Pills vs Sprays: Which PE Treatment Is Right for You?

Up to one in three Australian men may experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives, making it the most common male sexual dysfunction in younger age groups. Yet only a small fraction ever talk to a doctor about it, let alone seek treatment. Instead, many quietly Google things like “Priligy vs sprays”, “delay sprays Australia” or “how to last longer” and hope for a quick fix.

If that’s you, you’re far from alone—and you’re definitely not broken.

At NextClinic, we speak with Aussie men every week who are worried about finishing too quickly, worried about letting their partners down, and worried that treatment might be complicated or embarrassing. The good news? PE is usually very treatable, and you have more options than you might think.

One of the biggest decisions men face is this:

Should I try a pill like Priligy (dapoxetine), or go for a desensitising delay spray?

In this guide, we’ll walk through a clear, evidence-based premature ejaculation treatment comparison between oral PE medication and topical sprays. We’ll:

• Explain what actually counts as premature ejaculation (and what doesn’t)
• Break down how PE pills work vs sprays, including “Priligy vs sprays”
• Look at how effective each option is, side effects, safety, and convenience in real life
• Help you work out which approach might fit your body, relationship, and lifestyle
• Show how men’s health online services like ours can help you get support discreetly, anywhere in Australia

This article is for information only—it’s not a substitute for personalised medical advice. But by the end, you should feel much more confident about talking with your GP or one of our telehealth doctors about the right PE treatment for you.

1. How common is premature ejaculation (and why does it matter)?

Premature ejaculation (PE) isn’t rare, niche, or something that only happens to “nervy” teenagers.

International and Australian data suggest PE affects roughly 14–30% of adult men, with some estimates in local GP research putting the figure for Australian males as high as 31%. That’s at least one in five, and possibly closer to one in three.

Despite this, most men never bring it up:

• They feel ashamed or “less of a man”
• They worry their GP will dismiss it
• They fear it says something about their masculinity, relationship or sexual skill

But clinicians consistently point out that PE can seriously affect mood, confidence, relationships, and overall quality of life—for both partners. It can contribute to anxiety, avoidance of sex, and even depression.

If you’ve been beating yourself up over this, it’s worth repeating:

"PE is common, it’s medical, and it’s treatable. You’re not the only one, and you don’t have to just “put up with it”."

2. What actually counts as premature ejaculation?

Most men ejaculate quickly sometimes—especially when they’re tired, stressed, or intensely aroused. That doesn’t automatically mean you have PE.

Modern definitions (including those used in clinical guidelines) generally describe premature ejaculation as:

• Ejaculation that nearly always or always occurs:
  • within about one minute of penetration for lifelong PE; or
  • much sooner than usual for acquired PE (even if it’s a bit longer than one minute), and
• A consistent inability to delay ejaculation, and
• Ongoing for at least six months, causing significant distress for you and/or your partner

Doctors also recognise two main patterns:

• Lifelong (primary) PE – present from your first sexual experiences
• Acquired (secondary) PE – develops after a period of “normal” ejaculatory control

Occasional “quick” sex, or a shorter time after a long dry spell, usually isn’t PE. But if you:

• Regularly finish before you or your partner would like
• Feel unable to control when you climax
• Avoid sex, intimacy or relationships because of it

…then it’s absolutely reasonable to chat with a GP or telehealth doctor.

PE can also co-exist with erectile dysfunction (ED), performance anxiety, depression, or relationship strain. A proper assessment matters because the best treatment often depends on why the PE is happening in your case.

3. Your PE treatment toolbox: it’s not just “take a pill”

Before we zoom into pills vs sprays, it helps to see where they fit in the bigger picture.

