Delay Condoms in Ireland

What is a delay condom?

A delay condom is a condom with a lubricant containing a mild local numbing agent on the inside. It is usually benzocaine or lidocaine. Here the product page names the numbing agent for four of the seven models: Control Non Stop has 4.5% benzocaine; the Durex Climax Mutuo, 5%, and both EXS Delay have lidocaine, at 1% in the box of 12. The Durex Placer Prolongado, with Performa lubricant, and the two from Pasante don't state it on their product page, so check the packaging. Because it slightly numbs the head of the penis on contact, friction is felt a little less and it takes longer to reach orgasm. The aim is more control over pace and more time before ejaculating, without losing pleasure. On the outside it works like any other condom: used properly, it reduces the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

How they work and what to expect

Benzocaine comes in a concentration of between 0.3% and 5%, depending on the brand, and slightly numbs the head of the penis on contact. The effect takes 1 to 2 minutes to be noticed and lasts while you're wearing the condom. If it's your first time with a delay condom, start with the lowest concentration and go up only if it feels like too little.

The ones here are the Durex Placer Prolongado, which has Performa lubricant and is the best seller; the Durex Climax Mutuo, with dots and ribs on the outside; the Control Non Stop; the Pasante delay condoms, in a box of 12 (Delay Infinity) and of 144, and the EXS Delay, in a box of 12 and of 48. If you want to feel more, not less, you want sensitive condoms, which are thinner and have no numbing agent.

Types of delay condoms

On the outside they look very similar. They differ mainly in the numbing agent they use and how many come in each box.

• With benzocaine: the Control Non Stop, which has it at 4.5% in the inner lubricant, and the Durex Climax Mutuo, at 5%.
• With lidocaine: another local numbing agent, used in both EXS Delay; the box of 12 has it at 1%.
• Small boxes: 12 condoms, to see if the effect works for you before buying more.
• Large boxes: 48 or 144 condoms, for those who already know which one suits them.

Safety

Check which way the condom unrolls before bringing it near the penis: the numbing agent has to be on the inside, against the head. If you put it on the wrong way round, don't flip it; use a new one, because the outside has already touched the penis. The ones currently in this section are latex; check the material on the product page and, if you or your partner have an allergy, look among the latex-free condoms. If you notice itching, stinging or irritation, stop using them: it could be a reaction to the numbing agent or the latex.

How to choose

• Numbing agent: the product page says whether it contains benzocaine or lidocaine; if one doesn't suit you, try the other.
• Concentration: when the product page or packaging states it, start with the lowest.
• Material: check the material on the product page; the ones available now are natural latex, so they won't do if you have a latex allergy.
• Quantity: boxes of 12 to try, and of 48 or 144 if you already have your brand.
• Lubrication: check whether the product page mentions extra lubricant on the outside, as well as the numbing agent inside.

Frequently asked questions

Can benzocaine affect my partner?

No, if the condom is put on properly, with the numbing agent on the inside touching the head. If it's put on the wrong way round or the lubricant escapes round the rim, it could reduce your partner's sensitivity, so check which side is which before putting it on. If you'd rather control the dose yourself, a delay spray lets you manage the amount better.

Are there alternatives to delay condoms?

Yes. Delay sprays are applied 5 to 10 minutes beforehand and left to dry, and then the condom goes on top; delay creams work the same way in a different format, and you can find both in erotic cosmetics. Cock rings put pressure at the base and slow orgasm mechanically, with no numbing agents. A review of ten trials indicates that pelvic floor training appears effective for premature ejaculation, although there is no clear protocol and the quality of the studies was low to moderate (Myers et al., 2019, Physiotherapy).

Does a delay condom protect as well as a normal one?

Yes, it's a latex condom like any other and it protects if you use it every time and correctly. A review of 14 studies of heterosexual couples in which only one partner had HIV associated consistent condom use with a reduction of roughly 80% in HIV infections (Weller et al., 2001, Cochrane Database Syst Rev).

How long does the effect last?

While you're wearing the condom. It starts to be noticeable 1 to 2 minutes after you put it on. Some numbness may linger for a while after you take it off, and washing with water removes any lubricant residue.

Do they work for premature ejaculation?

They may help you last a little longer during penetration, but they don't treat premature ejaculation. If it happens almost every time and worries you, talk to a doctor or a urologist.

Can you have oral sex with a delay condom?

Yes, if it's on properly, because the numbing agent is on the inside. Even so, the taste of latex and lubricant isn't the most pleasant; that's what flavoured condoms are for.

Can I add more lubricant?

Yes, a water-based or silicone-based one, which are compatible with latex. Never use oils, petroleum jelly or greasy creams: they weaken latex and the condom could break.

Is there such a thing as a condom spray?

Not as a condom. What exist are delay sprays, which are applied to the penis and don't protect against anything, so you still need to put a condom on over them.