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’ve used a condom with numbing cream in it and after that I’ve lost my erection and it was very difficult for me to get another one. Is there any alternatives to numbing products for pe?
Hi Tony
I understand – that’s unfortunately a risk of those condoms. I think the combination of condom and desensitizing cream can just be too much.
Ethan
Hi,
I am married person and my age is 30 yes, also I have a baby boy, can you suggest me any product for increase the sex timing without any side effect. Now m not good on bed. Whenever I do sex with my wife, it’s completed within 1min then I felt embarrassed so kindly suggest me any product to increase the sex timing.
Hi Raj
If you want to use a product specifically, rather than learn control naturally, I recommend looking at these delay sprays and choosing one which sounds right for you, and you can get in your region.
Ethan
Hi man . Im 28 . And having a real problem withe the premature ejac. Can you please help me. Thanks
Hi Pavel
The best thing I can do it point you in the direction of my overview article of premature ejaculation, which you can read to get an idea of the main approaches to dealing with it. If you check out that article, you’ll get a better idea of the options that might suit you best.
Ethan
hai sir the maxmandealy cream they have a side effect
Hi Sheila
Sometimes these type of creams can cause a slight tingling or itching sensation, but usually they are ok as long as you follow the instructions.
Ethan
I feel pains in my Penis for two day after using dragon spray
I find It difficult when urinating
What should I do guys?
Hi there
Sorry to hear you’re having that problem, it doesn’t sound good. I think you should probably get a doctor to check that out.
Ethan
Hi
I have never used any delay cream or spray, today I bought Shark power cream, I am asking that when should I use it just before having sex? Or any time, and when I apply it how long should I keep it on my penis?
Hi Ajmal
I haven’t used shark power cream myself, so can’t really answer your question from personal experience. I just looked it up though, and it’s sold as a penis enlargement cream, not a delay cream. Or does the one you have say something different?
Ethan
Is it safe for her blowjob to penis after spraying any product of delay spray or cream ?
Hi there
Some are fine to use with oral sex, others it’s better not to. Generally, as long as you wipe off any excess with a wet cloth and wait for the time the instructions tell you to before having oral sex, you should be ok. But it’s important to check the specific product before having oral sex.
Ethan
Can we use different sprays each day?means can we try other while using a particular product?
Hi Vishal
Yes, that should be fine – I can’t see any reason why you can’t change the spray each day if you want to try new ones.
Ethan
Sir,from look of things, I undrstand using of spray and cream is not helpful then what’s the natural ways of treating premature ejaculation
Hi papah
I wouldn’t say it’s unhelpful – for many guys, it works great and improves their sex life immensely. However, I think it’s good to practice the natural techniques too! If you have a look around the site, you’ll find lots of articles about the natural techniques.
Ethan
i made sex with my wife last two days ago but i didnt use condom after cream lidocaine on the glande of my penis…so i want to know if the lidocaine get problems to my wife because i used with out condom ?…and we are trying for baby. It effects on baby.
Hi Randy
I’m sure your wife will be ok, but it’s best to make sure you use the cream correctly in the future. There haven’t been studies about the effects of lidcaine use and pregnancy, so it’s best to avoid using it if you’re trying to have a baby.
Ethan
We are planning to have kids, can any one suggest any delay products without any side effects to pregnant?
Hi tapa
To be honest I’m not sure if there are any which the manufacturer says are safe to use while trying to get pregnant. I guess the best thing would be to try and contact directly the companies that make them.
Ethan
I used dragon oil men spray for two times but I get fail to have sex for some reason, But on the third time when I used after 2-3 minutes I feel nothing not erecting at all
It was really embarrassing
do you have any idea??
Hi KB
Unfortunately, desensitizing sprays can have this effect on some guys. My advice is either to try a different one or try a different type of product, such as a condom. And of course, you can always try the natural techniques as well rather than going down the desensitizing route.
Ethan
Hello sir I wish to get large and girth penis but I am confused will u plz help with the best product, how & when to use it what is the best penis size, is there any side effects using the product, where to buy it…? Plz help me
Hi Karthik
These delay products are not meant to help with penis size.
Ethan
Please i want to buy dragon spray 6000 if I apply it how long it lasts in my body before it disappear. For example when I apply it around 7:00 and i didn’t have sex, can I still have sex in the next 10:00 o’clock without applying again ?
