Penis Numbing Spray: Everything You Need To Know (2024 Guide)

Things have changed a lot since the 70s including male genital desensitizers. We'll take a comprehensive look at the latest that science has to offer in the way of penis numbing sprays.

Dr. Faysal Yafi M.D.
Board certified Urologist specializing in sexual health
by Dr. Faysal Yafi M.D. Last updated 01/22/2024
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Penis numbing spray is a popular treatment option for men that want to last longer during intimacy.

Since the 1970s, it's been a go-to for millions because of its:

  • Easy application
  • Some, like Promescent, have been clinically proven to work
  • Near-instant results in helping men last longer
  • The ability for the user to better please their partner

If you're new to the idea of using penis numbing sprays for desensitization or delaying ejaculation, this helpful guide will get you started in the right direction.

Quick FAQs

Yes, several studies show big increases in time to ejaculation. Read on to learn more.

Primarily just over desensitization. For this reason, we recommend doing a test run first to determine how many sprays you need to not experience over desensitization.

All sprays are different, so you will want to check the warning label, but with Promescent penis numbing spray, you can still receive oral after the product has been applied. However, we do recommend that you wipe your penis off before receiving oral.

If Promescent is used as directed, then there should be little to no transference to your partner.

What Is Penis Numbing Spray?

Penis numbing spray is a topical product that is designed to be applied directly to the most sensitive parts of the penis.

When properly used, the sprays help prolong climax so you can last longer in bed.

You may hear a variety of names used for these numbing sprays, such as:

  • PE sprays
  • Desensitizing sprays
  • Last longer sprays
  • Climax control sprays

Most of them contain desensitizing agents like lidocaine or benzocaine, that affect the nerve sensitivity in the penis.

The most common desensitizing agents in penis numbing sprays are lidocaine or benzocaine.

Penis Numbing Spray: Results and Expectations

When used properly, penis numbing spray is considered one of the most effective and safest ways to treat premature ejaculation.

For Promescent specifically, studies have shown significant improvements for men with premature ejaculation.

  • Without penis numbing spray, men lasted about 6  minutes
  • With penis numbing spray, men lasted about 12 minutes
Graph showing improved delay to ejaculation time from using Promescent

Other important conclusions from the study mentioned above include:

  • The frequency of both partners reaching orgasm increased by 50%
  • 96.5% of the participants concluded that the spray was easy to use
  • An increase in perception of partner experience
  • Improvement in the overall quality of intimacy

How to Use Penis Numbing Spray

The beauty of using penis spray is just how easy the process is.

You don't have to do a lot of prior planning because the product takes effect so quickly.

For Promescent, the process goes like this:

Step 1

Shake the bottle to mix thoroughly.

Step 2

Apply between 3 and 10 sprays to the most sensitive spots. These include:

  • The frenulum - the spongy tissue that connects the head and shaft
  • The head or glans of the penis
  • The underside of the shaft of the penis

You can rub the spray into your skin to encourage absorption, but keep efforts localized and wash your hands after doing so.

Step 3

Wait for about 5-10 minutes for the liquid to absorb into the skin. 

A few tips to remember:

  • Promescent comes in a metered-dose spray so you can get consistent reproducible results.
  • Do a test run prior to using with your partner so you can learn how many sprays you need for the desired results.
  • Wash your hands and wipe off any excess to avoid transferring the product to your partner.

      Penis Numbing Spray FAQs

      1. Can you still receive oral?

      Banana with lipstick all over peel

      Check for guidelines with any penis numbing spray you use.

      Some products may specifically state to skip oral sex after applying the product.

      With Promescent, you can receive oral after application. However, we do recommend that you give your penis a quick wipe down so you don't risk numbing your partner's mouth.

      2. Does penis numbing spray transfer to your partner?

      Because each product is different and made with different active ingredients, you’ll need to check the label for the proper use instructions.

      However, Promescent desensitizing spray was specifically designed to penetrate the skin's surface to minimize the possibility of transference to your partner when used as directed.

      Be mindful when using other desensitizing sprays, gels, and creams—these can be more likely to transfer during sex.

      3. Are there any side effects?

      Every penis numbing spray can come along with its own set of potential side effects based on the ingredients.

      So, before using any product, take a look at the included information.

      If you are sticking with a high-quality penis numbing spray like Promescent the side effects tend to be limited to two main concerns.

      Over-desensitization

      Over-desensitization is the most prominent and avoidable side effect when getting started with penis numbing sprays.

