How To Use Delay Sprays – Your Questions Answered

photo of me holding a delay spray

Have you recently bought a delay spray or are thinking of trying one? If so, you might have a few questions about using it correctly.

This is probably one of the most common topics readers ask me about, so in this article I’ll hopefully cover all the questions I’m regularly asked.

Not all sprays are the same

I think it’s important to start off by saying that not all delay sprays and creams work the same way. Many are quite similar, but there are often very important differences.

That’s why it’s important to check the instructions they come with, and the manufacturer’s website. There is, of course, a small problem with that in some cases: not all sprays have a dedicated website with instructions.

There are many generic lidocaine sprays for sale online that have limited instructions. That’s why in my opinion it’s better to stick with the brands which have a dedicated team behind them, rather than a generic product with a cool name, but no support.

A standard way to apply a delay spray

If the spray you’ve bought doesn’t have clear instructions, you have three choices: either try and find instructions, leave it and find a different product, or experiment by following the standard instructions other products give.

You’ll see below that I’ve tied to answer the key questions based on both my personal experience, combined with the information provided by some of the most well-known delay spray companies – Promescent, Super Dragon 6000, Stud 100, Dynamo Delay, Adam & Eve, and Fortacin.

Most lidocaine and benzocaine sprays will work in a similar way to the ones I’ll refer to in this article. However, it’s important to stress that if you follow these instructions for a different product, or one with different ingredients altogether, you do so at your own risk.

photo of three delay sprays

1. Start slow

My preference is to start with just one spray, so you can check if your skin will tolerate the ingredients. Most people tolerate them fine, but in my opinion if you’re going to spray your penis, it’s worth being cautious.

And if you find that just one or two sprays works for you, the product will last longer and you’ll save money.

This is the advice the companies give about the number of sprays:

  • Promescent: apply 3 sprays or more, but no more than 10.
  • Stud 100: apply 3 to 5 sprays.
  • Super dragon: apply 2 sprays.
  • Adam & Eve: apply 2 to 5 sprays.
  • Dynamo: 1-3 sprays, and no more than 10.
  • Fortacin: 3 sprays. No more than 9 in 24 hours. Leave 4 hours between each set of 3.

Ideally, you should be able to find the minimum number of sprays that works best for you, and then repeat that number when you next need to. Some men may need one, others five – you just won’t know until you try the product.

2. Target the right area

You can get conflicting advice on where exactly to spray. I think the best thing is to experiment and spray on the most sensitive parts of your penis, not to just cover it all. If you do, there’s a higher chance you’ll numb yourself too much. That can result in erection loss, or just not enjoying the sex as much.

Here’s what the companies say:

  • Promescent: the underside of the penis head, and some on the underside of the shaft.
  • Stud 100: head and shaft of the penis.
  • Super dragon: the head.
  • Adam & Eve: head and shaft of the penis.
  • Dynamo: head and shaft of the penis.
  • Fortacin: the head after retracting the foreskin.

Once you’ve sprayed it, gently rub it in until it appears to be absorbed. This shouldn’t take more than 10-20 seconds to achieve, though maybe longer if you rub it into the shaft as well as the head.

And again, with some experimentation, you should be able to find which part of your penis needs targeting, and which you can leave alone.

3. Flaccid or erect?

It doesn’t matter if you apply it when flaccid or erect. It will work equally well, so it’s up to you to decide what works best for you and your partner.

4. How long before sex to spray?

Different sprays have different timings. None of them allow you to have sex immediately after spraying though. There’s always a waiting time to make sure it’s absorbed and is working, and also so it doesn’t transfer to your partner.

  • Promescent: 5-10 minutes.
  • Stud 100: 5-10 minutes.
  • Super dragon: 5 minutes.
  • Adam & Eve: 5 minutes.
  • Fortacin: 5 minutes.
  • Dynamo: 5-10 minutes.

So you can see that 5-10 minutes is a pretty safe bet if you’re using a lidocaine or benzocaine spray.

5. Do I need to wash it off before sex?

This is probably one of the main areas of confusion, since the companies rarely tell you exactly what they mean by wipe/wash off the excess. Do you use a cloth, water, soapy water, straight away, just before sex?

Here’s what I think is a good idea to do:

  • Spray and gently rub it in. Note that Fortacin don’t say to rub it in, just to spray and wait. Some sprays don’t drip so you don’t need to rub them in. Others do advise rubbing it into the skin once you’ve sprayed.
  • Wait for the recommended time, usually 5-10 minutes.
  • Wipe off any excess with a damp cloth or tissue. Even if you can’t see any excess, you might want to give it a wipe anyway.
  • Wash your hands.

