Delay creams and sprays are a temporary solution to premature ejaculation that are easy to use, take action quickly (usually), and can be used discreetly if needed.
They can be especially useful if your problem is caused by physical sensitivity rather than factors like anxiety or a medical condition.
In this article, you’ll find out more about the pros and cons of using a delay cream or spray, which will hopefully help you decide if it’s the right option for you or not.
And if you’ve already decided you want to try one, you might like to see my latest delay spray recommendations.
The benefits
1. An easy option which requires minimal effort
Using a delay spray is one of the quickest and easiest approaches to dealing with premature ejaculation. All you need to do is apply it before you have sex, wait a few minutes before washing it off, and you’re good to go.
2. Use on demand
A delay spray only needs to be applied each time you have sex. So if you don’t have sex often, you don’t need to worry about continually taking medication just in case. This is in stark contrast to some other treatments such as anti-depressants, which would need to be taken every day.
3. The ingredients are relatively safe if used correctly
The ingredient most often used is lidocaine, and to a lesser extent benzocaine or prilocaine. These are all topical anesthetics that are thought to be safe for most people. Promescent, Fortacin, Super Dragon 6000, Dynamo, Stud 100 and K-Y Duration, for example, all use lidocaine.
Some people may have adverse reactions to a topical anesthetic, but most people tolerate the ingredients well. Having said that, it’s quite common to experience a tingling or hot sensation when you apply it to your penis.
4. Available without a prescription
Most delay sprays and creams can be bought over the counter or ordered online, without the need for a prescription. So if you’re not keen on talking to your doctor about it, this is a discreet self-help option that can avoid any potential embarrassment.
5. The numbing is usually effective
The most important question is of course whether it actually works or not. And in my experience, they usually do the numbing job very effectively.
However, the numbing action is sometimes a little too strong and causes other problems, as you’ll see in the next section.
Possible issues and side effects
1. Loss of erection
One of the common side effects of delay products is too much numbing. If the spray is too strong, or you put too much on, you may end up with reduced sensation.
This can sometimes also result in difficulty getting or maintaining an erection. You then have to wash off what you can, and wait for the anesthetic to wear off before trying again.
This obviously isn’t an ideal situation in the throes of passion!
2. Loss of pleasure
Another common problem with desensitizing is that you effectively have a trade-off. You might last longer during sex, but you might enjoy the sensation less.
It could be argued that you have less pleasure, but have it for longer so it’s a good trade. And you also get pleasure in knowing that you’re satisfying your partner, which is of course very important.
3. Transference to your partner
Any numbing spray has the potential to cause some problems for your partner if it transfers to them, either through penetrative sex or oral.
So it’s important to follow the instructions carefully (If you bought one that doesn’t have clear instructions, take a look at my article about using delay sprays).
Transference can still happen in some situations, such as getting the timing wrong or not washing it off properly.
In my experience, the best way to avoid this risk is to apply the spray or cream, wait a minute or two for it to absorb, then have a wash or shower. It might mean you get less numbing if you wash too soon or too much, but I find it works well to do this.
4. Having to apply it before having sex
Depending on your personal situation, the act of applying the spray or cream can be an issue.
If you’re in a relationship, or with an understanding person, it’s probably not so much of an issue – especially if you know exactly when you’re going to have sex.
But if you’re with a new partner, or it’s spontaneous sex, it can be a bit of a passion killer to pop into the bathroom to apply it and then wait to wash it off.
My advice is to just be upfront about it and make the most of that time to focus on giving your partner some amazing foreplay. Hopefully, they’ll be too busy being pleasured to make you feel awkward about the spray.
5. Not a cure
Desensitizing products don’t cure premature ejaculation, so if you choose to use them on an ongoing basis, you’ll have to keep buying them.
You might feel that it’s worth the cost. And even if you don’t have all the money in the world, the chances are you’ll still find enough for the upkeep of your sex life. But at the end of the day, the cost will add up if you have an active life between the sheets.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are good reasons for and against using a desensitizing product. The main positives are that they are easy to get, work quickly and you don’t have to put any effort into learning ejaculation control.
The main problems are that it’s not a cure and it can cause a loss of pleasure and erection strength.
My advice is that if you need something to help right now, it’s worth trying one to see if it suits you. Just make sure you follow the instructions carefully and don’t skip the part where you wash it off before sex.
