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.
Have any side-effects of using this
And what about pregnancy
Hi Noman
The side effects are discussed in the article! It’s better not to use any desensitizing product if you’re trying to get your partner pregnant.
Ethan
I have prolong plus cream with ginseng. It states to wash off after sex. My wife is pregnant and was worried if it was safe for the pregnancy. I couldn’t find anything online about it…. thoughts??
Hi Randy
I’m not sure which one it is exactly, as there are many knock-offs which use the word prolong. Can you tell me what the listed ingredients are?
If it has benzocaine, prilocaine or lidocaine, I definitely wouldn’t use it for now. One or two other companies that use those ingredients told me that it’s best to avoid it simply because there isn’t any understanding yet of the potential effects on the unborn baby.
So it’s best to err on the side of caution in my opinion.
Ethan
Hi, I have question if I use spray n my partner do oral sex is this safe or not. Or there will any problem.
Or I have to wash for oral.
Hi Umer
For most sprays it’s ok. Check the instructions it comes with. It’s always a good idea to wash it first so it doesn’t transfer to her and numb her mouth, or just taste weird.
Ethan
Hi Ethan,
Wat abt promesent. Is it safe for oral.
Hi Omer
Yes, as long as you wash off any excess first.
Ethan
Hey I want to know if I can be able to get my normal erection after using a Maxman delay cream for men and then I feel like my erection is not 100%,then I decide to stop using that cream?
Hi Lihle
Yes, your normal erection strength should return once you stop using the cream, if you feel the cream is what gave you weaker erections.
Ethan
I used the KY Duration and it worked fine. Not trying to sell you KY’s product, just saying they all probably work the same. I wakes up, applied 3 sprays as directed and waited. Actually didn’t have sex until after 30-45 mins of applying. It still worked and my orgasm was intense. My refractory period was also short. I was ready for round 2 in less than 10 mins. Note: I don’t suffer from PE. Just like ensuring my wife is satisfied. Lasted about 30+ mins…I wasn’t counting.
Hi please tell the doubts…
Should I start the whole penis????
How much time I should stay after spraying???
What if I wouldn’t Wash and my gf sucks!???? Any prblm or side effects???
Hw much time my penis will straight after using this spray???
Please reply … As soon as possible
Thank You
Hi Sahill
It depends on the one you use. It should have instructions telling you what to do. If not, read my article about using delay sprays properly for some ideas.
Ethan
Spray just the head and back of head. Not entire penis. Let it sit and dry for 10-15 mins before sex. Not sure about cream.
Hi Ethan.
I sunil from India glad to read this article. .I found that you are saying that delay creams don’t harm. but I found that using this cream my penis head got red. after 2-3 three days it become dark. I am worried about it. can it further cause any disease. now I am using a local cream.
skin around the penis head is turning black. I feel as if penis head becoming weak. can it cause serious disease like cancer by killing the skin tissues .? sometime the skin of penis head becomes white as if it is dead and can be easily removed by rubbing. kindly guide me
Hi Sunil
I think you should do two things: 1. speak to your doctor, and 2. stop applying any kind of creams, even if you think it’s a cream to help the first problem. Just keep cleaning your penis regularly with warm water, with no soap or cream and it should be ok. But if it’s turning black, you really need to speak to your doctor.
As far as I know, no delay cream can cause cancer or any serious illness. But there are many different ones, with all kinds of ingredients than can cause bad reactions.
I hope you get it sorted out soon!
Ethan
hi
I have tried the dragon spray but I don’t wash before having affair with my partner.
now she complain that she fill pains in her pusy
what should I do????
Hi Jokers
Sorry it’s taken a few days to reply to your comment. Hopefully by now she will have recovered. If not, she needs to speak to her doctor.
Ethan
Hello I’m Gideon, I’ve bean using the dragon spra for a year and I’m asking whether it can have negetive effect on my sperm.because I have one child and I’m looking forward to have another bad is not so I’m thinking it might be the spray having negative effect on my sperms.
Hi Gideon
I don’t think the use of the spray itself will affect your sperm quality. However, it’s advised not to use those sprays when you’re actually trying to get your partner pregnant.
Ethan
I have sensitive skin all over my body, even if my girlfriend tickled me, I can laughed so hard and hard to stop. lol
My penis has very sensitive skin too, it’s really hard to play more than 15 minutes, I asked to my doctor, he told me 5 minutes is normal, so 15 minutes is above average.