The washing bit is confusing as no company is totally clear about what to do. Personally, I think it’s good to experiment. I find a quick wipe after rubbing in helps remove most excess.

Then a wash or even a shower once the time for absorption has elapsed can help ensure there’s no transference to your partner. The good sprays definitely still work even after a lengthy hot shower in my experience, so there’s no need to worry about the effect not being there.

6. Wash your hands

Very few companies mention this, but those that do say it’s important. You should wash your hands after applying it to make sure you don’t transfer it to your partner, or get it in other sensitive areas such as the eyes.

7. How long will the delay spray last?

This very much depends on the person and the spray. In my experience, most of them keep you numb for at least an hour.

8. Can you choose to have unprotected sex or use a condom?

This again depends on the spray, so it’s important to check with the manufacturer.

  • Promescent: both are ok.
  • Stud 100: both are ok, but you should use latex condoms.
  • Super dragon: both are ok.
  • Adam & Eve: both are ok – use latex condoms.
  • Dynamo: they don’t specify.
  • Fortacin: both are ok. But for condoms, you can’t use a latex-free female or male condom made of polyurethane.

9. Can you have oral sex?

Once again, some say yes and others that it’s best to avoid it. The reasons usually being a bad taste or the risk of transference to your partner.

  • Promescent: yes, as long as you wash it off before.
  • Stud 100: yes, but wait up to 15 minutes first.
  • Super dragon: no because the taste might be unpleasant.
  • Adam & Eve: can’t find information about this.
  • Dynamo: yes as long as you wash it off first.
  • Fortacin: they don’t say. But they do say to take care if you accidentally numb their mouth.

10. Can you use it if you’re trying to get pregnant, or already are pregnant?

Most sprays advise against using them if you’re trying to get pregnant, or if your partner already is pregnant. Here’s a helpful quote from the Promescent website:

lidocaine has not been proven to be safe to use in pregnancy. We recommend to err on the side of caution

The Stud 100 website also says not to use it if your partner is pregnant.

Fortacin has a clear instruction about this:

Fortacin should not be used whilst your partner is pregnant unless you use an effective male condom…Fortacin may reduce the possibility of pregnancy. Therefore, patients hoping to achieve conception should either avoid using Fortacin, or, if this medicine is essential to achieve penetration, should wash the penis as thoroughly as possible five minutes after Fortacin has been applied, but prior to intercourse.

11. How often can you use a spray?

There’s no clear answer to this question, as it will depend on the exact type and quantity of numbing ingredient. Some sprays have instructions about this, but many don’t.

Here are two examples:

  • Promescent: no more than 20 sprays in 24 hours.
  • Fortacin: no more than 9 sprays in 24 hours, with 4 hours between each use.

12. Can you use a delay spray and viagra type drugs together?

As far as I’m aware, there are no safety concerns directly related to mixing desensitizing sprays and medication like viagra. So as long as it’s safe for you to use each one individually, it should be okay to combine them too.

Personally, I would err on the side of caution though and ask your doctor for their advice about combining medications especially if you take any other medication currently.

13. Preventing wastage of the spray

A clever trick I got from a reader is to first spray into a small glass. Then you can dip your finger into the liquid formed and rub it into the area you want to on your penis. This can help prevent wastage by the spray missing some of the penis.

The alternative is to spray from close up – 2 to 3 cm away should be fine.

14. What about delay creams?

Although sprays are the most common form of desensitizing product, there are some in cream form. Personally, I’m not a fan of creams, as you can never be sure if you’re using the same amount each time. However, with creams you can follow the same standard guidelines above.

Your thoughts & questions

Do you have any experience with using delay sprays or creams, and have any advice to offer other readers about the best way to use them? Or do you have any questions I haven’t answered here?

And if you found the article helpful, I’d really appreciate a quick comment to let me know.

You might also like

If you’d like to try a delay spray, take a look at my recommended delay sprays. There are some which either don’t work well or have ingredients which can cause unpleasant side effects. So I recommend seeing what I have to say about them.

424 Comments

  1. Hi Ethan,

    I have PE and I did try with cialis which didn’t help at all.Then based on review about Promescent, I ordered and got it.First day I tried with 2 to 3 sprays on frenulum and was able to erect little bit during foreplay and ejaculated immediately.Next day I tried with 3 to 4 sprays appiled in Frenulum and underside of glans and shaft as well. It was too much numbed I believe and could not erect.But I was able to erect afterwards seems temp erection loss. Could you please help here??
    Can you also suggest if I take Cialis and Promescent together will help this situation.
    Looking forward to hear from you.
    Thanks in Advance.