Hi, I’m 26 now have been using dragon spray for 7 years now, I had a new girlfriend and had sex with her on my 26th birthday I used the spray and put on condom, and after the sex I loose my strength have try anything to regain it back but I can’t can you please help me out cos I’m scared now and I’m now feeling pains in my dick now.. what can I do please. Thank you
Hi Joel
Sorry to hear you’ve been having this problem. If you’ve used the spray for so long, I think it’s unlikely to have caused this unless you’ve been using very regularly during all that time. I imagine there’s the possibility something else is causing it. If you still have pain in your penis when you read this comment, I suggest talking to your doctor just to be on the safe side.
Ethan
I have read a lot about PE here and on other websites. Thanks a lot for the enlightenment and recommendations. My whole body is extraordinarily sensitive. I ejaculate in less than one minute! A brief physical contact with a lady or sight of naked or half-naked lady (in person or picture) causes me to wet my underpants. I used spray about three or four times but I stopped because it did not work. Could you please recommend the most suitable cream and condom that will meet my special case or need.
Hi there
I’m glad the website has been useful for you! I think it’s possible that your situation is also mental. Even though you say you’re very sensitive, if you ejaculate just one sight, there’s something going on there that isn’t purely physical. Does it also happen on days where you masturbate earlier in the day? Or does it not matter how much you have ‘built up’ as such? Sometimes people pass through phases, short or long, of feeling very horny a lot of the time. If you ‘deal with yourself’ earlier in the day, perhaps it can help reduce the effect when you see someone later on.
I’d also look into the mental side of keeping calm – breathing exercises, reducing how much you fantasize when you see someone, practicing looking at pictures and keeping yourself in a calm state.
As for delay creams etc, check out my delay sprays review which has my current recommendations still. My personal favorite is Promescent, but there are others which are pretty good too, as you’ll see on that list.
Ethan
Hi Ethan Green,
I hope you are well. I would like some advise on the fact that my hubby used the stud 5000 spray but firstly didn’t check the date that it was expired on November 2017 and secondly you mentioned above that it should be washed but he didn’t wash it and we had sexual intercourse whilst the spray was on his penis, is this going to cause me any problems in the future for having children? I am not wishing to have children in a few years but nonetheless will it cause a problem for me having children? Please advise me on this.
Thank you.
Hi Fatana
I doubt the expiry will cause any problems – the most likely thing is that it just won’t have been as effective. And I don’t think your situation will cause you any problems having children in the future. Nobody knows for sure the effect of these sprays on the unborn child, but I’ve never seen anything to suggest the occasional mistake like this will cause serious harm. So I really wouldn’t worry about it. Just make sure he uses it correctly next time, and all will be fine.
Ethan
Hi Sir, am 25 years and honestly speaking I shamefully last for a minute which I have dissolve all sexual relationships. Mine for sure is PE. Is it curable plss ?
Hi there
There are definitely things you can do to last longer. Have a look around this website, as there’s lots of advice. And maybe start with the main PE page.
Ethan
Thanks for your reviews man. I have had a long time without having sex, last month I broke my a girls virginity and my performance didn’t please me at all. I am having a girl over sometime after two weeks, and with this one I can’t mess up. Am definitely going to use protection so I wanted to ask how Promescent performs when combined with a condom, and if so how many doses you recommend.
Hi MG
You’re welcome! You can use it with a condom, but in my experience the combined effect of a delay spray and condom can increase the risk of erection problems due to being too numb and not feeling so much sensation. It’s not guaranteed of course, but it’s a risk to be aware of. So, I’d use just 1 spray, or even half a spray! Only apply it to your frenulum, and don’t apply it until you’re feeling aroused and you know you’re going to have no trouble getting an erection.
It’s also possible just using a thick condom will do enough on its own. So that might be worth trying if you find the combo. takes away too much sensation for you.
Ethan
Hi sir my name raja my wife now pregnant 6month delay spray using safe or not i am use 1st time now …???
Hi Raja
Because the safety isn’t known, it’s better not to use a delay spray if she is pregnant. Maybe if you use a condom too – as long as it’s a spray that is compatible with condoms – but not unprotected.
Ethan
Hello sir i’m unmarried boy my age is 25 and I have used delay spray. Other says that later i can’t make baby is it true or not????
Hi Col
There’e no evidence that delay sprays can stop you being able to have children.
Ethan
What’s the common shelf life of these sprays?
Hi Skitten
Good question! They vary a lot, and some don’t even include an expiry date!
2 of the better sprays, Promescent and Fortacin do though. My bottle of Fortacin says to discard 12 weeks after first using. The Promescent bottle I have has a shelf life until October 2019.
Ethan
Hi I’m Samuel.i broke my virginity last month but whenever I have sex I don’t last longer at least by two or three minutes am done. And I want know whether is PE
Hi Samuel
Well, technically, yes, it probably could be called PE. But it’s very common for guys to have trouble lasting very long when they first start having sex. So it may well get better in time naturally. But you can still read around this website for advice on improving your stamina.
