What is a Delay Spray?
A delay spray is a topical anesthetic that is applied shortly prior to sexual intercourse, to reduce penile sensitivity. Its primary function is to extend sexual activity by delaying the moment of ejaculation. Most importantly, the use of a delay spray is intended to accomplish this without interfering with the overall pleasurable experience. The technique works by momentarily numbing the sensitive parts of the penis, giving people more control over their climax. It is crucial to note that, while a delay spray is a common treatment for dealing with premature ejaculation, it is not the only one. There are several tactics and treatments available. Such as:
- Behavioral Techniques.
- Counseling or Therapy.
- Oral Medications.
- Lifestyle Modifications.
- Educational Resources.
However, our focus on this blog is about delay sprays and all you need to know about it, from side effects to best practices and what to avoid. Let’s get into details.
Side Effects of Delay Sprays
Some medicines or products do wonders to help men with this condition, but of course, everything has its price. The side effects of delay sprays can do some serious damage to the genitalia in some cases, so it’s best to check with your doctor first and see if it works for you. As always, it’s best to educate yourself about any medicine or medical product before trying it because they don’t work the same for all of us. So, let’s address some of the common side effects of delay sprays and the factors contributing to them.
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Skin Irritation:
While it works like a charm for many, some men can develop allergic reactions to using delay sprays due to various contributing factors. Often, these reactions are a byproduct of ingredients present in the composition of the spray like lidocaine and fragrances. If it goes unattended, these reactions can cause serious harm to the skin over time, leaving people in a great deal of discomfort. Here is a list of factors that may contribute to skin irritation:
Active Ingredients:
Lidocaine, benzocaine, and prilocaine are all local anesthetics commonly used in delay sprays. Men who are sensitive to lidocaine and benzocaine can suffer from swelling, itching, rash, and redness.
Preservatives and Fragrances:
Some companies add ingredients like preservatives and fragrances to the composition of the product to improve its smell and prolong its shelf life. Fragrances specifically can be the main source of irritation for men who are highly allergic to this component.
Inaccurate Application:
Using too much of the spray or not giving the skin enough time to fully absorb it is a main contributor to skin irritations and allergic reactions. It’s very crucial to specifically follow the instructions provided with the product.
Let’s remember that these skin irritations can vary in severity and nature from one individual to another.
Rash and Redness:
Due to an allergic reaction to one or more of the ingredients of the delay spray, men can suffer from redness and rash on the skin where the delay is applied.
Itching:
Itching is another possible side effect of using delay sprays. It can range from mild to severe, but if it’s persistent, then it’s indicating an adverse reaction that should be addressed promptly.
Dryness or Peeling:
Prolonged use of delay sprays can eventually cause the skin to dry out and start peeling as a result of an allergic reaction to a certain ingredient.
It’s crucial to always check the product’s ingredients before using it to see if it’s going to do you any harm. Check with your doctor to see which delay spray is the most suitable one for you.
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Loss of Erection:
Loss of erection, or erectile dysfunction, is a common side effect of prolonged use of delay sprays, especially the ones containing active numbing ingredients like lidocaine and benzocaine. Let’s explain why the excessive use of delay sprays can eventually cause loss of erection, along with mentioning some of the other contributing factors.
Using Too Much Spray:
Applying more quantity than recommended, especially the lidocaine-based sprays, can eventually lead to an overdose of the active numbing ingredient. This in turn causes a reduced sensation that gradually interferes with the penis’s erection functionality.
Individual Sensitivity Levels:
Each individual has a specific level of sensitivity towards numbing agents. Men with high sensitivity levels can experience a more significant reduction in sensation, which sometimes makes it hard to maintain an erection.
Lidocaine-Based Sprays:
As effective as it is in delaying ejaculation, lidocaine can affect the overall sensory experience, including arousal, which impacts the ability to maintain an erection. But it’s important to mention that lidocaine’s effects vary from one person to another, so it might work for you.
You can easily dodge the horrible side effects by carefully reading and following the instructions of the product you’re using and avoiding the temptation of using more than 2-3 sprays at a time. If your doctor didn’t recommend using delay sprays, you can always try alternative treatment options.
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Temporary Sensitivity Loss:
Temporary sensitivity loss after using delay sprays is a very common and normal side effect. In the end, delay sprays are topical anesthetics, and due to their desensitizing effects, men may temporarily lose sensation in their genital area. Overapplication, ingredients like lidocaine, and the overall numbing effect of the spray can impact the amount of sensitivity loss one might feel. But still, you have nothing to worry about because temporary sensitivity loss is a fairly normal thing to experience as an aftermath of using delay sprays, and it will wear off within a short period.
How to Avoid Side Effects While Taking Delay Spray:
Staying on the safe side of things when frequently using delay sprays isn’t hard. For example, here are a few things you can try:
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Don’t Use Too Much:
As mentioned above, using too much delay spray can cause your body to suffer from some negative side effects like erectile dysfunction, skin irritations, and a temporary loss of feeling which shouldn’t concern you because sensitivity will return shortly after the spray wears off. To keep yourself safe, try not to exceed 2-3 sprays with each use, then gradually increase the dosage if necessary.
Finding the sweet spot is also a very helpful way to get the most out of each spray. It’s the most sensitive place of the penis and it varies from one person to another, but it’s usually located under the head of the penis.
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Don’t Apply to The Wrong Places:
To avoid side effects, make sure that the application of delay sprays is done in the correct areas, away from all the wrong places. Another thing you have to remember is to learn the names of the different areas of the genitals because it helps you better understand the instructions of the application. The most important words are “glans” which is the head of the penis, and “frenulum” which is the small ridge of tissue under the head of the penis. Knowing these terms will make it easier to navigate the correct areas while applying.
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Don’t Apply on Damaged Skin:
Using delay sprays on injured skin can lead to significant consequences. Sprays that include active chemicals like lidocaine and benzocaine, in particular, may exacerbate irritation and discomfort on skin that is already injured or inflamed. However, if it does happen, several complications can arise. Such as:
Increased Sensitivity and Irritation:
Cuts, irritations, and abrasions make the skin more susceptible to the penetration of the active ingredients within the product. This could aggravate irritation leading to more discomfort and potential pain.
Allergic Reactions:
Sensitive skins tend to be highly allergic to active ingredients used in delay sprays. This sensitivity can cause swelling, itching, and rashes, and can also worsen an already existing skin condition.
Delayed Healing:
Using delay sprays on damaged skin can interfere with the natural process of healing, making it harder for the skin tissue to regenerate its cells, which slows down the repair of the damaged area.
Your sexual health isn’t something you should take for granted if you’re going through any sexual-related trouble, do not hesitate nor feel ashamed to seek professional medical care. It’s always better to consult your doctor than to take actions on your own, actions that could further the problem rather than solve it.