    • Hi Karan
      I think you probably used too much. I know it says to apply a few sprays, but for me personally, 1 spray is more than enough. Try applying less next time and see if it works better. And yes, you can take both together as far as I’m aware.
      Ethan

      • Thanks Ethan for your response.Can you specify which location do I need to apply this spray or possibly to try with,as I said I tried using only on my frenulum first time and the second time I applied glans and shaft as well.Kndly advise.Thanks.

        • Hi Karan
          I think just the frenulum and possible the glans is enough for most men. If you spray the whole head and shaft, you risk numbing yourself too much and feeling nothing.
          Ethan

    • Hi,
      You can apply it any time you want. So yes, you can have sex for an hour, and then apply the spray if you want to continue but your penis feels too sensitive. Note that it won’t work like viagra though and help you have sex for longer in terms of keeping an erection for longer. It just reduces the sensitivity.
      Ethan

  2. I had applied Stud 100 and I didn’t have sex so how long it’s effect will be remain on my penis because I am little bit worried about this.will it effect my penis. please guide me

  3. I’ve used a few different sprays and creams. Got to say the sprays get my vote more than creams, just too messy. Promescent is the best I tried and stud100 isn’t too bad either. most of them are just clones using the same lidocaine quantity.

  4. I used it and has resulted in erectile problem. My penis erect and few minutes it drops. Any help?

    • Hi James
      Which one did you use? It’s quite a common problem for delay sprays/creams to cause erection problems. Try using a lot less next time, or a different product altogether.
      Ethan

    • Use it with Viagra. Most of these off the shelf therapies are best with viagra as a synergist. I find once erect, viagra helps maintain an erection, say if you get distracted or loose sensitivity. Its not only for people with ED. And its good for your cardiovascular health taken once in a while.

    • Hi Bob
      Yes, it’s good to wash off any excess spray or cream. You don’t need a to shower though – just a damp cloth is fine. Though having a shower will make sure it’s completely off, and the effects should still continue.
      Ethan

    • Hi Bilal
      There’s not much advice available about this, but I think they say it’s best to avoid using it for now. I don’t know if that applies to both protected and unprotected sex. Maybe if you use a condom and are careful to wash it off first and be 100% sure none will transfer to your partner.
      Ethan

  5. Hiii
    This is Rajesh, I have a small doubt about this,when i am doing sex my penis was felt down automatically after few minutes. If I use this spray can my penis stand for long time without dropping?

    • Hi Rajesh
      Unfortunately, delay sprays sometimes lead to erection problems. Are you looking for help with premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction though?
      Ethan

  6. I have been using dragon spray and seriously I haven’t seen any action by my penis ejaculate..this issue has been happening for about two times..please any solution to my problem

  7. Hi Ethan
    Thank you for explaining things further.
    I have been having some premature ejaculation problems and a friend asked me to use the Dragon Delay spray.
    I have followed the instructions and have tried it twice but I didn’t see any result and I have stop using it.
    Is my problem stronger than the product? Pls help me

    • Hi Bonzy
      You’re welcome!
      I wouldn’t say the problem is too much for the product. It might just be that your PE isn’t helped by desensitizing. You could try a different spray just to check. But if it still doesn’t help, then you will have to try a different method.
      Ethan

  8. Great article! Thank you for taking the time to put all this useful information together. I bought a spray recently, and wasn’t sure about using it, but you’ve answered all my questions here, except one. How many times a day, or week, is it thought to be safe to use lidocaine on your penis?

    • Hi Yan
      I’m glad the article was helpful! To be honest, I’m not entirely sure. I imagine you can use it every day if you want to, but how many times a day, I really don’t know. Sorry!
      Ethan

  9. Hi ethen my question is that in normal sex we feel it before that sperm is coming from penis but by using spray will we feel the same?

  10. I’m using stud 100 currently and was wondering if anyone has phased out using one. Reducing sprays whilst practicing pelvic exercises and then phasing out the spray all together?

    Thanks

    • Hi Dave
      Yes, me! I didn’t use stud 100, but another similar spray and also condoms from time to time. But I wasn’t doing just pelvic exercises, but other techniques as well such as the start and stop. The point though is that I eventually found I didn’t need to use any desensitizing product to be able to last longer.
      Ethan

  11. Hi, I got this dooz spray used but everytime I use it my wife doesnt get wet and peperish.pls is there any solution to this or is it the spray I should change? Thank u.

  12. hi
    i just planning to use delay spray so i want to know i can use without condom or not?and also which is the best product in market.appreciate for your advice please.

