

Premature ejaculation is a sexual disorder in which a person with a penis ejaculates quickly after commencing sexual activity. Several types of treatment are available to help delay ejaculation. These include sprays that a person can apply directly to the penis.

In this article, we explore premature ejaculation sprays, including their effectiveness and how to use them. We also suggest a few products that people may wish to try.

Please note that the statements below are research-based. No one at Medical News Today, including the writer, has tried these products.

Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common condition in which a person ejaculates after minimal penile stimulation. People experiencing PE may expel semen shortly after foreplay or intercourse.

A person may experience PE as a result of various psychological and physical causes. Some of these include:

  • prostate problems
  • thyroid conditions
  • use of recreational drugs
  • depression
  • stress
  • relationship problems
  • anxiety about sex and sexual performance
  • behavioral conditioning, such as always ejaculating quickly from masturbation
  • traumatic sexual experiences
  • strict upbringing and beliefs about sex
  • having a sensitive penis

The treatment for PE focuses on helping a person delay their ejaculation. One option that a person may consider is using a spray. These typically work by applying a local anesthetic to the penis, which will mean that a person experiences the sensations of foreplay and intercourse less intensely.

An older study on a particular PE spray found that applying it 5 minutes before sex led to participants having better control over ejaculation and an increase in sexual satisfaction.

A 2017 article focusing on a different PE spray made a similar conclusion, noting that the product could increase the amount of time before ejaculation.

Due to the decrease in sensitivity that the spray causes, it is possible that a person may have difficulty maintaining their erection.

As with other products on the skin, there is also a risk that it may cause:

  • irritation
  • a burning sensation
  • redness
  • itching

If swelling of the genital or anus area occurs after using a spray product, a person should discontinue their use of the product and seek medical attention.

It is important to note that any of these side effects may also affect any partners of the person using the product.

Each product is likely to have its own unique instructions and dosage recommendations.

In general, a person using a spray product will need to spray it onto the head and shaft of the penis. To allow the product to absorb, a person should apply it 5–15 minutes before engaging in sexual activity.

After intercourse or sexual activity, a person will need to wash the product off.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approve the use of desensitizing sprays for the penis if they meet certain criteria. For example, the spray must contain an approved, specified amount of one of two local anesthetics — lidocaine and benzocaine — as the key ingredient.

In this section, we provide a list of PE sprays that a person may wish to consider trying to delay ejaculation.

Stud 100 Male Genital Desensitizer Spray

The active ingredient of this product is lidocaine.

The manufacturers recommend applying between three and eight sprays — ideally, the minimum effective number — to the shaft and head of the penis.

Consumer reviews of this product are largely positive, with people stating that it helped them last longer during sexual intercourse.

The Stud 100 Male Genital Desensitizer Spray is available for purchase here.

Promescent Delay Spray

The manufacturers of this lidocaine-based spray state that it is FDA compliant.

Clinical research examining the effects of this spray reports that, on average, it increased the participants’ time before ejaculation from 6.81 minutes to 11.6 minutes.

The spray is customizable to a person’s needs, so they can try applying more or less each time until they identify the amount that suits their sensitivity level.

The Promescent Delay Spray is available for purchase here.

K-Y Duration Desensitizing Delay Spray

The manufacturers state that this product meets FDA guidelines.

As with the other products on this list, this spray contains lidocaine to desensitize the penis.

The manufacturers advise applying at least three sprays to the penis before intercourse. They also advise people not to exceed 10 sprays.

Consumer reviews of this product state that it is effective but very small.

The K-Y Duration Desensitizing Delay Spray is available for purchase here.

Sprays may provide a short-term solution for people experiencing PE. However, a person may wish to try more long-term treatments that address the underlying cause:

Sex therapy

If the reason why a person is experiencing PE is psychological, a sex therapist may be able to help. They can advise on behavioral techniques to overcome PE and provide counseling to help address any emotional issues or trauma.

Behavioral techniques

Behavioral techniques are methods that a person can practice to help delay their ejaculation.

One example is the stop-start technique, which involves a person (or their partner) stimulating their penis until they feel as though they are about to ejaculate. Before they do, they stop and let the sensation pass.

The person should repeat this process a few times before allowing ejaculation.


A doctor may prescribe medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which may help address PE.

Alternatively, if the cause of PE is a physical condition, such as an issue with the thyroid, a doctor may provide oral medication to address the underlying condition directly.

Premature ejaculation occurs when a person ejaculates quickly with minimal sexual stimulation, and it has many possible causes. People can try various methods and treatments to prevent the symptoms of PE. These include using desensitizing sprays.

Clinical evidence suggests that sprays may be effective in increasing the time until ejaculation. They work by applying a local anesthetic to the penis, making sexual activity feel less intense.