Evidence-based PE management usually involves one or more of:

• Lifestyle and behavioural strategies
  • “Stop–start” and “squeeze” techniques
  • Using condoms to reduce sensitivity
  • Pelvic floor (Kegel) exercises
  • Reducing alcohol or recreational drugs that worsen performance
• Psychosexual counselling or sex therapy
  • Addressing performance anxiety or relationship issues
  • Improving communication, expectations and intimacy
• Medical treatments
  • Oral PE medication – especially dapoxetine (Priligy) and, in some cases, other antidepressants used off-label
  • Topical anaesthetic creams or sprays – “delay sprays” that reduce penile sensitivity
  • ED medication – when erectile dysfunction is also present
• Occasionally, specialist options
  • For complex or resistant cases (e.g. urologist, sexual health specialist)

In this article we’re focusing on the two most popular on‑demand medical options—PE pills vs desensitising sprays—because that’s the choice many Aussie men are weighing up when they search for “delay sprays Australia” or a PE medication like Priligy.

4. Option 1: Oral PE medication (Priligy & other SSRIs)

4.1 What are PE pills?

PE pills are usually from a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—the same family as many common antidepressants.

In Australia:

• Dapoxetine is the only SSRI specifically developed and TGA‑approved for treating premature ejaculation, sold under brand names such as Priligy.
• Other SSRIs like paroxetine, sertraline, fluoxetine, and the tricyclic clomipramine may also help PE, but they’re used off‑label (they’re not officially approved for this purpose) and are typically taken daily, not just before sex.

Dapoxetine is different because it’s short‑acting and designed for on‑demand use specifically for men with PE.

4.2 How do PE pills work?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in mood, but it also helps regulate ejaculation. Higher serotonin activity can slow the ejaculatory reflex.

SSRIs like dapoxetine increase serotonin signalling in the brain for a period of time, which:

• Delays ejaculation
• Can improve your sense of control
• Often increases satisfaction with sexual intercourse

Key points about dapoxetine/Priligy in Australia:

• Taken 1–3 hours before sex
• Usual starting dose is 30 mg, with some men using 60 mg if needed
• Cleared relatively quickly from the body compared with standard antidepressants
• On‑demand – not a daily medication
• Prescription‑only and not currently subsidised by the PBS for PE, so you pay full private script cost

Daily SSRIs used off‑label (like paroxetine) boost serotonin more continuously and can also significantly delay ejaculation, but they come with a typical antidepressant side‑effect profile and are usually reserved for more complex cases.

4.3 How well do PE pills work?

The numbers vary between studies, but the trend is clear: PE pills help a lot of men gain more control and last longer.

Research summarised in Australian Prescriber and international trials shows:

• Dapoxetine:
  • Typically doubles or triples intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) on average compared with placebo
  • Many men report going from ejaculating in well under two minutes to several minutes, with improved control and satisfaction
• Daily SSRIs like paroxetine:
  • Can produce even larger increases in IELT (in some trials, several‑fold increases), but:
    • Require daily use
    • Have more persistent systemic side effects
    • Are off‑label for PE and not PBS‑subsidised for that indication

Importantly, pills don’t work for everyone, and the benefits are averages—not guarantees. Some men notice a huge difference; others only modest improvement.

4.4 Pros of PE pills

Some reasons men (and doctors) like pills such as Priligy for PE treatment:

• No genital numbness

Pills act via the brain and spinal cord, not by numbing the penis, so most men report preserved (or even improved) sensation and orgasm quality.

• Evidence‑based and regulated

Dapoxetine has been through large clinical trials and is a TGA‑approved PE medication in Australia.

• On‑demand dosing

You only take it when you expect to have sex (not daily), which can be appealing if you don’t want a constant drug in your system.

• May help associated anxiety

In some men with strong performance anxiety, knowing they’ve taken a pill that delays ejaculation can itself reduce stress and improve control.

• No transfer to partner

Unlike sprays or creams, there’s no risk of numbing your partner’s genitals via contact.

• Can be combined with other approaches

Pills can be paired with behavioural techniques, psychological support, or, in specific cases, ED medications under medical supervision.

