ejaculation
Before comparing treatments, it helps to understand what is going on. PE can be caused by psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, performance worries or relationship issues. It can also have physical causes, including hormonal imbalances, hypersensitivity of the penis, or an underlying condition such as a prostate problem or erectile dysfunction. In many men, a mixture of the two is involved, and the pattern can change over time.
Regardless of the cause, the impact on sexual satisfaction and self-esteem can be significant. Some men begin to avoid intimacy altogether, which can add to anxiety and make the problem feel worse. The encouraging news is that PE is very treatable, and seeking advice early can prevent a cycle of worry and avoidance from developing.
How Common Is Premature Ejaculation?
PE is one of the most common sexual concerns in men, and far more men experience it than openly discuss it. According to NHS guidance on premature ejaculation, it can affect men of any age, and treatment options include behavioural techniques, medicines and talking therapies. The NHS also advises speaking to a GP or pharmacist if the problem is affecting your relationship, your confidence or your wellbeing, or if it has been going on for some time.
Premature Ejaculation Tablets
Premature ejaculation tablets are oral medications designed to help delay ejaculation and improve control. They generally work by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. Dapoxetine is a short acting selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) developed specifically for PE, and is taken on demand shortly before sexual activity. Longer acting SSRIs, which are normally used as antidepressants, are sometimes prescribed off-label for PE because delayed ejaculation is a known effect of this class of medicine.
Advantages of Tablets
- Convenient and discreet, as they are taken by mouth and do not need to be applied during intimacy
- Do not reduce sensation in the same way as numbing products, so they may feel more natural for some men
- On-demand options such as dapoxetine can be taken only when needed
- Daily options may help some men gain more consistent control over time, under prescriber guidance
- Some men also notice that feeling more in control reduces performance anxiety
Considerations with Tablets
Tablets can have drawbacks. Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, dizziness, headache and reduced libido, and these can be off-putting for some men. Daily SSRIs may take several weeks to build up in the system before the full benefit is felt, so patience is needed. Tablets may not work for everyone, and some trial and error with timing or dose can be needed to find the right approach.
Because these medicines act on the brain and nervous system, they are not suitable for everyone. Certain heart conditions, a history of fainting, some mental health conditions and a number of other medicines can all make them unsuitable. Alcohol can also increase the risk of dizziness and side effects. For this reason, tablets should only ever be taken after a proper assessment, and you should never stop a daily SSRI suddenly without advice.
Premature Ejaculation Cream
Premature ejaculation creams are topical treatments applied directly to the penis before sexual activity. They usually contain a local anaesthetic, such as lidocaine or benzocaine, which temporarily numbs the surface of the skin, reducing sensitivity and helping to delay ejaculation. Anaesthetic sprays work in a similar way, and a lidocaine and prilocaine spray is also licensed in the UK for PE.
Advantages of Creams
- Fast acting, usually working within a short time of application, as the product is applied to the area being treated
- Tend to have fewer whole body side effects than oral medicines, as less of the active ingredient reaches the bloodstream
- Useful for men who want an as-needed option without taking a daily medicine
- Often suitable for men who cannot take SSRIs because of other medication or health conditions, although this still needs checking
Considerations with Creams
One common concern is reduced sensation during sex, which may lessen pleasure for both partners if the product is not used correctly. The anaesthetic can also transfer to a partner during intercourse, causing numbness or irritation, so many products advise wiping off any excess or using a condom. Some men experience skin irritation or an allergic reaction to the ingredients, although this is relatively uncommon.
It is important to follow the instructions for the specific product, including how long before sex to apply it and whether it can be used with condoms. Some oil-based creams can weaken latex condoms, so always check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist before use.
Premature Ejaculation Tablets vs Cream at a Glance
The table below gives a general comparison of the two approaches. Individual experiences vary, and suitability should always be assessed professionally.
| Feature | Tablets | Creams and Sprays |
|---|---|---|
| How they work | Act on serotonin pathways in the brain to delay ejaculation | Local anaesthetic reduces sensitivity of the skin |
| Speed of effect | Dapoxetine is taken before sex, while daily SSRIs build up over weeks | Usually works shortly after application |
| Whole body side effects | More likely, such as nausea, dizziness and reduced libido | Less likely, as they act mainly on the skin |
| Effect on sensation | Does not usually numb sensation | May reduce sensation for you or your partner |
| Partner considerations | Not usually affected | Can transfer to a partner, so product advice should be followed |
| Medication checks needed | Yes, particularly for heart conditions, mental health history and other medicines | Yes, particularly for allergies and condom compatibility |
Choosing the Right Treatment
When choosing between premature ejaculation tablets and creams, there is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right treatment depends on your preferences, how severe and frequent your symptoms are, your general health and any other medication you take.
