By. Kristina Galea and Jamie Eske — Updated on February 20, 2022
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Do premature ejaculation wipes work? 2 options to consider
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Benzocaine wipes, or premature ejaculation wipes, may offer an effective alternative treatment for premature ejaculation. This condition is when a male reaches orgasm before sufficient or satisfactory sexual intercourse.
While certain medications, mechanical erection devices, and surgical procedures may help reduce premature ejaculation, some people may find these options too costly or ineffective.
This article explores benzocaine wipes in more detail and how they may help treat premature ejaculation.
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Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Premature ejaculation is one of the most common types of sexual dysfunctions, affecting between 29–40% of malesTrusted Source with chronic prostatitis and chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
The Urology Care Foundation states that about 33% of males between 18–59 years in the United States experience premature ejaculation.
Premature ejaculation wipes contain low doses of benzocaine, a mild topical anesthetic. The solution on these wipes decreases skin sensitivity on the head and shaft of the penis, delaying the ejaculatory response.
In theory, benzocaine in low amounts should only reduce overstimulation without causing numbness.
Most companies that stock premature ejaculation wipes recommend wiping the penis a few minutes before engaging in sexual activity. A person should allow the area to dry first.
Other products can help treat premature ejaculation, such as gels and sprays, which may contain lidocaine or lidocaine-prilocaine. However, according to the University of Michigan Health System, benzocaine may be preferable, as it does not affect the partner’s sensation.
A 2019 study found that benzocaine wipes can be well-tolerated as the participants experienced a higher sexual satisfaction and felt they had more control over their ejaculation. The researchers also noted that the product did not affect female partners’ sensitivity.
Benzocaine wipes first became available to buy in 2017 after a study suggested that using 4% benzocaine wipes before intravaginal sex could delay ejaculation by 139–323 seconds — up to 5 minutes and 23 seconds.
The study’s funder, Veru Healthcare, is the manufacturer of the 4% benzocaine wipes — Roman Swipes.
Researchers evaluated the wipes in 21 heterosexual adult males in monogamous relationships.
The study lasted 2 months, with 15 participants using benzocaine wipes and six using placebo wipes.
The researchers compared the average intervaginal ejaculatory latency times (IELTs) between the two groups before and after wipe usage.
At the start of the study, the average IELT for all 21 participants was about 74.3 seconds.
After 2 months, the group using the 4% benzocaine wipes reported their IELTs increased by an average of 231.5 seconds, or 3 minutes and 51 seconds. Interestingly, the placebo group also reported an average IELT increase of 94.2 seconds.
While the 2017 study from Veru Healthcare suggests that benzocaine wipes may delay ejaculation longer than no treatment, it does not compare their product to other types of premature ejaculation treatments.
In a 2020 study, researchers from the Park Nicollet Sexual Medicine and Male Infertility Clinic in Minneapolis, MN, reviewed the current literature on several topical treatments for premature ejaculation.
The authors state that while the limited data suggest that topical agents, such as local anesthetics, may increase IELT, further research is needed to evaluate how well these products work and the risk for potential side effects.
How we choose products and services
Medical News Today chooses products that meet the following criteria:
- Ingredients: All products listed in this article contain benzocaine.
- Price: Products are available for a range of budgets. Some have a one-time price, and others have a subscription plan for regular buyers.
- Discreet packaging: Companies offer discreet shipping. This means that they deliver products in a plain box.
Many brands, including some telehealth companies, offer premature ejaculation wipes.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Roman Swipes
Roman is a telehealth company that produces Roman Swipes. They contain 4% benzocaine and are available without a prescription.
The company offers free 2-day shipping and free unlimited follow-ups.
The manufacturer states that people should apply the wipes to the penile areas that are sensitive and wait 5 minutes to let them dry.
According to the company, the effect of the wipes can last between 20–30 minutes, depending on how much and where individuals apply the wipes.
One box contains eight wipes, and there are two payment plans a person can choose. The quarterly plan costs $22 per month and people receive three Roman Swipes boxes every 3 months. The monthly plan is available for $27 and offers one box every month.