4.5 Cons and side effects of PE pills

No medication is side‑effect‑free. For dapoxetine and other SSRIs, common issues can include:

• Nausea
• Dizziness or light‑headedness
• Headache
• Diarrhoea
• Fatigue or sleepiness
• Occasionally reduced libido or difficulty achieving orgasm (especially with daily SSRIs)

Rare but important risks:

• Fainting (syncope) in a small percentage of men, particularly at higher doses or when combined with alcohol
• Interactions with other serotonergic medications (e.g. certain antidepressants, tramadol, some migraine meds, St John’s wort) increasing the risk of serotonin syndrome
• Caution in men with significant heart disease, liver or kidney impairment, or certain psychiatric conditions

Because of these factors, it’s crucial to:

• Be honest with your doctor about all medications, supplements and recreational drugs
• Avoid buying “PE pills” from shady overseas websites—Australian regulators warn that unapproved online medicines may be counterfeit, contaminated, or contain dangerous ingredients.

4.6 Who might PE pills suit best?

Pills like Priligy may be particularly helpful if:

• Your PE is moderate to severe and causing significant distress
• You’re okay to plan sex a little in advance (taking the pill 1–3 hours before)
• You’d prefer to avoid penile numbness and keep normal sensation
• You have no major contraindications (e.g. certain heart conditions or interacting medications)
• You’d like a treatment that doesn’t require application in the heat of the moment

They may be less suitable if:

• You rarely have sex and don’t like the idea of planning ahead
• You’re very sensitive to medication side effects
• You’re already on multiple drugs that interact with SSRIs
• Cost is a major barrier (dapoxetine is not PBS‑subsidised for PE, so it’s a private script)

That’s where sprays can step in.

5. Option 2: Delay sprays in Australia (topical anaesthetic treatments)

5.1 What is a “delay spray”?

When Aussies search “delay sprays Australia”, they’re usually talking about topical local anaesthetic sprays designed to reduce penile sensitivity.

These products typically contain:

• Lidocaine (lignocaine) alone, or
• A combination of lidocaine + prilocaine

They’re sprayed onto the glans (head) and sometimes shaft of the penis before sex, left to absorb for a short time, then any excess is wiped off. The idea is to dull sensation just enough to delay ejaculation—without completely killing pleasure.

Australian health resources and GP guidelines recognise local anaesthetic sprays and creams as legitimate, commonly used first‑line options for PE, often available without prescription at pharmacies.

Some stronger, precisely metered combination sprays (such as those based on lidocaine/prilocaine mixtures studied in Europe) are prescription‑only in certain countries, but the active principle is the same.

5.2 How do delay sprays work?

Your glans is packed with nerve endings. In many men with PE, heightened sensitivity there seems to play a role.

Delay sprays work by:

1. Delivering a small dose of local anaesthetic to the surface of the penis
2. Partially blocking nerve signals from the area
3. Slowing down the build-up to climax, giving you more control and longer penetration time

Typical usage (always follow the specific product’s instructions):

• Apply a few sprays to the glans/shaft
• Wait 5–20 minutes for absorption
• Wipe off any residue thoroughly before penetration
• Ideally use a condom to reduce the chance of numbing your partner’s genitals

Australian guidance (e.g. Healthdirect) explicitly mentions you can buy a local anaesthetic spray at the pharmacy, apply it to the head of the penis around 10 minutes before sex, and that it may also slightly reduce your partner’s sensation if not wiped off.

5.3 How effective are delay sprays?

There’s surprisingly solid evidence behind many topical anaesthetic products for PE.

Clinical trials of lidocaine/prilocaine creams and sprays have shown:

• Significant increases in IELT – often 4–8 times longer than baseline
• Many men going from around 1–2 minutes to 8–11 minutes of penetration on average
• Improvements in ejaculatory control and sexual satisfaction for both men and partners

For example:

• An early proof‑of‑concept trial of a lidocaine–prilocaine aerosol spray found average IELT increased roughly eight‑fold, from about 1½ minutes to over 11 minutes, with high satisfaction and minimal adverse effects.
• Other studies and real‑world cohorts using similar sprays have shown consistent improvements in delay and perceived control over 6–12 months of use.

Australian GP guidelines summarise topical lignocaine/prilocaine creams/aerosols as increasing IELT 4–6‑fold on average, with the main downsides being potential numbness for both partners and occasional erection loss if overused.

In other words: when correctly used, sprays can deliver a big practical benefit for many men.

5.4 Pros of delay sprays

Some reasons delay sprays are so popular in Australia:

• Fast and flexible

Most sprays act within minutes, so there’s less planning than with pills. Great if your sex life is more spontaneous.