Hi Quaresma
It will last longer for different people, but I think 3 hours is probably too long to wait before using it.
Ethan
Hey Ethan. I run marathons and experience massive chaffing. With my chronic allergies to an array of bandages my nips get real REAL tender. Wuld this sprey work on nips? Please hurry.
Hi Todd
You could probably just get a basic lidocaine numbing cream and it would help. I’m not sure about the long-term effects of putting it regulaely on your nipples though!
Ethan
so if i apply the delay spray, wait 10 mins or so and wipe it off it shouldnt affect her?
Hi bob
That’s the general idea, yes!
Ethan
Hello Ethan. Should Promescent be “taken” only on a “hard Penis” or it can be “taken” even on a “dormant penis”? That is, before “love making”?
Is it advisable to “take” Promescent with Cialis? Since I suffer as well from Erectile Dysfunction.
Hi Jonathan
You can apply it to a flaccid or erect penis – it doesn’t matter. I don’t know of any known problems with combining the two.
Ethan
Hi,Today first time I have used Viga 50000 delay spray.But after using it my penis did not strong, So I could not perform my work.I have tried with my hand, but it also did not work.May be I have spraied more than twice,that’s may be the main reason.Is there any solution???
Hi Rokon
You could try spraying just a small amount. But this does happen to some guys, so if you keep finding you can’t get an erection, either try a different spray or a different technique.
Ethan
Hello,What are the main differences between Viagra and Kamagra????I’m confuse about the two products
Hi sir i spray many shot of viga spray but my gf not agree to go 4 sex and all day spray still on my penis but after that my penis not erect at all please tell me what is the problem its 2 weeks ago happened
Hi John
Do you mean you can’t get an erection since the day you used the spray? If that’s the case, it’s probably a good idea to speak to your doctor about it to make sure everything is ok.
Ethan
I had the same problem as you I don’t know why , it’s really embarrassing ?
I am using first time.can u tell us how many hrs before sex I can use. before 1 hrs?? Let me know.pls
Hi there
It depends on the particular spray – they all have different timings, though the standard seems to be around 10-15 minutes before.
Ethan
can we use delay sprays while in pregnancy
Hi
I think it’s better not to because there are no studies showing the effect of the ingredients on pregnancy. If you do decide to, I’d definitelyt use a condom.
Ethan
So, what if my lady wants to perform oral sex on me while the cream is on? Is this safe? Will she taste it? Halp!
Hi Joe
First you need to check the particular product is ok for oral sex. Then make sure you wash it off properly before using it. She might find there is a faint smell or taste, yes. Again, it depends on the product, your body and the washing.
Ethan
Does it effects ur partner mouth, if delay spray is used. Can one have blow job with delay spray on?
Hi Neru
Some can and some can’t, so you have to check beforehand. But personally, I think it’s probably better to avoid oral sex with delay sprays generally.
Ethan
i have a question about lidocaine
i made sex with my wife last two days ago but i didnt use condom after spray lidocaine on the glande of my penis…so i want to know if the lidocaine get problems to my wife because i used with out condom ?…and we are trying for baby. It effects on baby.
Hi Prem
From what I’ve read, I don’t think it will do any great harm. But it’s best to avoid doing this again just to be safe.
Ethan
Hi perm,
I think you are planning to have kids and using lidocaine products while having sex. Did you get any positive results?
Hi,
Which one is better, Cream or Spray?
Hi there
Personally I think spray because you can apply the same amount each time.
Ethan
Can i use condom after using the spray. Means suppose i apply apray on my penish but i want to wear condom to safe from pregnacy i can use condom or not with sparay
Hi om
It depends which spray – some you can, and some you can’t. You’d need to check the spray you’re intending to use.
Ethan
Just bought some spray to delay. Never used any cream or spray before. Not knowing that the spray says do not use with condoms. That’s what I use for safe sex. Why dose it say that and will happen if I do spray and wear a condom.
Hi Terry
Some sprays say not to use a condom, others say it’s fine. I’m not sure what will happen if you use one to be honest – it depends in part on the actual condom. So if you want to use one, you’d need to research which ones can be used with condoms. I know, for example, that promescent is fine to use with a condom.
Ethan
Is it safe, if I will be start to use delay spray? can u recommend me any delay spray which has lack of side effects?