      You may accidentally use a little too much or find that you are especially sensitive to the numbing action and not feel much of anything.

      The good news is that if this does happen to you, the effects will simply wear off soon after.

      Washing with soap and water may help you regain sensitivity quicker, but sensations tend to return on their own within 30 minutes or so.

      Discomfort due to allergy

      Allergies to desensitizing ingredients are considered rare but still possible.

      Typically, an allergy will result in some type of discomforts, such as burning, itching, or other skin irritation.

      If you feel any discomfort, thoroughly wash off the spray with soap and warm water and discontinue use.

      4. Do you need an erection before applying penis spray?

      Not necessarily, but it can help.

      Naturally, applying the product while erect will give you a larger surface area to work with, making it easier for you to target the sensitive areas of your penis.

      Blue jeans with banana poking out of the zipper of the jeans

      Once you're comfortable applying the product, you could just as easily apply it while you are flaccid.

      5. Can penis numbing spray be used with a condom?

      It is important to follow the usage guidelines for the specific product you are using. Certain substances can damage the integrity of the condom.

      For instance, Promescent penis numbing spray is safe to use with most types of condoms, except for those made from polyurethane.

      Person holding two bananas with condoms on them

      For other sprays, you will need to check with the manufacturer to determine what types of condoms they recommend for their product.

      Different Types of Penis Spray

      You can find penis numbing spray in a plethora of varieties, some more complex than others.

      However, two main types of penis spray are most preferred for reliable numbing action.

      Lidocaine Penis Spray

      Lidocaine penis spray is typically the most preferred type of product.

      Lidocaine absorbs into the skin quickly and delivers fairly consistent results even with a low-potency product.

      Benzocaine Penis Spray

      Some penis numbing sprays contain benzocaine as the primary numbing agent.

      Benzocaine, while effective, can require more product to achieve the same level of desensitization, especially if using a low-potency product.

      Additionally, benzocaine may be more likely to cause adverse skin reactions due to allergies.

      Lidocaine is commonly prescribed as an alternative for people who have sensitivities to benzocaine.

      What Are The Best Penis Numbing Sprays?

      When it comes to penis numbing spray, all sprays are not created equal. We've done the research, so you don't have to, and these are the best ones out there:

      1. Promescent Climax Control Spray
      2. Forhims Pej spray
      3. Stud 100

      Where Can You Buy Numbing Spray?

      One of the best things about penis numbing sprays is that they are available over-the-counter without a prescription.

      You will undoubtedly run into other sprays out there in the world at adult stores, popup ads, and sometimes even gas stations.

      However, for the best quality and price, stick with a reputable retailer like Promescent.

      Alternatives to Penis Numbing Sprays

      While penis numbing spray can be a quick and easy way to lower sensitivity levels and last longer before in bed, you may find some of the natural tactics helpful as well.

      Natural alternatives to penis numbing spray

      1. The Squeeze Technique

      The squeeze technique, which is sometimes called the pause-squeeze technique, is all about dropping arousal levels when you feel yourself get close to climax.

      Essentially, this technique involves:

      1. Stopping stimulation when you near climax
      2. Firmly squeezing the head of your penis near the frenulum
      3. Hold the squeeze for several seconds or until arousal levels have dropped
      4. Repeat as needed to delay ejaculation

      While the squeeze technique initially involves manually holding back climax, following this technique for a while may help you learn to delay without manually squeezing.

      2. Start and Stop Method (Edging)

      The start/stop method of controlling ejaculation is designed to sort of elongate the duration of pleasurable sensations, so you don't orgasm as quickly.

      The process of edging generally looks something like this:

      1. Enjoy sexual activity until you feel like you are close to ejaculation
      2. Stop stimulation completely (i.e., pull out, stop foreplay, etc.)
      3. Wait until you don't feel as aroused
      4. Ease, slowly, back into activity and stimulation

      Stimulate, stop, rest, stimulate, stop, rest, stimulate, and so on as much as needed to delay climax.

      3. Try Kegels

      Kegels are pelvic floor muscle exercises.

      By exercising your pelvic floor muscles, you may gain control over your ejaculatory response and increase your ejaculation latency times.

      Studies have shown this to be highly effective for some men who struggle with premature ejaculation.

      Kegel exercises involve tightening the same muscles you would use to stop urinating mid-stream or to hold back when you feel the urge to pass gas.

