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Delay Sprays: How Do They Work And How Effective They Are?

UPGUYS > Blog > Sex > Delay Sprays: How Do They Work and How Effective They Are?

Written by the UPGUYS Editorial Team Published on January 31, 2022

Between 30% to 40% of men suffer from premature ejaculation - also known as PE- at one point in their life. Premature ejaculation can cause problems among partners and lead to emotional and even physical distress. 

Many men inflicted by premature ejaculation look for practical solutions, and delay sprays have proven effective.

Delay sprays are desensitizing-based products, which help men with premature ejaculation to last longer during sex. They are a safe and easy-to-use treatment that you can use 10 to 15 minutes before sexual activity. 

Keep reading to find out how delay spray works, how to use it, and more.

In the following you will find:


What is delay spray?

Delay sprays are non-prescription desensitizing-based products used for treating premature ejaculation. They work by desensitizing and numbing the penis in the most sensitive areas to prolong sexual intercourse.

Do delay sprays work? 

Yes, they work. If delay sprays aren't working for you, maybe you are using them in the wrong way.

Delay sprays are actually effective

A 2016 study on the effectiveness of the delay spray on men struggling with premature ejaculation showed that they are easy to use, effective, and can lead to a better sexual experience. 

Another study in 2020 confirmed these findings, stating that using delay sprays significantly improves the quality of sexual intercourse in men with premature ejaculation.

Studies suggest that delay sprays help men last around 65% longer in bed, adding about three to four minutes to their sexual intercourse duration. However, the effects of delay spray vary a bit for each user.

How does delay spray work? 

As mentioned above, delay sprays in general work by desensitizing the penis, making men last longer in bed. But how?

Delay sprays have dose-controlled, concentrated desensitizing substances that reduce penis sensitivity in a controlled manner, resulting in delayed ejaculation without affecting the orgasmic pleasure.

There are two types of FDA-approved delay spray:

  1. Lidocaine-based
  2. Benzocaine-based


Read more:


Lidocaine-based sprays contain 10-11 milligrams of lidocaine (a topical anesthetic), while benzocaine-based sprays contain 7.5% concentrated benzocaine (another topical anesthetic).

Different types of delay sprays


While they belong to two different classes of local anesthetics, they both share an exact working mechanism; they moderately desensitize the area.

If you're looking for a longer and more technical answer, we should first discuss the mechanics of arousal and ejaculation. When the penis is in contact with someone or something, the nerves signal the brain for arousal. Enough arousal will trigger ejaculation. 

Lidocaine and benzocaine prevent sodium from entering the penis nerve endings. Blocking sodium prevents signals from being sent to the brain.

In short, lidocaine-based and benzocaine-based delay sprays work by creating a slight numbing effect, you spray them onto your penis about 10 minutes before sex, and you will last longer in bed.

Read more: Are Delay Sprays Safe To Use?

Which delay spray is more effective?

The answer is lidocaine since it is a more potent anesthetic. With the same amount and concentration, lidocaine delay sprays are more effective than benzocaine ones.

However, the benzocaine-based spray also has its advantages. While lidocaine is only used in one form, benzocaine is available in other forms, such as wipes, condoms, creams, and gels.

How to choose the best delay spray


Lidocaine is also corrosive to latex, so it must be thoroughly washed off if you want to use a condom. 

You can only use up to 110 mg of lidocaine (ten sprays), but there is no limit to how much benzocaine you can use. The more you use it, the stronger it gets. 

So to be entirely fair, since you can use as much benzocaine as you want, you can make it as effective as you’d like, and we can’t draw a definitive conclusion based on strength alone.

One thing that can help you decide is testing the products, as each user experiences slightly different effects.

How to use delay spray with pictures

Using a delay spray is not hard, and it requires little knowledge, but it is still good to check and read the guide provided by the manufacturer for a better understanding.

These are the standard steps to get the most out of delay sprays: 

  1. Shake the bottle well. 
  2. Hold the application nuzzle close to your penis. 
  3. Spray the product 30 centimeters away from the penis for a better experience. If you spray closer or farther, it might not be as effective or in some cases, even hygienic. 
  4. Spray the product on your penis. 
  5. It is better to spray the product underside of the head and the shaft of the penis and rub it in a circular motion for it to be fully absorbed. 
  6. Wait for 15 minutes. Like any other anesthetic material, delay sprays also require some time until they work and do their magic. 
  7. Wash the product off

Before using too much of the product, try starting with 2 or 3 sprays to see if it works on you. It is also recommended that you do a quick research before buying a certain brand to make sure the one you're buying is suitable for you.

