Trojan Extended Pleasure products use benzocaine, a mild numbing agent, to reduce sensitivity on the penis and help delay ejaculation. The benzocaine is applied as a thin layer of lubricant on the inside of the condom (or as a separate spray), so it sits directly against the skin during sex. The effect is a slight reduction in sensation, enough to help you last longer without eliminating pleasure entirely.
How Benzocaine Reduces Sensitivity
Benzocaine is a topical anesthetic, the same type of numbing compound found in products like Orajel for toothaches. It works by blocking sodium channels in nerve cells near the skin’s surface. Normally, nerve endings in the penis detect stimulation and send electrical signals toward the spinal cord and brain. Those signals depend on sodium ions flowing into the nerve cell to trigger an impulse. Benzocaine temporarily prevents that flow, so fewer signals get through. The result is dulled sensation in the area where it’s applied.
This effect is reversible. Once the benzocaine is removed or wears off, normal sensation returns. The numbing typically kicks in within a few minutes of skin contact and lasts for the duration of use.
Where the Benzocaine Goes
In Trojan Extended Pleasure condoms, the benzocaine is built into a small amount of lubricant on the interior surface of the condom. This means it contacts the head and shaft of the penis but stays contained inside the condom, so your partner shouldn’t feel the numbing effect. The condom itself acts as a barrier, keeping the benzocaine on your side.
Trojan also sells a standalone delay spray version of the product, which contains 7.5% benzocaine. With the spray, you apply it directly to the penis before putting on a condom, giving you more control over how much you use and where you place it. Either way, the goal is the same: reduce the intensity of nerve signals from the most sensitive areas to push back the point of ejaculation.
What It Actually Feels Like
Most people describe the sensation as a mild numbness, similar to what you’d feel after a dentist applies a numbing gel but much less intense. Sex still feels pleasurable, but the sharp, building intensity that leads to a quick climax is dialed down. How much it affects you depends on your individual sensitivity. Some people find the effect subtle, others find it significant.
A common complaint is that it can feel “too numb” if too much product is applied, especially with the spray format. Starting with less and adjusting upward is a practical way to find the right level. With the condom version, the amount is pre-measured, so there’s less variability.
Potential Downsides
Benzocaine can cause mild skin irritation or an allergic reaction in some people. If you notice unusual redness, itching, or swelling, stop using the product. True benzocaine allergies are uncommon but do exist.
The other practical concern is transfer. If the condom slips or if benzocaine gets on the outside of the condom during application, your partner may experience numbness as well. With the spray, it’s important to let it absorb for several minutes before contact. Wiping off any excess before putting on a condom also helps prevent unintended transfer.
How Effective It Is
Topical numbing agents are one of the most widely used over-the-counter approaches for premature ejaculation, and clinical evidence supports that they can meaningfully increase the time before ejaculation. Results vary from person to person. For some, the difference is a few extra minutes. For others, it’s more dramatic. The approach works best when the primary issue is physical sensitivity rather than psychological factors like performance anxiety, though reducing sensation can indirectly ease anxiety by giving you a greater sense of control.
These products are not a permanent fix. They work only during the session when they’re applied. If you’re looking for longer-term changes, behavioral techniques like the stop-start method or pelvic floor exercises address the issue from a different angle and can be used alongside or instead of numbing products.