• Local effect, minimal systemic side effects

The anaesthetic stays mostly where you put it. When used as directed, systemic absorption is usually low, so you avoid serotonin‑related or mood side effects.

• Over‑the‑counter access

Many delay sprays can be purchased without a prescription from pharmacies or online Australian retailers, although stronger or specific formulations may still need a script.

• Can be used occasionally

You can use them only when needed—for example, with a new partner or when you feel extra anxious—without committing to ongoing medication.

• Helpful if you can’t take SSRIs

If you’re already on antidepressants, have had bad reactions to them, or take medications that interact with SSRIs, a spray can be a useful alternative.

• Works well alongside other strategies

Delay sprays can be combined with pelvic floor training or psychosexual therapy, helping you break the “panic and rush” pattern while you’re building long‑term skills.

5.5 Cons and side effects of delay sprays

The main downsides of sprays and creams are local, not systemic:

• Numbness or altered sensation
  • Too much spray or leaving it on too long can cause your penis to feel overly numb.
  • This can sometimes make it harder to maintain an erection or enjoy the experience.
• Partner numbness
  • If you don’t wipe off properly, anaesthetic can transfer to your partner’s genitals, reducing their sensation and pleasure.
  • GP guidelines usually suggest using sprays with condoms to minimise this.
• Local irritation
  • Some men get mild burning, redness or irritation.
  • Sprays shouldn’t be used on broken or inflamed skin, and you should stop if irritation persists.
• Specific cautions
  • Packaging for Australian lidocaine sprays typically advises caution if you or your partner are pregnant, or if you have severe liver or kidney disease, and not to use beyond about three months without medical supervision.
• Not addressing psychological or relationship factors

Sprays treat the physical sensitivity, not underlying anxiety, relationship issues or past experiences—which may still benefit from counselling.

5.6 Who might delay sprays suit best?

Delay sprays can be a fantastic option if:

• You want a quick, on‑demand solution with minimal systemic side effects
• Your main issue feels like hypersensitivity, particularly on the glans
• You prefer something you can pick up discreetly from a chemist rather than a prescription straight away
• You’re already on medications that clash with SSRIs
• You’d like to “test the waters” with a low‑risk, reversible option

They may be less ideal if you:

• Strongly dislike any feeling of numbness
• Have a partner who has reacted badly to local anaesthetics before
• Rely heavily on foreplay/oral sex immediately after application (you need time for it to absorb and be wiped off)

6. Priligy vs sprays: a practical premature ejaculation treatment comparison

Now for the heart of the matter: Priligy vs sprays. When you put them head‑to‑head, what really differs?

Think of this section as your plain‑language premature ejaculation treatment comparison.

6.1 Speed and planning

• Pills (Priligy/dapoxetine)
  • Need to be taken 1–3 hours before sex.
  • Best if you can roughly predict when intimacy might happen.
• Sprays
  • Typically work within 5–20 minutes after application.
  • Better for spontaneous or less predictable sex.

If your sex life is more “whenever the kids finally fall asleep”, sprays often fit more naturally. If you like planned date nights, a pill may be fine.

6.2 How much extra time can you gain?

Based on clinical trials and GP guidelines:

• Dapoxetine:
  • Tends to roughly double or triple IELT on average compared with placebo.
• Topical anaesthetics (creams/sprays):
  • Frequently produce 4–6‑fold or more increases in IELT in many men.

This doesn’t mean sprays are always “better” than pills—studies use different designs and populations—but topical agents often provide a quite dramatic time increase for physically sensitive men.

6.3 Sensation and pleasure

• Pills
  • Don’t directly change penile sensitivity.
  • Many men report sex feels normal, just lasts longer.
• Sprays
  • Intentionally reduce sensitivity, which can be a plus or minus depending on your preferences.
  • Too much spray can make things feel uncomfortably numb.

If preserving every bit of sensation is your top priority, you may lean toward PE medication like Priligy. If you’re okay with a mild “dulling” effect in exchange for much more time, a spray can be very effective.