Some brands don't need to be washed off before you engage in any sexual activity; however, it is generally better to wash it off to prevent the product from being transferred to your partner. 


How to use delay sprays in pictures

Click here for the large size.

Delay sprays facts and tips

  • On average, men last around five to seven minutes in bed, and men with premature ejaculation barely last up to two minutes. Delay sprays can help men last longer up to 65% more, adding three to four minutes to their sexual experience.
  • Women take at least 18 minutes in bed; therefore, using delay spray can make a good experience for women too.
  • You should always use the minimum amount that is effective for you.
  • DO NOT use delay spray on broken or irritated skin. DO NOT inhale or get it in your eyes and nostrils.

Delay spray FAQs

1- Can I use Viagra and delay spray together?

It is SAFE to use viagra and delay spray together. However, they might cancel each other out.

It is suggested that you don't use delay sprays and viagra simultaneously.

Viagra is used to treat erectile dysfunction, and delay spray treats premature ejaculation. While both products help couples have a better sexual experience, it is not recommended to use the products together since both contain ingredients that might not go well together.

We suggest you use the products one at a time to avoid anything wrong from happening even though there haven't been any reported side effects. After all, each individual is different, and you might want to try to see what works the best for you and your partner.

2- Can delay spray affect pregnancy?

It might, so if you’re pregnant or trying for a baby, don't use delay sprays.

The fact is that there has not been conclusive research and information about this topic, but lidocaine and benzocaine are not considered safe drugs during pregnancy.

Some studies show delay sprays may cause sperm impairment, but more research is needed on this topic to draw a definitive conclusion.

The bottom line is that we recommend not using delay sprays if you are trying to conceive or your partner is pregnant. 

3- Do delay sprays have side effects?

Since delay sprays are an over-the-counter product that doesn't need a prescription, we can say that they are categorically safe drugs. But like any other product, they have some side effects. 

The most common side effect is your penis being desensitized, which can be turned into temporary sensitivity and erection loss if used too much. 

Other side effects may include excessive numbness, skin irritation, tingling, and burning. 

If any of these symptoms last longer than 12 hours, it’s better to talk to or see a doctor. 

4- Are delay sprays safe to use before oral sex?

Delay spray is safe as long as your partner isn't allergic to lidocaine. Just wait for 10-15 minutes, and then make sure to wash up or wipe off the excess spray with a wet wipe before engaging in any type of sexual activity, and you're good to go. 

5- Can you use it with a condom?

Most brands are safe as long as you're using a latex condom. You must wait until the spray is completely dried and absorbed before wearing the condom, regardless of the brand. 

Delay sprays in a nutshell

Delay sprays, regardless of their brand or the kind, are effective solutions. They provide a 65% efficiency rate for premature ejaculation. 

Delay sprays can make you last a good three to four minutes longer. They are safe to use, and you can even use them before having oral sex. It is necessary to wipe the product off before engaging in any sexual activity.

Using delay spray correctly is very important. Wait for a good 10-15 minutes for it to absorb, and the experience will be more enjoyable for both you and your partner.

Key takeaways

  • It is essential to know how the product you are using works and how many sprays it takes for the product to work on you to be on the safe side. 
  • Don’t use delay sprays if you are trying for a baby or pregnant.
  • Remember that delay sprays are local anesthetics (lidocaine and benzocaine), and it will take 10-15 minutes for them to work. So be patient when using the product. 
  • Both lidocaine and benzocaine delay sprays are effective if you know how much of each product to use. 
  • Lidocaine-based delay sprays are usually more effective. However, some are corrosive to latex.
  • Benzocaine-based products can come in many forms like wipes and gels.
  • DO NOT use viagra and delay spray together; they might lessen the effect of each other.
  • Let the delay spray completely dry off before using condoms.

References

UPGUYS has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We strive to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references.

Disclaimer
This article is written for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information provided in the articles cannot and should not replace advice from a healthcare professional. Talk to your healthcare provider about any physical or mental health concerns or the risks and benefits of any treatment or medication.