Ethan
sir I married in 2012 my age is now 28 year and I am facing PE from the day first I think it is just because of my lot of masturbation from the age of 15 years till now is it true? if yes then please tell me how I can overcome over it
Hi Riaz
It could be connected to masturbation, but not necessarily as there are various possible causes. There is lots of advice on this site, so just take a good look around. A delay spray can definitely help, but there are other methods to think about too.
Ethan
I don’t know if I have premature ejaculation or I’m just way too sensitive, well i had my
Ex girlfriend and we used to go for a good amount of time, we brake up and i stop dating or having sex like for 2 years but I did lot of masturbation. Now i got me a new girlfriend and I’m on and off sometimes well rarely last the right amount of time but more so ill end up reaching the orgasm faster than I want.
Hi Pedro
After a long break without having sex, it’s very normal to be more excited and have less control. If you had no problem before, there’s a good chance you’ll be fine again in time. Try the tips and advice around this website, and hopefully you’ll be able to slow things down and last longer.
Ethan
Anytime my guy uses the spray… I end up getting a bleeding. Is it some of the side effects?
Hi Joyce
Which spray does he use? That’s definitely not normal, so I would ask him to stop using it. But, could it be that he is lasting much longer and irritating your vagina through having longer and/or harder sex? Whatever the explanation, I would also think about mentioning it to your doctor to get yourself checked out.
Ethan
Hi, I wonna ask, WATS de side effect on women and is there any delay spray for women??
Hi iris
Well, the main side effect is numbing to the mouth or vagina if it transfers to them. That’s why men should wash it off before sex. There isn’t a specific spray for women because there isn’t much demand for it! Best to ask a doctor if a man’s lidocaine spray is safe for them.
Ethan
for how much time it is applied and washed before sex
Hi
It depends on the exact type. Have a read of this article about using delay sprays for more information.
Ethan
Can l get it in Ethiopia?
Hi
It depends which one you’re interested in. Some companies will ship there, others won’t.
Ethan
Using the spray , can you feel when you have to go to the bathroom? I haven’t used it yet because of that reason.
Hi
In my experience, yes you can because that feeling comes from inside, not the external skin.
Ethan
I want to try delay spray but i am afraid because we are planing to make baby . Is there any chanse using delay spray can stop make my wife pregnant? And one more thing if use delay spray is it helpful for erect my penis?
Hi Nicc
It’s not recommended to use delay sprays if trying to conceive. And sadly, no it won’t help you get an erection. If anything, it will make it more difficult if you use too much.
Ethan
(1)Sir, I have been using the dragon spray since three years ago, Pls is it among the best ones? (2) If i looses the strength of erection through the uses of the delay spray what will l do to regain the strength back?
Hi Charles
Which spray is it? Super Dragon, or Dragon Delay Spray? Both are pretty standard sprays that work quite well anyway. If you have erection problems, just just using it and you should be fine in a few hours. If it’s an ongoing problem for days after you last had sex or used the spray though, there could be another cause, so it’s a good idea to speak to a doctor about it.
Ethan
With what I read u can’t gain strength any more accept u continue usage
Can delay spray prevent your partner from getting pregnant?
Hi Philip
I don’t think so, no. However, the advice I’ve been given by Promescent, who know what they are talking about, is not to use it if you’re tying to conceive or if your partner is pregnant.
Ethan
Hi, I want to know if a woman can get infected when she gives her man a blow job after he uses the delay spray?
I do that a lot to my man.
Hi Peggy
There’s nothing in these sprays that can cause an infection as far as I know. The only thing that might happen is you get a numb mouth if there is still some spray residue on his penis.
Ethan
Is there any negative effect if one uses this spray for longer period for less say two years???
Hi Osman
That’s a good question, and to be honest I’m not totally sure. However, I know from speaking to Promescent that they have customers who have used it since they started selling it a few years ago. Having said that, my personal view would be to ask your doctor about the safety of it, and also to give your body a break from using it from time to time.
Ethan
I have been using delay sprays since 2014 till now but what I have noticed is that I need it only when am with a new partner or if I don’t have sex often..when my partner is always with me seems I last longer the more sex we have with experiencing P.E.
Hi Blay
That’s been my experience too. And it’s a common recommendation for men with PE to try to have more regular sex, as you do usually have more control if the sex is more often. Long gaps make it harder for any man to control himself, so with PE it’s even more important to stay used to sex. It’s another reason I recommend using a sex toy if you’re single and have PE.