    • Hi Prad
      Different sprays have different guidance as to whether or not you can use a condom. My personal favorite is promescent, which you can read my review of here.
      Ethan

  13. Question? My husband and I were in the middle of having sex about 10 mins into it his penis went completely limp. Anyone know what could of been the reasoning? 2nd time he’s used the delay spray. He used the promescent one. Just confused what could of happened bc the first time this didn’t happen.

    • Hi Jess
      Sometimes delay sprays can cause erection problems unfortunately – usually when too much is applied. He could try using less next time. Having said that, it can sometimes happen for other reasons. If he’s only just started using it, he may be anxious about whether or not it’s going to work. 10 mins is a pretty good time for someone who’s using a delay spray though, so I’m assuming that’s good news at least!
      Ethan

  14. Hi there!
    I prefer to use himalaya himcolin gel
    do i need to clean my pen.is before I doing sex.and how do i clean my penis?

    • Hi Bob
      I haven’t used this one myself. I just found these instructions for it on one website though:

      Directions for using Himcolin Gel

      Himcolin gel should be applied topically. Apply adequate quantity on the penis and the pubic region with a gentle massage before sexual intercourse. Avoid using Himcolin Gel on the glans penis (head of the penis)

    • Hi Lucky
      You can use a cloth with warm water to give it a wipe. You don’t need to have a shower or anything too intense – just a wet cloth to wipe yourself is enough.
      Ethan

  15. Also, What would you say is the strongest out of the 4 main Delay spray that you recommend?

    Thanks again.

    • Hi again
      I think they are all relatively similar in strength to be honest. I guess a key factor is how well they penetrate the skin to reach the nerve endings that need to be calmed down. So in that sense, you could argue that promescent is the best because of the way it’s absorbed more effectively. However, based on the ingredients and effect, I’ve also found Stud 100 to be quite strong.
      Ethan

  16. I have been using super dragon 6000 spray for a few weeks and I’m not sure if it’s linked to this but my partner has been coming on her period the next day after sex. TBH I didn’t realise you had to wash off liquid so could this be the reason for excess period.

    I also use the spray with my penis pump.

    Thanks in advance.

    • Hi John
      I’ve never heard of this happening before. If she’s worried, it’s best to get checked out by a doctor. She can mention the spray and see if they think it’s related. Assuming she knows you used it?
      Ethan

  17. Hi,
    I didn’t use any delay spray right now, and I bought a new one, Aichun Beauty’s 58000 delay spray…please give whether this one is good or create any side effects… I’m little confused now to use or not…. please help me. Thank you.

  18. Hi Ethan, u have published a very useful article,,I appreciate it…..is the promescent spray available all over the world ? Is it available on medical stores or somewhere else ??

    • Hi Lal
      It’s good to know it was a useful article! Yes, Promescent is available in most countries, but only usually if you order it from their website. It’s available in pharmacies in a limited number of countries, primarily in the US.
      Ethan

  19. My boyfriend has been using promescent for the past couple weeks and it’s definitely working. There is a noticeable difference in our sex life but I’m just wondering if anyone’s partner experienced any side effects? I’ve had two UTIs in the past month and haven’t found any research on the matter. I know UTIs can happen from a range of diff reasons (roughness, soaps, diet, etc…) and I’m not ruling those out… just wondering if anyone had a similar situation.
    This is by far the most informative site I’ve found! Thanks Ethan!!

    • Hi there
      It’s great to hear it works for you guys. And I’m happy to hear you like the site – thanks for saying so. There’s no reason the Promescent would cause UTIs and certainly nobody has ever said that before about Promescent, or any of the other delay sprays I talk about on this site. So it might be a good idea to think what else could be causing it in your daily life / sex life.
      Ethan

    • Hello my boyfriend have been using dragon delay spray for a couple of years now and i have been having reoccurring uti which i no its a result from the spray. Whenever he stops using the spray i dont get an uti.

      • Hi Perp
        That’s really strange! Do you think it could be connected to the amount of sex you have when he uses the spray? And when he stops using it, do you also stop having sex? I’ve never heard of spray causing infections before, and I think it’s more likely to be a false association made when having more sex! Having said that, who knows what there might be in the spray he’s using. There are a few different sprays using the word dragon in the name – which one is it exactly? And which country did you get it from?
        Ethan

  20. Thanks for this very useful article! i use the dragon spray for the first and i can’t stand the pain i went through. my whole penis was like it has been dip into hot pepper. should i stop using it or is it normal to feel that way?