But my girlfriend and a lot of my-ex said that their ex can be 30-45 minutes. So I was curious and tried delay cream and spray too.
Honestly yes I can last longer, but I can’t enjoy it, because it feels like my penis got anesthetic. And my erection is not 100%, only 70%, not hard.
After I was using it for a couple times, I got erection problem, only got 70% erection, and it’s permanent, my doctor told me to stop using it, long term I’ll impotent and my penis will shrink smaller. And I stopped use it for months I was doing a massage therapy, now my erection become normal.
However, I was using local brand here, which is the quality must be like garbage if I compare to giant company such as Durex from overseas. I didn’t found any imported brand at that time.
So Ethan, based on your best delay cream article, do you get side effect like I got? I found someone sell Durex Play Longer in my country, want to try it but I’m afraid. lol
Need a suggestion please
Hi Rickho
I totally understand your worry. Luckily, I haven’t personally had any bad effects which continued after a few hours. Yes, I’ve had burning sensations and difficulty getting an erection after using some of these desensitizing sprays, but no, it’s never been an ongoing issue.
Having said that, you’re not the first guy to comment about this issue, so it must be that some unlucky people do take a bit longer to recover from a bad experience with a desensitizing spray.
Honestly, I’m not sure what the best advice is. If you think you used a bad product, then maybe you’ll be ok with a more reputable brand. But it could be that you had a bad reaction to the particular anesthetic ingredient, so I’d say to check you don’t use that same ingredient again if you are going to try a different brand.
I’d also be very careful and only apply a small amount to start with. Even if it says 2 or 3 sprays, start with just 1 or even a smaller amount if possible.
And you can also ask your doctor if they think you’ll be ok to use a different one.
Ethan
I heard folks talking around that delay cream can extend lenght of an penis and could enlarge it Permanently at the same time if use it oftenly. Is it true?
Hi Zayden
Unfortunately that’s not true. Maybe some dodgy companies will tell people their cream has some ‘special’ ingredient that can do that, but it’s simply not true.
Ethan
Hey I have used ky duration and I think I might spray more than 10x and my penis changed what should I do?
Thanks
Hi Mohamed
In what way did it change?
Ethan
Hi, my name is Peter. Please, I bought tiger delay spray for men and read the instructions but didn’t notice in the instructions if I’m suppose to wash it off before sex or not. So please, I would like to know if I’m suppose to wash it off before sex or I should ignore since it wasn’t part of the written instructions. Thank you.
Hi Peter
I think it’s best to wash any desensitizing spray off before sex, just to be on the safe side and make sure it doesn’t transfer to your partner.
Ethan
Is it necessary or very important to wash the dragon spray before sex and can it cause harm if not washed.How do we wash the dragon spray,with just water or special liquid?
Hi Ypee
Yes, it’s important to give it a wash before sex so it doesn’t make your partner numb. You can use a cloth with warm water and soap. You don’t need to scrub it like it’s dirty – just a gentle wipe around the area your applied it.
Ethan
so if i use some prolong spray and use no condom, how much possibility is there that the girl will enjoy sex or her vagina will get numb and she won’t feel bad?
Hi Aman
Well, as long as you wait for the time the instructions tell you too, and then wash it off, she shouldn’t get numb. Just be careful not to use too much and to clean it properly, and you should be fine.
Ethan
Which one spray is the best
Hi Amir
In my experience, Promescent is the best. It’s quite expensive though, so if you want a cheap alternative, Stud 100 isn’t a bad choice either.
Ethan
Hi,
I’ve been using the Dragon 6000 delay spray for a while mostly when i have a play to make. For some days now I’ve been discharging off some thick creamy fluid. I thought it was a gonorrhoea and want for a lab test only to be told I have no sign of infection!
Since my body is very sensitive, I would like to know if these creams has other side effect which is not know yet?
Please advice..
Thanks
Hi Jay
That doesn’t sound very nice at all. I haven’t heard of this spray causing problems like that before. I think it might be good to talk to your doctor about it as well as getting a lab test done. There could be something else physical causing the discharge that’s not connected to the spray.
Ethan
Hello
Please I have used the dragon spray once and since that time I haven’t been able to get my normal early morning erections. What do I do to get the chemicals out of my body and have my normal early morning erections.
Hi Mykel
Sorry to hear the Dragon Spray seems to have affected you negatively. Usually problems like this go away on their own after a couple of days. Drink lots of water and eat plenty of fresh fruit and veg to help your body flush and recover. But it should be fine after the chemicals naturally leave your body. If it continues after a week, speak to your doctor.
