How to Use Promescent: Application & Treatment Considerations

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Everything that you and your partner need to know about this popular delay spray

Medically reviewed by Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Last Updated: August 19, 2024 Approved

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Application Instructions

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Things to Consider

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Expert Q&A

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Tips

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Warnings

Promescent is an over-the-counter treatment for premature ejaculation. Applying the appropriate amount of Promescent to the genitals before intercourse causes numbness, allowing those who experience premature ejaculation to last longer. Promescent is a medication that will have an effect on your body and the body of your partner, so go over the risks together before use.

Using Delay Spray

Shake the can of delay spray for about 10 seconds to prime it, then spritz it 1-3 times on your genitals. Wait about 10 minutes before you have sex to give the spray time to dry and absorb into your skin. The products numbing effects can last for up to 1 hour.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Application Instructions

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You will need to apply Promescent at least ten minutes before you engage in sexual intercourse. The numbing effects will last for up to an hour. Applying Promescent hours or seconds before you have sex will not work.
If you are using the standard metered-dose bottle, you will need to prepare it. Remove the small plastic piece over the nozzle. Unlock the child-resistant cap. Turn the bottle sideways and shake for ten seconds. Right the bottle and slowly press the spray pump. Do this up to twenty times, waiting about two seconds between pumps. When the formula releases, stop.^{[1]
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For your first time, you might want to start with one or two sprays. The directions suggest three sprays for a first try, but many users find this numbs them too much. It is unsafe to use more than 10 sprays per dose.^{[2]
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Your frenulum is likely the most sensitive spot on your penis. It is the small ridge of tissue under the head of your penis, on the underside of your penis.
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Apply 1-3 sprays. Spray Promescent directly onto your penis, or spray onto the tips of your fingers and rub the formula onto your penis. Repeat up to three times using the same method. While the recommended dosage is three, many users find one or two sprays are all they need. Apply to the frenulum, or other spots you consider sensitive.^{[3]
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- Make sure to rub it in after each spray.
- Wash your hands immediately afterward. Traces of Promescent on your hands could put you or your partner at risk of eye injury.^{[4]
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Wait ten minutes. Spend ten minutes without touching or washing your genitals. Your skin will absorb the Promescent in this time. Waiting for this absorption to take place will allow you to maintain good sensation. It also minimizes any transfer of the anesthetic to your partner.^{[5]
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- After ten minutes have passed, wash your genitals with soap and water. Trace amounts may cause numbness in your partner if you don't wash.
- Don't be afraid of washing. The active ingredients will all have been absorbed after ten minutes.
- Soaking your genitals will cause the Promescent to leach out, however. Do not take a bath after applying Promescent. Instead, wipe yourself clean with a wet washcloth.
- Once the Promescent is absorbed and the genitals are washed, products such as condoms or lubricant are safe to use.
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Observe your progress during sex. Most users experience 2-3 times longer intercourse the first time they use Promescent. Some users report improved results after three uses of the product. During your first use, notice if you feel too numb or not numb enough. Ask your partner if it made him or her feel numb at all.
- Re-apply if you wish. If you feel effects are not strong enough, or have worn off, you can repeat your application. Do not use more than 10 sprays in total.
- If you used ten sprays for your first round of intercourse, do not re-apply.
- If you use more than ten sprays of Promescent, you may experience numbness, loss of erection, and irritation.
- In cases of overuse, wash your penis with soap and water immediately. Visit a doctor if symptoms persist.
Depending on how your first experience went, you may wish to spray more, less, or on different parts of your penis. If the numb frenulum didn't work for you, try spraying along the shaft, or on the glans. Repeat use will help you determine the right dose and the right method of application for you.^{[6]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Things to Consider

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1
Talk to your partner. Promescent does not just affect you. It affects your sexual partner or partners. Before use, discuss the risks and possible side effects of Promescent with your partner. Your partner risks experiencing numbness or irritation if you use Promescent.^{[7]
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- Inform your partner before you receive oral sex. Your partner's mouth may go numb, especially if you did not completely wipe off the Promescent after application.^{[8]
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If you and your partner aren't sure Promescent is right for you, get a trial sized bottle. These contain 10 sprays, and are designed for a single use. If you like it, you can invest in a standard metered-dose bottle.^{[9]
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If you frequently ejaculate before five minutes of intercourse have passed, talk to your doctor. Premature ejaculation is common, but sometimes it can have a serious cause. If you have symptoms of diabetes, thyroid problems, nerve damage, or prostate cancer, visit a doctor and explain your concerns.
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Check for allergies, illness, and injury. Promescent contains lidocaine. If you or your partner are allergic to this substance, do not use Promescent. If you use Promescent and find that you or your partner develop rashes, irritation, itching, or burning, discontinue use.^{[10]
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- Check for cuts and scrapes. Do not apply Promescent to skin that is broken or irritated.
- Check yourself, and have your partner check himself or herself, to ensure that neither of you have a rash, a cut, bumps, or other marks on your genitals.^{[11]
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- Do not use if your partner is pregnant, or might be.
- If you or your partner is being treated for kidney or liver disease, do not use Promescent.^{[12]
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Expert Q&A

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Question

Can I still use a condom even after applying Promescent?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

Condoms and other forms of birth control are safe to use after applying Promescent.

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Question

What is the brand name of Promescent?

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS
Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner
Luba Lee, FNP-BC is a Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) and educator in Tennessee with over a decade of clinical experience. Luba has certifications in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Emergency Medicine, Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), Team Building, and Critical Care Nursing. She received her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) from the University of Tennessee in 2006.

Luba Lee, FNP-BC, MS

Board-Certified Family Nurse Practitioner

Expert Answer

Promescent is the brand name. The only active ingredient in Promescent is lidocaine.

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Tips

The standards size bottle contains approximately 60 sprays and has a metered dose feature. This bottle may be best if you have clinical PE and will use 3 or more sprays per dose or if you want a more accurate dose.

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Promescent comes in two sizes: trial size and standard size. It usually takes 3-4 uses of the product to optimize your performance.

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Warnings

If swallowed, contact a poison center and go to the nearest emergency room.

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Do not use Promescent if you or your partner is allergic to lidocaine or to any other anesthetics.

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Promescent is a topical spray. It is only safe for external use. Do not ingest. Do not spray in or near eyes.

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Keep in mind that Promescent does not protect against STDs, so you will still need to wear a condom during sex for STD protection.

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