Ethan
Which is better spray cream or gel
Hi Sako
I would definitely say spray is better. And preferably one which has a metered pump that sprays the same amount every time. That way you can find the right dose and keep applying that same dose.
Ethan
Is it really works for a longtime sex?
Hi Craig
Delay sprays can definitely work, yes. Maybe not for everyone, but for many men, definitely.
Ethan
Hi. My partner is 63 years old and is a kidney transplant patient. He has high np. We want to try the rock hard cream. He has a problem getting and maintaining an erection. Is it safe to use ?
Hi Ali
I can’t really advise on the safety of using it in his case, sorry. The best thing is to speak to his doctor to check it’s ok.
Ethan
Hi I’m suffering from PE for a long time
I lasts for only 30 seconds i tried all the natural ways to get rid of it but unfortunately doesn’t work now I’m planning to use delay spray
I’m worried whether I can’t keep erection because of the numbness
What should I do if it happens please reply
Hi there
Sorry to hear the natural ways didn’t work for you. Hopefully you’ll have more luck with the delay spray you try.
Your question is one of the main problems with delay sprays. I’ve been having exactly that problem with the ones I’ve recently tested out. I’m planning to write an article about that issue soon, so keep an eye out on the blog!
But to answer you briefly now, here are 4 things you can do that will help:
1. Apply it when you’re erect and feeling very horny. In my experience, applying it when soft makes it more difficult to get erect and stay erect.
2. Only apply the smallest amount necessary. These days I only ever use 1 spray with most of them, sometimes even less by just spraying my finger and then rubbing a little on.
3. Wash it off as soon as the wait time is over, and get back to sexual activity as soon as possible – don’t hang around in the bathroom!
4. Experiment with different sprays, quantities and area you spray. It can take time to work out what works best for you.
5. Don’t spray the entire penis – leave areas normal so you can still receive full sensation on some areas, which should help avoid the erection problem.
Hope that helps you!
Ethan
Recently I realize that when I spray on the frenulum of the penis, it causes a complete loss of erection even if I just spray once and waited for about 5 minutes before musturbation. That’s a bit wierd as back then when I spray on the frenulum, it didn’t cause a loss of erection.
Hi Pierre
Which spray did you use? And have you experimented with spraying other areas to see what effect it has?
Ethan
Can ametop gel be used i went to the local pharmacy and they supplied me with it ?
Hi Paul
I’m not sure to be honest. I haven’t used it myself. I know it’s given for tattoos and injections, much like lidocaine. But unlike lidocaine, which is used in many delay sprays, I’ve never seen tetracaine as an active ingredient in a sex spray.
Ethan
Really helpful thx
You’re welcome
Does it mean in using this spray / cream one cant make her woman pregnant?
U hv replied to a comment not to use them if u want to inpregnant ur woman
That’s right – best not to use it.
I would like to know whether i can use a delay spray when i want to make my wife pregnant. I am using deadly shark 25000 and please let me if there is any side effects in future.
Hi Tony
Although there’s no scientific evidence I can quote, the advice I’ve seen from a couple of delay spray manufacturers is not to use it when attempting to conceive. So that’s a no I’m afraid…
Ethan
Pierre Says
I want t know if its good to apply it and wash it before sex because my GF loves blowjob alot and what should that the Spray will not get into her mouth.
Hi Pierre
First you need to check if the particular spray you have is ok to use with oral sex. If it is, you definitely need to wash it well before oral sex. Personally, I think it’s good to spray it, wait a couple of minutes after rubbing it in. Then wash it with warm water and wait a few minutes more. Usually the effect is strong enough that even if you wash well, it will still stay working. I’ve experimented by having long shower with hot water and soap after applying promescent, and another time stud 100. And even after the shower, the spray was still working well.
Ethan
I do not last on bed n after one round it takes me long before I could go another n even wit that I won’t keep long n I don’t want 2 use these sexual enhancement drugs
Pls I need a help cos ma fiancee is always on ma neck
Hi Frank
Maybe have a look at my article about lasting longer in bed, as it gives ideas other than drugs and sprays etc.
Ethan
Dear all, my advice for all of you guys is not to use this stuff. I have never tried one and will never try. natural sex is fun and full of joys, just complete your body energy with natural foods and fruit meanwhile having good exercise then see the result
Hi there
Hmmm…well, I do wonder why you’re reading and commenting on this article if it’s something you’re not interested in? The problem is that many guys struggle to have natural sex full of joy, so products like this can help. Same as with many things in life – you can’t just say to a person with depression ‘be happy’, for example. Having said that, I do agree that diet and exercise can help improve sexual functioning in general.