Ethan
I bought dragon spray and once I saw your comment I am shocked and wasn’t sure whether to use it. So does this happen if I don’t wash it before sex or over dosage????
Please give me some suggestions Mykel and Ethan. Thanks in advance
Hi Alex
I know this kind of story can be very worrying. Most guys are fine with these kind of sprays, and it seems to be that problems occur when they apply too much and/or leave it on too long without washing it off. And in some cases, there can be a reaction to the ingredients.
That’s why I always recommend starting with just one spray to see how you react to it. And if you want to be really sure, test it on your forearm first to see how your skin tolerates the ingredients.
Ethan
Why do you have to wash it off before sex and what happens if you forget to wash it off before sex
Hi Mykel
The main reason is so it doesn’t transfer to your partner – especially if you don’t use a condom. If it transfers to their vagina, anus or mouth, then they could feel a numbness too, and depending on the type it is and their sensitivity to the ingredients, it could cause a burning sensation to.
And it’s just better for you too to get rid of any excess product.
Ethan
Hi I think the delay medicine prepared in spray, in tablet, and in cream so which one is better to use I mean has less side effect with more functional thanx.
Hi Sino
My personal preference is for a spray. It’s easier than a cream to use the same amount each time, so you get the dose you need. And as for tablets, I’m just not a fan of taking pills because they have more side effects than sprays.
Ethan
M very confused. I used or not. I can’t decide it weather it should b used or not. M 18years 10 month old year.
What can I do? Use it or not.
Or time to time my capacity and enhancement should and size should increase or what in the future?
Pls tell me.
Hi Dev
It’s your choice to use a delay spray or not. There’s nothing wrong with using it, and it can be very helpful. So if you’re interested, give it a go. But it’s also good to work on your sexual stamina naturally at the same time.
Ethan
You can use it, but follow the instructions. Also remember there is probablity of lose of erection and pleasures.
Can I use delay spray after it expired?
Hi Khanyisa
I wouldn’t personally. I can’t comment on exactly how dangerous it might be or not, and it might depend on the specific type and how it was stored. I really don’t feel like I can advise you on this – sorry!
Ethan
My cock is very small now which medicine i use to long my penis?
Also my penis has no such power to please a women or boy
What medicine i use?
Hi waqas
There is no medicine which can lengthen your penis as far as I know.
Ethan
Hello
I applied the prolong cream but after 15 min my penis feel nothing and totally numb so i washed it but nothing feel for the whole night.after 2 days i got erection but not as good no feeling not for a long time so plz tell me what to do to get rid of the affects.
Hi Usman
Sorry to hear you’ve had that problem – it must be worrying for you! Hopefully the effects will go away naturally after a while – I don’t know how long, but it should wear off. If it’s still the same after another 24 hours, I’d perhaps ask your doctor about it.
In the mean time, make sure you drink plenty of water, eat fresh fruit and veg and keep your body in as good a condition as possible to help it get rid of any chemicals that might be causing it.
Ethan
I have used Promescent for 4 years now and it never disappoints me. The more I use it he easier it is to find the exact number of sprays. I had tried every other option out there before before finding it and it is superior in every way. I use some KY products and got a free sample of their new delay spray product to evaluate in their customer loyalty program. Just another typical Stud100 knockoff. Promescent is still far and away #1 in my experience.
Hi Todd
Thanks for sharing your opinion – it’s always good to hear from readers and their experience. I know there’s some controversy with the KY delay spray apparently trying to copy promescent, so it’s interesting to hear that it might have turned out to be just another generic lidocaine spray without the absorption part that promescent has.
I have a question for you – after 4 years of use, do you have any advice for using it well that other readers might benefit from knowing?
Ethan
Good 1
I have used this dragon spray 600 and I never know how to use it. is never sleep with a woman and I spray it in all my private part with out clean. now I feel so painful I have been to doctor to see. The answer is all is good. in over one to two years today I will go also to doctor now it as cause my white blood low
Hi Isibor
Sorry to hear you had problems because of the dragon spray. I think your story illustrated why it’s important to be careful with the sprays and wash them off before and after use, and only use a small amount to start.
Ethan
Is it suitable for people over 50
Hi Khan
Yes it is.
Ethan
Hi, where i have to apply, the whole penis or edge of the penis??
Hi
It depends which type you have. But usually it’s to the penis head. If you’d like more advice, you might find it helpful to check out my article about using delay sprays.