Hi Wit_tmg
It should be safe as long as you use a good one, and use it carefully by following the instructions. If you look at my delay sprays review page, you can find information about the ones I think are best.
Ethan
I used the cream a couple of times and it worked perfectly but now it doesn’t .I don’t feel the tinkling sensation anymore and don’t last long .
Can someone advice why ??
Hi Larry
I don’t know why it would work at first, but then not later. Have you tried a different type of cream or spray as well?
Ethan
I have been using delay condoms for a while and am feeling like they might be affecting my erection. i used erection pills in combo and the erections were good and stayed hard even after ejaculation making for very good long sex. but i have been getting occasional sores at the base of the penis and a tingling sensation deep within the penis. I am suspecting my penis may have been injesting the chemicals through continued thrusting. I am going to stop using the delay condoms now. Erection pills may help in maintaining an erection after ejaculation allowing me to satisfy her… or possibly give me a secondary erection quicker after the first round allowing me to finish her off.
Hi there
Thanks for sharing your story. Yes, I have to say I’m not a massive fan of delay condoms because of their erection-killing potential. I find you need to be seriously horny and healthy to stay erect with them. Your theory sounds good to me – I think going for a second round is always a great idea, so if you can do that sooner, perfect. In the meantime, just get to work with some oral sex to keep your partner happy while you wait to recover!
Ethan
Does delay spray cause infertility in men?
Hi Hafsa
Not that I’ve heard of before. Did you hear that somewhere specific, or are you just wondering?
Ethan
No its just stop the prejaculation I am using in routine it’s results so good in 1 hour I am constantly enjoying sex ride with girl I remember she’s 3 times cums & myself just 1 Time cums after finishing 1 hour drive
can i take my bath if i apply the spray on my penis
Hi asamoah
Yes, but I don’t know what the effect of the prolonged hot water and soap exposure will be. I’ve never tried it in the bath to see what happens and if it just wears off.
Ethan
Well, i prefer the natural… When u deal with premature ejaculation from the grass root, u stand a better chance at sex than some one applying whatever delay creams. Ur partner might even be dissapointed with ur in-ability to satisfy her naturally.
I will advice guys to do whatever training to gain the natural delay than using other things… Money only matters when you are still dating, but when you finally marry her, sex also speak far beyoud voices.
Hi Johnson
Thanks for your comment. I agree that it’s great if it can be tackled naturally. Delay creams can be useful, but in the long-run it’s far better to work on your stamina rather than always relying on a product.
Ethan
please I have used dragon spray for quite some time now and has given me an infection. there are some kind of tiny tiny flesh in my penis which looks like rashes but is not and it bleeds anytime I try to have sex. what should I do
Hi Charles
Sorry to hear you have that problem. First of all, don’t use that spray or any others. Secondly, you should probably speak to your doctor asap. Alternatively, pop into a walk-in sexual health/STD testing clinic and see if they can tell you what it is.
Ethan
it’s not bad to use delay cream just ensure you don’t abuse it.
Hi Dara
Exactly! It’s good to use sometimes, but not rely on forever.
Ethan
There is no such thing as problem PE and paying for therapist, a biggest ripoff scheme. When you have a partner and regular sex after three months you can control it in your head b/c you are used to the sensation. If you didn’t have sex for a while, you will definitely come off quickly. The cream will help to slow it down. try it three times and you will have control of PE naturally.
Hi there
I’m not sure I agree with everything you say. However, it’s true that regular sex does help most guys get used to the sensation. But unfortunately, that’s just not the case for everyone. Some people do have a serious problems with premature ejaculation. It can have different causes, so although a cream might work for you or others, it won’t necessarily help everyone.
Ethan
i used delay spray but the girl didnt visit me again will it affect me?
Hi Kwame
I’m not sure I understand what you mean. In what way are you worried you’ll be affected?
Ethan
pls wat medicine will I use to make my erection rigid and tough
Hi Elorm
There are several different products that can help with that. At the moment I haven’t written about them, though I am planning on to at some point. If you search online though, you’ll find plenty of ideas. The only one I have written about, which you might find interesting, is viagra.
Ethan
good i agree with you that natural techniques are better than all these things
Hi Raju
I think they can be useful for some guys, but yes, if you can deal with the problem naturally, it’s better in the long run.
Ethan