Worried about side effects before trying a delay spray? That is a reasonable thing to ask about anything you put on your body. This guide covers how lidocaine delay sprays work, the side effects people actually report, the myths that don't hold up, and how to use a spray so side effects are less likely.
What Is Delay Spray and How Does It Work?
A delay spray is an over-the-counter topical anesthetic for premature ejaculation. Most, including Dynamo Delay Spray, use lidocaine. Applied to the head and shaft of the penis, it temporarily reduces sensitivity, which can help you last longer.
What's in it
Dynamo Delay Spray contains 13% lidocaine, about 10 mg per spray. Lidocaine is a local anesthetic: it briefly quiets nerve signals in the skin where it is applied, then wears off.
How to use it
Follow the Drug Facts label:
- Apply 3 or more sprays, not to exceed 10, to the head and shaft of the penis before intercourse.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes.
- Wipe off any excess with a damp cloth before contact.
- Wash the product off after intercourse.
Who should check first
Don't use it if you or your partner are allergic to local anesthetics such as lidocaine, and avoid it if your partner is pregnant. If you have a health condition or take prescription medicines, ask a doctor or pharmacist first.
Common Myths About Delay Spray Side Effects
Myth 1: Delay sprays cause permanent numbness
They don't. The effect of lidocaine is temporary and wears off on its own. Too many sprays can cause more numbness than you want, which is why the label caps each application at 10 sprays.
Myth 2: Delay sprays remove all sensation
Used as directed, a delay spray reduces sensitivity rather than removing it. If you feel too numb, use fewer sprays next time, staying within the label's range of 3 to 10.
Myth 3: You can't use a delay spray more than once
You can use it whenever you need it, as long as you follow the label each time: no more than 10 sprays per application, external use only, and stop if irritation occurs. If you have questions about using it often, ask a doctor or pharmacist.
Facts About Delay Spray Safety and Effectiveness
How well it works
Topical lidocaine for premature ejaculation has been tested in clinical trials. In one randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 150 men with lifelong premature ejaculation, an on-demand lidocaine 5% spray improved time to ejaculation, control scores and intercourse frequency over 8 weeks compared with placebo, and its local side effects were tolerated.1 Results vary from person to person.
Transfer to a partner
Lidocaine can numb your partner too if excess product is left on the skin. Waiting 5 to 10 minutes and wiping off any excess with a damp cloth before contact reduces transfer. Don't use the spray before oral sex.
Possible Side Effects and How to Prevent Them
Side effects people report
Side effects reported with lidocaine delay sprays are mostly local and short-lived: numbness, tingling, mild burning or stinging, redness, itching or irritation. Some men feel too numb, which can make it harder to keep an erection. Stop using the spray if irritation occurs, and see a doctor if it doesn't clear up. Get medical help right away if you notice swelling or trouble breathing.
How to lower the risk
- Start at 3 sprays, the low end of the label's range.
- Wait 5 to 10 minutes before contact.
- Wipe off any excess with a damp cloth.
- Wash it off after intercourse.
- Use it on the outside of the body only, and keep it away from your eyes.
When to talk to a doctor
If you and your partner are trying to conceive, ask a doctor first. Premature ejaculation can have causes that need medical care: if it started suddenly, comes with erection problems, or doesn't improve with the spray used as directed, stop using it and see a doctor.
How to Get the Best Results Without Side Effects
Finding the right amount matters most. Start at 3 sprays, wait 5 to 10 minutes, and adjust the next time within the label's range rather than adding more during sex. Many men pair a delay spray with techniques like stop-start or pelvic floor exercises; see our guide to proven ways to prevent premature ejaculation.
Tell your partner you're using it, so you can both watch for any irritation.