Ethan
Would it be a problem if the cream should enter your penis hole?
Hi
It’s unlikely to cause any serious problems, but perhaps try to keep it out of there if you can.
Ethan
If I sprayed then it enters the penis hole then having too much irritating . Just spray paint on your left hand and take littke amount by your right hand finger and apply it on the head of the penis. Don’t apply more.
Can this dragon spray cause discharge in the vagina of a woman? Thank you
Hi Nana
Not that I’m aware of, no. Though if they get it in direct contact, perhaps it might create a reaction in them. I really don’t know though as I’ve never seen anything about this happening on any delay spray manufacturer’s website on in research.
Ethan
I used a delay cream ,worked good you have to use it only a little bit and keep some sensitivity and wash it off otherwise ur partner won’t even feel anything because they it will num them as well so I would recommend only under ur dickhead area and keep sensitivity at top
Hi there
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. You’re absolutely right in that it’s good to use just a little to start with, and make sure you wash it off so it doesn’t transfer to your partner.
Ethan
i want to spray which company is good please model number and company name
i am indian
Hi Rahul
To be honest, I’m not sure of exactly which sprays you can get in India. My advice is to read my review of the sprays, choose one that you like the sound of, and then check if it’s available in your country. Alternatively, you could work the other way around – see what sprays you can find in India, then check them on my list to see if I’ve reviewed them or not.
Sorry I can’t be of more specific help!
Ethan
I want to get a delay spray in the US, where is the best place to go?
Hi Josh
In the US, you really have a lot of options. You can get them in pharmacies and a lot of other stores. You can order them from Amazon, online sex shops, and some like Promescent and Stud 100 have their own website you can get them from. If you have a look at my delay spray review article you’ll find some more info. about where to get each one.
Ethan
How do I time the spray?
Hi Sadiam
It depends on which spray you use, and they should have instructions telling you how to use it properly. If not, I recommend having a quick look at my article about using delay sprays.
Ethan
Hi, I am using Edge Delay Gel for Men 7mlfor my sex. I apply the gel one hour before sex, also I wash it off before I have sex with my wife. Just wondering if my wife give me a oral sex at that time, is that gel affecting her, if that is the case, what will happen to her? Thank you very much
Hi Marco
To be honest, I’m not actually sure! It’s a non-numbing spray, so you at least know she’s not going to get a numb mouth. I don’t have this delay at the moment, so can’t check the instructions it comes with. I just took a look online, and can’t find information about using it with oral sex anywhere. Does it say anything on the instructions that came with it?
Ethan
It is nothing over there, the instruction only tell you how to apply and that is. Not very informative.
Ah ok, that doesn’t surprise me! Well, my advice would be to err on the side of caution if you’re not sure about the effects.
Ethan
Pls I used delay spray dragon and am not finding my erection any more Pls what should I do
Hi Richard
How long ago did you use it? If the problem continues after 24 hours, you should speak to your doctor about it.
Ethan
I used delay dragon spray and I didn’t get a proper erection, even when I sleep and wake up no erection is found pls what should I do?
Hi Samuel
That can be an effect of desensitizing sprays, unfortunately. It shouldn’t lead to you not having erections the next day or longer though, so if you continue to have problems with not getting any erections after a few days, you might want to speak to your doctor about that. But you should find you return to normal functioning quickly.
Ethan
what should I do if I have use the spray for more than six times per application pls
Hi Samuel
Which spray did you use? Some guys will need to apply more times, so for most sprays 6 is ok if that’s what you need. Just remember to wash it off before sex, and if you experience and burning sensation, either use less next time, or use a different type.
Ethan
hi ethan if we not follow the instruction what happened to my husband that maxman is no side effect because i worried about that thing?
Hi Sheila
I don’t know a great deal about maxman, and haven’t tried it myself. I would say to follow the instructions carefully with any male enhancement product though.
Ethan
I used tiger delay spray for intercourse but I think I used overly way too much than prescribed on the container.. after that day I’m not feeling my dick and wen it erects e head doesn’t erect so its not hard. until I touch it I don’t erect at all. not even in the mornings anymore.. what should I do
Hi there
Sorry to hear this has happened. I think it’s definitely a good idea to speak to your doctor about this. I know that not sound like an awkward thing to do, but in my opinion where your penis is concerned, it’s better to get any serious problems looked at by a medical profesional just to be on the safe side.
Ethan