      Practice finding these muscles. Once you know how and what to tense up, do some basic exercises:

      1. Lay on the bed or otherwise flat.
      2. Tighten the muscles in your pelvic floor
      3. Hold for 3 seconds
      4. Relax for 10 seconds
      5. Do at least ten sets of repetitions
      6. Repeat three times daily or more

      As you do these exercises, work to hold the tension for longer. You can gradually work up to holding for several more seconds and doing more repetitions.

      Once you have mastered Kegels while lying down, try doing the same exercises in other positions, such as sitting upright or standing up.

      Note: There's no reason you can't combine the power of a penis numbing spray and natural exercises like Kegels for even greater results.

      Penis Numbing Spray vs. Penis Numbing Cream

      Penis numbing spray and penis numbing cream can have similar active ingredients.

      Beyond the similar active numbing agents, the two can be quite different.

      Here's a look at a general description and the pros and cons of both.

      Comparison between numbing spray vs numbing cream

      Penis Numbing Sprays

      Penis numbing spray has a thin consistency and is applied directly to sensitive parts of the penis, such as the underside of the head where it meets the shaft (frenulum.)

      The product is packaged in a convenient spray bottle.

      Time to effectiveness can vary depending on the product.

      Note: Promescent Desensitizing Spray takes as little as 5 minutes to start working and comes in a metered-dose spray bottle for consistent, repeatable results.

      Pros of penis numbing sprays

      • Not messy to apply or use
      • Absorbs much more rapidly, usually within minutes
      • Less of a chance of transferring to a partner

      Cons of penis numbing sprays

      • It may be a bit more costly
      • It may not be as discreet to apply

      Penis Numbing Creams

      Penis numbing creams are going to be a thicker consistency than sprays and usually comes in a small tube instead of a spray bottle.

      However, studies show that most creams need to be applied up to 20 minutes before intimacy to achieve optimal desensitization and are more likely to transfer to your partner.

      Pros of penis numbing creams

      • It can be easier to control how much product you use
      • It may be a bit less expensive

      Cons of penis numbing creams

      • Messier to apply and clean up after application
      • Unable to control exact dosage, unlike numbing sprays
      • Higher likelihood of transferring to a partner due to lack of absorption and complete drying
      • It may take longer to absorb into the skin
      • It usually requires washing off the excess before sex

          Takeaways

          Man kissing woman

          Overall, penis numbing spray is easy to use, delivers faster effects than creams, and is considered safe.

          Studies have proven the effectiveness of using quality lidocaine-based products like Promescent.

          With a very low chance of negative side effects and a high likelihood of effectiveness, penis numbing spray could mean a much better sex life overall.

          You can find just how many sprays you need to achieve the best possible outcome with a bit of practice.

          And, adding natural climax-delaying techniques can mean lasting even longer. If you are ready to try a penis numbing spray to last longer, be sure to check out Promescent Climax Control Spray.

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          Dr. Faysal Yafi

          Dr. Yafi is Associate Professor of Urology, Chief of Men’s Health and Reconstructive Urology, Director of Men’s Health and Newport Urology at the University of California, Irvine. His practice specializes in men’s health, erectile dysfunction, hypogonadism, Peyronie’s disease, prosthetic surgery, male voiding dysfunction and male infertility. Dr. Yafi has over 150 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters. He is the current Chair of the SMSNA scientific committee and co-Chair of the ISSM Consultations and Guidelines committee. Dr. Yafi earned his medical degree from the American University of Beirut, then completed his internship in General Surgery at the Mayo Clinic, his residency in Urology at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and his fellowship in Andrology, Sexual Medicine and Prosthetic Urology at Tulane University.

          Sources:

          Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

          • J. DeNoon, Daniel. 2007 January 26. Spray for Premature Ejaculation Helps. WebMD. www.webmd.com/men/news/20070126/spray-premature-ejaculation-helps. Accessed 26 Jan 2022.
          • The Mayo Clinic Staff. 2020 September 15. Kegel exercises for men: Understand the benefits. The Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/mens-health/in-depth/kegel-exercises-for-men/art-20045074. Accessed 26 Jan 2022.
          • K P Mark and I Kerner. 2016 November. Event-level impact of Promescent on quality of sexual experience in men with subjective premature ejaculation. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5399162/. Accessed 26 Jan 2022.
          • M K Atikeler, I Gecit, F A Senol. 2002 December. Optimum usage of prilocaine-lidocaine cream in premature ejaculation. National Library of Medicine (pubmed). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12472618/. Accessed 26 Jan 2022.
          The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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