6.4 Side‑effect profile

• Pills
  • More likely to cause systemic side effects: nausea, dizziness, headache, fatigue, very rarely fainting.
  • Need careful review of interactions with other medications and health conditions.
• Sprays
  • Side effects are usually local: numbness, mild irritation, partner numbness if not wiped off.
  • Systemic issues are uncommon if used as directed.

If you’re already on a complex medication regimen, have heart issues, or are sensitive to systemic drugs, your doctor may suggest starting with a topical option.

6.5 Partner experience

• Pills
  • No direct impact on your partner’s sensation.
  • But longer, more controlled sex can reduce frustration or relationship tension.
• Sprays
  • Risk of numbing your partner’s genitals if product isn’t fully absorbed or wiped off, which some find unpleasant.

If your partner has expressed concern about numbness or past bad experiences with anaesthetics, pills may be preferable—or you’ll need to be meticulous about application and condom use.

6.6 Cost and access in Australia

• Priligy/dapoxetine
  • Prescription‑only and not PBS‑subsidised for PE.
  • You’ll pay full private cost, which can be significant depending on the pharmacy and dose.
• Delay sprays
  • Many are over‑the‑counter and vary in price.
  • Some men find them cost‑effective when used occasionally; heavy long‑term use may add up.

Telehealth services like our own PE prescription pathway at NextClinic can make obtaining a script more convenient and often more affordable than multiple in‑person GP visits, but medication cost at the pharmacy still applies.

6.7 Day‑to‑day convenience

Ask yourself:

• Do you prefer swallowing a single tablet and forgetting about it until sex?
• Or does spraying, waiting, wiping and maybe using a condom sound less appealing?

There’s no right answer—just what’s easier and more comfortable for you.

7. Five questions to help you (and your doctor) choose a PE treatment

Still torn between Priligy vs sprays? These questions can help clarify your next step.

1. How severe is your PE—and for how long?

• If you ejaculate within seconds or under a minute almost every time, or it’s been a problem for years, you may benefit from a more structured medical plan, sometimes combining behavioural strategies with medication.
• Mild or occasional PE might respond well to a spray plus simple behavioural techniques.

2. What else is going on with your health?

• Do you have heart disease, liver or kidney issues, significant anxiety or depression, or take multiple medications?
• Are you already on an SSRI antidepressant, mood stabiliser, or tramadol?

Your doctor will consider these when weighing PE medication vs topical options, as well as any need to address ED, hormonal issues or mental health first.

3. What’s more important to you: spontaneity or avoiding numbness?

• If your priority is spontaneous sex with minimum planning, sprays may fit better.
• If your priority is keeping sensation completely intact, pills usually win.

Be honest about what’s realistic in your relationship—it helps your doctor tailor treatment.

4. How do you feel about taking systemic medication?

Some men are perfectly comfortable taking an on‑demand SSRI like dapoxetine; others are wary of anything that might affect mood, blood pressure or long‑term health.

If you strongly dislike the idea of a systemic drug, trying a delay spray first is a reasonable, evidence‑based step—ideally discussed with your GP rather than self‑experimenting indefinitely.

5. What does your partner think?

PE isn’t just a solo problem; it affects relationships.

Consider:

• How does your partner feel about condoms and potential mild numbness?
• Would they prefer you to address anxiety or relationship tension alongside medication?
• Are they comfortable with you using both a medication and a spray if your doctor suggests combination therapy?

Open communication can improve not only treatment success but overall intimacy.

8. Getting help discreetly: men’s health online in Australia

One of the saddest findings in research is that only a small proportion of men with PE ever seek professional help, despite significant distress.

Shame, time pressures, and lack of access to a sympathetic GP all play a role—especially outside metro areas.

That’s where men’s health online services can make a real difference.

At NextClinic, we’ve designed our platform around exactly these barriers:

• Discreet, Australia‑wide access

Request a PE prescription online from anywhere in the country. One of our AHPRA‑registered doctors will review your assessment and call you for a short consult, usually within an hour, and your eScript is sent to your phone via SMS.

• Flexible hours

Our doctors are available extended hours, so you don’t have to squeeze sexual health into a rushed lunch break.