Ethan
I accidentally sprayed my penis head and I have developed a reddish rash and two soles on the sides. Am not circumcised what treatment must I used to get rid of this? And how dangerous is It?
Hi Chrispin
You’re supposed to spray the penis head, so doing that itself isn’t the problem. Developing a rash obviously isn’t good though. Which type of spray did you use? It shouldn’t cause any lasting damage – wash it well with warm soapy water (a gentle soap). If it stays after a couple of days, check with your doctor to be on the safe side.
Ethan
I need to ask that if i apply the staylong gel and wash it off gently will the gel still work? I usually covered it with a condom after applying the gel but my gf want to do it without condom
Hi Ankush
Usually they do still work after you wash it off, yes. But it’s good to check the instructions for the one you use. If you don’t use a condom, it’s especially important to wash it well to make sure it doesn’t transfer to your partner.
Ethan
Im pregnant and was wondering if i shoukd be cautious of numbing creams
Hi Yesenia
Yes, it’s best to avoid them while pregnant.
Ethan
I bought ky duration I did not read the box. Went down on my girlfriend my tongue hasn’t felt right in almost a week. Can you get permenant nerve damage from it?
Hi StaSta
I haven’t heard of that happening. But a week seems a long time, and I’d see a doctor about it.
Ethan
Can i apply maxman delay cream if i intend not to have sex?
Hi Zaksm
If you want to test it and see the effect it has on your penis, then yes. But I can’t think of any other reason to try it without having any sexual activity.
Ethan
Hi, I have used the spray before but after applying it I don’t wash it before sex. This was so because a friend introduced it to me. Now I don’t get any desire for sex at all and secondly, my penis has shrunk becoming very small and thirdly, I don’t get erection at all. Pks any solution for me to gain my manhood back? Pls help me.
Hi Samuel
Which spray did you use? As far as I know, there’s no spray which can make your penis shrink in size – it sounds like a temporary problem that I imagine went away in a day or 2. If you’re still having problems by the time you read this reply, then I’d speak to your doctor. But I’m pretty sure things will have returned to normal within a few hours of you writing.
Ethan
Pls I am also facing the same problem now I don’t know why my friend who introduced me to used it has used it more than 3years now and he hasn’t face any problem like how am facing now. He told me to spray and wait for 20 to, 30 minutes and he didn’t tell me to wash it before having sex I did it as he always do it
I don’t used it regular as my friend.
Since 3 weeks now I don’t erect and I don’t feel for sex any all please help me to get my myhood back am afraid my pains is not going to work again.
What surprise me most it that my friend who introduced me to used the dragon spray has not face this kind if problem before. Pls and pls help me gain my myhood back
Hi Evans
I think it’s important to consider other possibilities too. It’s very unusual that a delay spray would cause permanent erection problems. I can’t see why that would happen. So my advice would be to speak to your doctor and ask them for a check up to see if anything else could be causing your erection and libido problems.
Ethan
I had the same problem,could you please give the solution,am confused.
I buy delay gel now I want use it now it is no problem ? And how I make apply the gel ?
Hi
Yes, you can use it when you like. To learn more about using them properly, read my article about applying delay sprays.
Ethan
for the first time, I’m usually coming fast, I never tried any cream yet I would like to try one of these products, what is your recommendation for me should I use or not,
if yes what type
Hi Rah
I think it’s definitely worth trying one. They can work wonders for some men. Have a look at my delay spray reviews for more information about the actual types.
Ethan
i had sex with my partner after using 100000 viga spay but after 3 days she called me to tell me that her vagina itches a lot ,i dont have records of stds like gonorrhea n d rest
am confused any help pls
Hi
If it’s still a problem, then she should see her doctor if she’s concerned about it. It’s unlikely to have been the spray days later, and there are plenty of other causes of vaginal itchiness. Advise her to speak to her doctor as nobody else can really tell her what it is.
Ethan
If your penis turned black.Youre in luck.Now all you have to do is find a nice Black Chick.And ALL’S WELL THAT ENDS WELL.OR find any kind of nice LADY THAT’S INTO BLACK DUDE’S.AND YOU’RE STILL ALRIGHT!!!! BLACK ANGUS BEEF.
Hi T
Funny comment, but I’m not sure that all the guys who’ve had problems with delay sprays will see if this way though!
Ethan
I want to sex power cream . I am using first time . Which cream best in india . How uses this cream & gel . Plz give me idea . Thnku
Hi Mithun
I’d recommend getting Promescent. They ship to India if you order from them. You can read my promescent review here for more about that particular spray. As for using them, well it comes with instructions, but you can also read my article about using delay sprays and creams if you want to learn more about them in general.
Ethan