Lasting longer
Do delay sprays work? Lidocaine sprays, creams and wipes explained
Delay sprays are sold in pharmacies and online as a quick fix for finishing too soon. So, do delay sprays work? For many men they help, but there are some important things to know.
In short: Delay sprays and creams usually contain a local anaesthetic such as lidocaine or benzocaine, which reduces sensitivity of the penis. Studies show they can increase time to ejaculation for many men with premature ejaculation. Downsides include numbness, reduced pleasure, loss of erection and numbing of your partner if not used correctly.
How delay sprays work
Local anaesthetics block nerve signals in the skin. By reducing sensitivity of the head of the penis, they slow the build-up to ejaculation. Products come as sprays, creams, gels, wipes and condoms with numbing gel inside.
Do they work?
Clinical trials of lidocaine-prilocaine sprays have shown significant increases in time to ejaculation compared with placebo in men with premature ejaculation. Many men find them helpful, especially while they practise longer-term techniques.
How to use a delay spray
- Apply a small amount to the head and shaft 5 to 15 minutes before sex, following the label.
- Start with the lowest dose.
- Wash off or wipe away excess before intercourse, or use a condom, to avoid numbing your partner.
- Test the product alone first to see how your body responds.
Side effects
- Numbness that reduces pleasure
- Difficulty keeping an erection or reaching orgasm
- Skin irritation or allergic reaction
- Numbing of your partner’s genitals or mouth if transferred
Buy wisely
Choose registered products from pharmacies. Unregistered “delay pills” and imported products have been found to contain hidden medicines. See sex pills.
Long-term alternatives
Sprays manage symptoms but do not change the underlying pattern. Combine or replace them with:
- The stop-start and squeeze techniques. See home remedies for premature ejaculation.
- Pelvic floor training. See Kegel exercises for men.
- Reducing anxiety. See performance anxiety in men.
- Thicker condoms.
Read also how long should a man last in bed and premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction.
How we can help
Our naturopaths offer practical coaching and natural support to help you build lasting control, so you can rely less on numbing products.
Why men choose our natural approach
Walk in or consult remotely
Walk in at Buccleuch, Sandton, with parking available, or consult by phone or video from anywhere in South Africa.
Natural and non-surgical
Herbal remedies and practical guidance, with no injections or surgery.
Faster appointments
Enquiries answered 24/7, with same-day appointments often available.
Transparent pricing
Consultations are R2,500, with any remedy costs confirmed before you commit.
Private self-check: 5 quick questions
Answer these honestly before you try anything new or book. They help you describe what is happening and get more from your first consultation.
- Do you usually ejaculate sooner than you or your partner would like?
- Has this always been the case, or did it start recently?
- Do you feel you have little or no control over when you ejaculate?
- Is it causing stress, avoidance or tension in your relationship?
- Do you also have trouble getting or keeping an erection?
A yes to questions one, three or four suggests a consultation would help. Problems that started recently, or that come with erection difficulties, are worth discussing early, because the cause often guides the most effective natural plan.
What happens at your first consultation
- Walk in or book online, call +27 10 205 9855 or WhatsApp +27 81 823 1313. In Gauteng, walk in at 199 Vanessa Street, Buccleuch, Sandton, where parking is available. Outside Gauteng, choose a confidential phone or video consultation. Enquiries are answered 24/7.
- Talk privately with a naturopath about your symptoms, health history, lifestyle and goals.
- Receive a personalised natural plan, with any remedy costs confirmed upfront.
- Follow up in person or remotely so your progress is reviewed and your plan adjusted.
Your health and safety
Our naturopaths use natural remedies and lifestyle support, and always check your health history and current medicines first. If anything needs medical attention we tell you honestly and refer you to an appropriately registered medical professional. Avoid unregistered “enhancement” products sold online or at markets, as SAHPRA has warned that some contain hidden ingredients.
Seek urgent medical care for chest pain, an erection lasting more than four hours, sudden weakness or other sudden symptoms.
Consultation price
A consultation is R2,500, in person or remote, and your naturopath confirms any further costs before you go ahead. See our men’s clinic prices for details.
Frequently asked questions
Do delay sprays really work?
Trials show lidocaine-based sprays can significantly increase time to ejaculation for many men with premature ejaculation.
Can delay spray affect my partner?
Yes. Wipe off excess before sex or use a condom to avoid numbing your partner.
Can delay spray cause erection problems?
Too much numbing can make it harder to keep an erection. Start with the lowest dose.
Are delay pills safe?
Unregistered delay pills may contain hidden drugs. Use registered products and get advice.
How much does a consultation cost?
A consultation is R2,500, and any remedy costs are confirmed with you before you go ahead.
Book your consultation today
Get personalised, natural support from a naturopath. Walk in at our Sandton practice, or book a remote consultation if you live outside Gauteng.
References and further reading
- Mayo Clinic: Premature ejaculation
- FDA: Tainted sexual enhancement products
- SAHPRA: South African Health Products Regulatory Authority
Reviewed by George Mulaudzi, Naturopath. This page is general information and does not replace a personal consultation. If you have chest pain, sudden symptoms or a medical emergency, seek urgent medical care.