• Evidence‑based advice

We follow Australian guidelines from organisations like the RACGP, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) and reputable resources such as Healthdirect and Australian Prescriber when recommending PE treatments.

• Support beyond just scripts

Our men’s health articles dive deeper into options. For example:

• “Effective Premature Ejaculation Treatments in Australia” – a broader overview of lifestyle changes, paroxetine, dapoxetine, and delay sprays.
• “Stay in Control: A Guide to Treatment for PE” – a detailed look at how dapoxetine works and what to expect from Priligy in Australia.
• If you also struggle with erections, our “Top 10 ED Pills [Australia]” article explains your options and regulatory issues around ED medicines.

You don’t have to figure out Priligy vs sprays alone. A telehealth GP can help you:

• Confirm whether what you’re experiencing is PE
• Screen for contributing factors like ED, low mood, thyroid problems, or medication side effects
• Weigh up pills vs sprays vs combined approaches for your situation
• Refer you to a sex therapist or specialist if needed

9. Bringing it together – and your next step

Let’s recap the key points:

• Premature ejaculation is common in Australia—affecting up to around one in three men—and it can seriously impact confidence, relationships and mental health.
• Treatment isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all. Most men do best with a combination of behavioural strategies, psychological support, and medical treatment.
• PE pills (like dapoxetine/Priligy):
  • Are on‑demand SSRIs that act via the brain
  • Usually double or triple ejaculation time on average
  • Preserve sensation but can cause systemic side effects
  • Need to be taken 1–3 hours before sex and aren’t PBS‑subsidised for PE in Australia
• Delay sprays:
  • Use local anaesthetics (like lidocaine or lidocaine/prilocaine) to reduce penile sensitivity
  • Often produce 4–6‑fold or greater increases in IELT in trials
  • Work within minutes but can cause genital numbness for you and/or your partner if misused
  • Are widely available in Australian pharmacies, often without a prescription
• Neither option is “better” for everyone. The right choice depends on:
  • How severe and longstanding your PE is
  • Your other health conditions and medications
  • Your preferences around spontaneity, sensation, and side effects
  • Your partner’s needs and your budget

Your challenge for this week

If you’ve read this far, you’re already taking PE seriously. Now pick one concrete step to take this week:

• Book a telehealth consult (with us or your usual GP) to talk honestly about PE
• Talk to your partner about how PE is affecting you both—and what you’d like to change
• Keep a simple ejaculation diary (rough timing, control, satisfaction) for a week to bring to your doctor
• Read one of our deeper dives on PE treatment to prepare your questions for a consult
• If your doctor has already prescribed something, use it as directed and note what changes you experience (good and bad)

Then, if comments are available where you’re reading this, share which strategy you chose and how it went—you might encourage another bloke who’s been too nervous to ask for help.

And if you’re ready to explore PE medication or delay sprays with a doctor who “gets it”, we’re here at NextClinic to support you—discreetly, professionally, and Australia‑wide.

References

• RACGP - Premature ejaculation: A clinical review for the general physician
• Premature ejaculation - PubMed
• Premature ejaculation - treatment, causes and diagnosis | healthdirect
• Premature Ejaculation - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
• Dapoxetine for premature ejaculation - Australian Prescriber
• Buying health products online has risks | Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)
• Fortacin™ Spray for the Treatment of Premature Ejaculation - PMC
• Topical lidocaine–prilocaine spray for the treatment of premature ejaculation: a proof of concept study | International Journal of Impotence Research
• Topical anaesthetic use for treating premature ejaculation: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study - PubMed
• Topical lidocaine-prilocaine spray for the treatment of premature ejaculation: a proof of concept study - PubMed
• Real-life use of the eutectic mixture lidocaine/prilocaine spray in men with premature ejaculation - PubMed
• Buy SKYN Climax Delay™ Spray 10g (Not To Be Sold In NSW and ACT) online at Chemist Warehouse
• PE Prescriptions for $24.90 | Instant Scripts Online
• Effective Premature Ejaculation Treatments in Australia | NextClinic
• Stay in Control: A Guide to Treatment for PE | NextClinic
• Top 10 ED Pills [Australia] | NextClinic

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