    • Hi Rich
      You’re welcome – glad it was useful. I would definitely stop using it. How many sprays did you apply? It might be because you used too much, but also could just be that you’re one of the few people who don’t react well to the ingredients.
      Ethan

    • Hi there
      To be completely honest, I’m not really sure. Off the top of my head, I can’t think of a reason why you can’t use it with lubricant. But maybe test it first time with just a little of each.
      Ethan

  21. Please,I had sex with a lady with Dragon delay spray.For the first time,I used it as required which was working for me.But few minutes later,the lady said she wasn’t feeling it,so she took the spray herself n sprayed to the whole penis thinking that will make her feel ok.Minutes later,my penis loss erection n couldn’t continue with the sex.She tried her best to massage me,when it abt erecting,then it loss again. it couldn’t erect to hv sex n she is angry with me.
    I’m afraid,thinking my penis can’t erect again.
    Please what’s the problem n wat do I do to gain my erection???
    Can anyone help me??
    Thanks.

    • Hi Quincy
      I think the problem was the quantity she put on you. I think it’s unfair that she’s angry with you, especially as it’s technically her fault for being careless with the spray, and too demanding of you.
      My advice is to not allow anyone to ever be in control of products that involve your penis, or really health in general. It’s your body so you need to take control of it and be careful what you put on/into it.
      That said, I imagine the problem will go away on its own and you’ll be able to get an erection again just fine. You can check through masturbation, but if it doesn’t for some reason get erect again after a few days, maybe check in with a doctor just to be on the safe side.
      Ethan

      • Thanks for the advise…in fact without your advise,I would hv grown lean all because I think I wouldn’t erect again…I’m happy to say that now I do erect,lol…..Now when I wake up,it erects but does not take long time then it loss gently…I think it’s bcos I’m not having sex..but I hv not tried to hv sex with it to know whether it will erect or not….please can I hv sex to verify n see??
        Thanks

  22. Hi Ethan, I am 32 years old and have diabetes. And been suffering from ED. I’ve bought super dragon yesterday. Can I have unprotected sex while using super dragon? As my wife is not a super fan of condoms. And we don’t have any baby yet.
    Please let me know. Thanks.

    • Hi Neel
      Yes, you can use it without a condom. Your comment made me realise I should change that section to show whether you can use it with or without a condom or both!
      Thanks
      Ethan

  23. a question please, can i continu using the spray every day without frequent sex. what will happen? please educat me.

    • Hi Traore
      There’s no need to use it if you don’t have sex. One of the good things about sprays is that they only need to be applied shortly before you have sex. So if you only have sex once a week, you only need to use the spray once a week.
      Ethan

  24. One question

    Side effect also say loss of erection what it means dows it mean the erection will loss permanently or till the effect of spray vanish off

    • Hi Vicky
      No, it’s not a permanent effect. It can just happen to some guys while the anesthetic is working because it reduces the sensitivity, which can mean they might feel less pleasure and therefore erection loss.
      Ethan

    • Hi Mike
      Thanks! Well, it kind of depends which one you use, and how you react to it. Many guys are absolutely fine and the only side effect is a bit of a reduction in pleasure because of the obvious numbing effect. Some unlucky guys might have a bad reaction to the lidocaine, benzocaine or prilocaine, but again most are fine. If you use too much, or you just happen to react in a certain way, you might find it reduces the pleasure too much or gives you erection problems. That’s why I suggest trying to find the smallest dose possible that still works.
      Ethan

  25. should I apply spray on the skin or under the skin? tried on the skin – did not notice much reduce in sensation.

  26. Thanks for this super helpful article! You’re totally right in that the instructions are totally crap, at least with the couple of sprays I’ve tried out. I respect the work you’re doing on this site as well and love your articles Ethan – keep it up!
    Alex

    • Hi Alex
      Thanks very much for the compliment, and I’m really pleased to hear you liked the article and the site. I hope you’re clearer about using the sprays in the future.
      Ethan

  27. THIS IS By far the best sex education website I’ve ever come across. Thanks for creating such an educative website.

  28. Thanks for this very useful article! I just bought promescent and am waiting for it to arrive in the post. Sounds like it will have instructions, but it’s still good to read such clear advice for using it correctly. Just want to say keep up the good work as well. I’ve read many of your articles over the last few weeks and really appreciate the honest advice you give. Thanks for sharing. J.

    • Hi Jake
      You’re welcome, I’m glad it’s useful! And thanks for the compliment – it always helps motivate me to keep writing when I read comments like yours! I hope the Promescent works out well for you. It’s definitely the best spray I’ve tried, so it’s a good one to try out. And it’s one of the few which actually have clear instructions for use.
      Ethan

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