Q: I am a 43 years old man and I have been using Climax Spray or Xylocaine 2% jelly over my penis for the last 6 months to delay ejaculation. Are there any side effects of using these products continuously? By using these products, I am able to sustain for 15 minutes; without the same I am holding only for 5 to 7 minutes. Therefore, I do not want to discontinue the product usage. Please advise.

A:As you know the aim of using Xylocaine topically is to reduce sensation to delay ejaculation. There is no major side effect even if used for long periods except that the male sexual partner becomes psychologically dependent and can enter a phase of performance anxiety if the use is discontinued. With regard to female partner, if condom is used then there is no adverse effect. However if barrier method is not employed then vaginal wall and cervix remains under local anaesthesia for several hours. Hence any erosion will go unnoticed due to anaesthetic effect. This may create complications in prolonged use. Small amount of the drug can be absorbed but is unlikely to lead to systemic side effects. The time needed for sexual satisfaction varies from couple to couple. The global average is 7 to 13 minutes.