Some questions that can help guide the conversation include:
- Would you prefer something you take before sex, or something you apply directly?
- Is a reduction in sensation a concern for you or your partner?
- Do you take any other regular medication, or have any heart or mental health conditions?
- Do you drink alcohol regularly, as this can affect how suitable tablets are?
- How often do you need a treatment, and would an on-demand option suit you better than a daily one?
If you prefer a discreet option that does not affect sensation, tablets may be worth discussing. If you want a fast acting option with fewer whole body effects, and do not mind a temporary reduction in sensation, a cream or spray may suit you better. Some men use a combination under professional guidance, although this should always be checked first rather than assumed to be safe.
Supporting Treatment with Behavioural Techniques
Medicines and creams are often most effective when combined with practical techniques that improve control over time. These do not replace treatment where it is needed, but they can improve results and build confidence.
- The stop-start method, pausing stimulation when you feel close to climax and resuming once the urge settles
- The squeeze technique, applying gentle pressure to the head of the penis when close to ejaculation
- Pelvic floor exercises, performed regularly to strengthen the muscles involved in ejaculatory control
- Relaxation methods such as slow, deep breathing to reduce anxiety
- Open communication with your partner, which can ease performance pressure significantly
When to Seek Professional Advice
It is sensible to speak to a pharmacist or GP if PE has started suddenly, is affecting your relationship, or is accompanied by other symptoms such as difficulty getting or keeping an erection, pain, or changes in urination. A conversation can help identify any underlying cause and make sure any treatment you choose is safe for you.
You should also seek advice if you develop a rash, swelling or burning after using a cream, or if you feel faint, very dizzy or unwell after taking a tablet. Stop using the product and get advice promptly in these situations.
Can I use premature ejaculation tablets and cream together?
Some men do use both, but this should only be done after a consultation. A pharmacist can check that the combination is suitable for you and explain how to use each product correctly.
How long before sex should I apply a cream?
This varies between products, so always follow the instructions that come with yours. Applying too early or too late can affect how well it works, and using too much can increase numbness.
Will a cream affect my partner?
It can, as some of the anaesthetic may transfer during intercourse and cause numbness or irritation. Wiping off any excess, or using a condom where the product allows it, can help reduce this.
Can I use a cream with condoms?
It depends on the product. Some oil-based creams can weaken latex condoms, while others are designed to be used with them. Check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist before relying on a condom for protection.
Is it safe to drink alcohol with premature ejaculation tablets?
Alcohol can increase side effects such as dizziness and may make some tablets less suitable to take. It is best to discuss this with a pharmacist, as advice depends on the specific medicine.
What if the first treatment I try does not work?
This is not unusual. Timing, dose or the type of treatment may need adjusting, or a different approach may suit you better. A follow-up review can help fine tune your plan rather than giving up.
Will I need to use treatment for premature ejaculation long term?
Not necessarily. Some men use treatment while they build confidence and practise techniques, then need it less often. Others prefer to continue using it as needed, which is also a valid choice.
Can premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction happen together?
Yes, many men experience both, and the two can feed into each other. Worry about keeping an erection can lead to rushed intimacy, while repeated premature ejaculation can increase anxiety and make erections harder to maintain. Because the treatments for each condition differ, and some medicines should not be combined without checking, it is worth mentioning both concerns at a consultation. If you would like to understand more about erections and what is considered typical, read our guide on how long the average man can stay erect.
Take the Next Step Towards Better Control
Premature ejaculation can have a real impact on your quality of life and your relationships, but effective help is available. Tablets and creams each have their own strengths and limitations, so it is worth weighing them carefully and getting personalised advice rather than guessing. With the right treatment, practical techniques and support, many men regain control and enjoy more satisfying intimacy.
Our team in Market Harborough offers friendly, confidential advice on premature ejaculation treatment. Contact us today or book your consultation to find the right option for you.
