Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 9/27/2009

Question
About 7 weeks ago, I used a condom that contained benzocaine and now my penis has a loss of sensation . I used a total of 5 condoms on 3 different occasions. I dont think the benzocaine is still in my system but it has really some systemic effects. I feel like my whole body has a loss of sensation. My teeth used to be very sensitive to hot and cold temps, now i can actually chew ice. Its very weird. My testicles are no longer sensitive.  I noticed that my skin had turned pale, which is slowly improving, and i noticed that cut and scraps on my body will barely bleed.  Its kind of like i have "tough skin".  I really don't know what is going on.  The condom said "mild desensitizer" and the benzocaine concentration was only 4%? Does you have any clue what this might be? Do you know of any treatment for this?  

Answer
Hi Brandon
I am sorry but I can think of no mechanism where the use of a small amount of topical benzocaine would lead to the multitude of different symptoms you have noticed. The reality is that the amount your body would have absorbed would have been very small and would have been removed very quickly. Therefore I am at a loss to explain what you have found.
However as an anaesthetist this is not really my area and perhaps you should chat to a urologist or someone who specialises in genitourinary medicine.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson