Promescent spray in review: Does it work? 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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Promescent spray is a brand of lidocaine-based ejaculation delaying spray. Delay sprays are desensitizing products that help treat premature ejaculation. They work by desensitizing the penis in order to prolong sexual activity. Share on PinterestAccording to 2019 research, premature ejaculation (PE) is a very common sexual problem in males, potentially affecting approximately 20–30% of individuals worldwide. Ejaculating shortly after sexual activity begins and emotional or relationship distress are the main characteristics of PE. This article discusses the use of Promescent spray, and other delay sprays, for premature ejaculation. It also covers when a person should see a doctor about PE, and answers some frequently asked questions. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. For the purposes of this article, we use “male” and “female” to refer to a person’s sex assigned at birth. Learn more. Quick linksBest for health professional recommendations Promescent Climax Control SprayBest well-established brand K-Y Duration Spray for HimBest cost-effective option Stud 100 The Delay SprayBest for manufacturing certifications Nature s Craft Lidocaine Male Genital Desensitizer Pros and cons at a glance A person should consider the potential advantages and disadvantages of Promescent spray before making a purchase. The pros of Promescent spray may include:active ingredient lidocaine is a widely-used anestheticcan delay ejaculationavailable over-the-counter (OTC) as a spraystudies observed increases in sexual satisfaction after use Some cons may include:takes 10–15 minutes to workcan have a toxic effect on spermcan cause side effects, including rashes, itching, and irritationsome users report the numbing effects of lidocaine products are too strong Who is it for Promescent spray is marketed toward people with premature ejaculation. It aims to delay ejaculation. Customer reviews and brand reputation Online reviews of the Promescent brand are limited. The company has a C+ rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) with one complaint over the past three years. The company is not BBB accredited. On Trustpilot, the company has one review rating it one star, saying that consumers cannot complete a purchase without showing their government identification. Overall, the company has a Trustpilot rating of 3.2 out of 5 stars. What is it Promescent spray is an OTC desensitizing spray that may treat PE. It reduces the sensitivity of the penis to temporarily slow the onset of ejaculation. Males use Promescent spray to prolong sexual intercourse or other types of sexual activity. Each spray of Promescent contains approximately 10 milligrams (mg) of lidocaine, a topical anesthetic that has a numbing effect. Other delay sprays may contain different types of topical anesthetics in varying quantities. Promescent and other delay sprays offer an alternative for those individuals who have not had success with psychological and behavioral treatments and do not want to take daily medication. How does it work Promescent works by absorbing into the skin of the penis to reach the nerves that trigger ejaculation. By numbing these nerves, the spray can delay ejaculation. Individuals should apply 3–10 sprays to the penis at least 10 minutes before beginning intercourse. This timing allows the product to absorb into the penis fully and take effect. It also ensures that the spray does not transfer to the person’s partner and reduce their sensitivity. Individuals can adjust the dosage of Promescent to their individual preferences and sensitivity levels. The effects of the spray can last up to 60 minutes, depending on the dosage. A person should wash the product off after intercourse or sexual activity. Is it effective According to anecdotal reports and a limited number of studies, Promescent appears to delay ejaculation effectively for some people. A 2016 study consisting of 91 men indicates that Promescent increased the ejaculation latency time, or the time from stimulation to ejaculation, plus the quality of sexual experience, and perception of partner experience. The study participants self-reported their experiences after 14 days of product use. The average ejaculatory latency time increased from 6.81 minutes without Promescent spray, to 11.16 minutes following product use. Both partners achieved orgasm approximately 65% of the time when using Promescent, compared with 44% when not using it. The quality of sexual experience also improved significantly with the spray and continued to improve with each use. Participants reported that the product was easy to apply. A newer 2020 study investigated the effectiveness and tolerability of a 5% lidocaine spray in 150 people with lifelong PE. It reports that the spray significantly improved PE over a placebo. The participants used either the spray or a placebo for 8 weeks. They applied it 10–20 minutes before intercourse. An older study, published in 2003, reports similar findings for a topical spray, combining 7.5 mg lidocaine and 2.5 mg prilocaine, another type of local anesthetic. Eleven males with PE completed the study. They applied the spray for 10–15 minutes before intercourse. On average, they reported that the spray increased ejaculation latency time from 1 minute and 24 seconds to 11 minutes and 21 seconds. Participants also reported improved sexual satisfaction for both partners. Risks and precautions Promescent spray is a local treatment that a person applies only to the penis. Hence, it may carry fewer risks and cause fewer adverse reactions than systemic therapies for PE, such as medications. However, there are some risks with its use, including rash, irritation, or itching in the person using it or their partner. If these symptoms occur, people should discontinue use and contact a doctor if they persist. A person must not use Promescent spray on broken, irritated, or sensitive skin. One 2018 study indicates that Promescent has a toxic effect on sperm, causing a reduction in sperm motility, forward progression, and viability. This effect could have implications for those trying to conceive. Individuals must only use Promescent, and other delay sprays externally. They must not use them if they or their partner are allergic to lidocaine or topical anesthetics, or if the partner is pregnant. ​Those with liver problems should consult a doctor before using delay sprays. Individuals must also seek medical attention if symptoms of PE persist. PE may indicate an underlying condition that requires treatment. Promescent for premature ejaculation There are several products that aim to delay ejaculation on the market, including Promescent. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here. Best for health professional recommendations Promescent Climax Control Spray According to the manufacturer’s marketing, more than 2,000 healthcare professionals recommend Promescent Delay Spray to their patients to help them last longer during sexual activity. Each bottle contains 10 mg of lidocaine per spray, and people can apply 3–10 sprays to achieve their desired sensitivity. It acts locally, desensitizing only the penis. Promescent is available in 20-spray and 60-spray bottles. There are over 13,400 reviews on Amazon. The product has an overall rating of 3.8 out of 5. Positive reviews mention that it effectively delays ejaculation. Negative reviews said its numbing effects were too strong and others noted the larger bottle did not contain enough product. A 20-spray bottle costs $22.96, and a 60-spray bottle costs $68.99.SHOP NOW Other brands There are several alternative brands offering delay spray products a person can consider. Best well-established brand K-Y Duration Spray for Him K-Y Duration Spray for Men, which also contains lidocaine, aims to temporarily prolong the time until ejaculation. According to the manufacturer’s instructions, the transfer to sexual partners is minimal. According to the company website, K-Y has been operating since 1904 and first manufactured lube products. Individuals can apply 3–10 sprays before intercourse and wash off the product afterward. Each spray contains approximately 10 mg of lidocaine. There are over 14,200 reviews for K-Y Duration Spray for Him on Amazon. Positive reviews mention it helped them feel more confident, it worked quickly and was effective. However, some users wrote that its numbing effect was too strong and it desensitized their partner. A 36-spray bottle costs $19.97.SHOP NOW Best cost-effective option Stud 100 The Delay Spray The STUD 100 delay spray first appeared on the market in 1970. The spray temporarily reduces sensitivity to prolong the time until ejaculation. According to the product labeling, individuals can apply 3–10 sprays approximately 5–15 minutes before intercourse. It contains approximately 120 sprays. On Amazon, it has over 3,500 reviews, with an average rating of 4.2 stars. Buyers noted positives including long-lasting effects, delayed orgasm, and affordability. However, others wrote that it did not desensitize them as intended. This product is one of the cheapest on this list and contains the most sprays, making it a cost-effective option to consider. A 16 fluid ounce bottle costs $15.99.SHOP NOW Best for manufacturing certifications Nature s Craft Lidocaine Male Genital Desensitizer This product also contains 10 mg of lidocaine per spray. Nature’s Craft claims it uses Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP)-certified labs to manufacture its products. This means this lidocaine spray was made in a facility that adheres to strict quality control standards the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces. The company recommends a person applies 3–10 sprays to the penis ten minutes before sex. It has a rating of 3.6 out of 5 on Amazon, based on over 1,200 reviews. Positive reviews mention it works quickly, it did not affect orgasms. Negative reviews mention the product had a sticky texture and did not numb the penis enough. A 1-ounce bottle costs $18.55.SHOP NOW Alternatives Delay sprays are not the only treatment for PE. Other options include: Exercises and behavioral changes Sometimes, behavioral techniques can help delay ejaculation. Examples include:masturbating 1–2 hours before intercoursefocusing on other sexual activity aside from intercourse to reduce anxiety about sexusing the pause-squeeze technique during sexual activitywearing condoms, which can decrease penis sensitivity Counseling If stress or anxiety are contributing to PE, or if PE is negatively impacting relationships, then counseling may help. People may attend therapy alone or with a partner. A person can consider searching for a specialist sex counselor or therapist with the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) directory. Medication Several medications can help those with PE, including:SSRI antidepressants, such as escitalopram (Lexapro), sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil)phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors, such as sildenafil (Viagra, Revatio), tadalafil (Cialis, Adcirca), vardenafil (Levitra, Staxyn) A doctor may prescribe these medications for on-demand use or daily use. They may also recommend combining them with other treatments, such as behavioral changes. When to see a doctor PE can be difficult to live with, with a 2022 overview of the condition stating it can cause significant distress, relationship problems, and make sex less enjoyable. If people experience PE regularly and it is stopping them from being intimate with other people and affecting their mood, they should speak with a doctor to explore treatment. If a person has an adverse reaction to a PE treatment, such as a skin rash, they should stop using the product and seek medical advice. Frequently asked questions Below are answers to some of the top questions about Promescent spray. Is Promescent FDA approved All OTC medication has to meet FDA standards for quality, effectiveness, and safety. However, Promescent labeling states the FDA does not always review and approve OTC medication, and it has not evaluated Promescent. An individual can read more about the spray from the FDA’s report here. Does Promescent have side effects Yes. Potential side effects include rash, irritation, and itching. 2018 research also found that it negatively affected sperm. Promescent is unsuitable for people with allergies to lidocaine or topical anesthetics. A person should not use Promescent if they or their partner is or could be pregnant. A person should stop using Promescent if they experience side effects and seek medical advice. Is Promescent spray safe The active ingredient in Promescent is lidocaine, which is generally considered safe. A person using lidocaine products for premature ejaculation should not exceed 10 sprays per use or use more than 20 sprays in 24 hours. Anyone experiencing side effects from using Promescent or other lidocaine products for premature ejaculation should stop using them and seek medical advice. Summary Promescent spray is a type of anesthetic spray that helps those with PE delay ejaculation. It works by desensitizing the nerves within the penis. Other delay sprays on the market work in the same way. From a limited number of studies, Promescent spray appears to treat the symptoms of PE in some people. However, more up-to-date studies are needed. Those who do not experience benefits from delay sprays should speak with a doctor about other treatment options and check for any underlying conditions that may be causing PE and require treatment. Last medically reviewed on August 30, 2022Men's HealthErectile Dysfunction / Premature EjaculationSexual Health / STDsComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 8 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Carson, C., & Gunn, K. (2006). Premature ejaculation: Definition and prevalence. https://www.nature.com/articles/3901507El-Hamd, M. A. (2020). Effectiveness and tolerability of lidocaine 5% spray in the treatment of lifelong premature ejaculation patients: A randomized single-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial [Abstract]. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-019-0225-9Gillman, N., et al. (2019). Premature ejaculation: Aetiology and treatment strategies.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6915345/Henry, R., & Morales, A. (2003). Topical lidocaine–prilocaine spray for the treatment of premature ejaculation: A proof of concept study. https://www.nature.com/articles/3901011Mark, K. P., & Kerner, I. (2016). Event-level impact of Promescent on quality of sexual experience in men with subjective premature ejaculation. https://www.nature.com/articles/ijir201631Promescent - lidicaine spray. (2022).https://fda.report/DailyMed/5b508238-3be7-4b0d-bf35-51de79f58f55Promescent - lidocaine spray. (2020). https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=5b508238-3be7-4b0d-bf35-51de79f58f55&type=displaySutton, M., et al. (2018). Promescent has a cytotoxic impact on fresh human sperm in vitro.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0090429518300037FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, Ph.D., LCSW, CST — By Jayne Leonard and Stefano Iavarone — Updated on August 30, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related Coverage7 of the best erectile dysfunction pumpsMedically reviewed by Joseph Brito III, MD A penis pump, also called a vacuum device, is a nondrug erectile dysfunction treatment. 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