KY Duration Spray for Men to Last Longer

What it is

K-Y Duration Spray for Him is an over-the-counter male genital desensitizer: a 5.0 mL (0.16 fl oz) pump bottle holding 36 metered sprays, each delivering approximately 10 mg of lidocaine USP at a 9.6% concentration. It is sold under the K-Y brand, established in 1904, and distributed in the United States by RB Health (US) of Parsippany, New Jersey.

It sits in our intimate sprays category, and its carton carries a standard Drug Facts panel: a named active ingredient, a stated purpose, printed warnings, directions and a full inactive-ingredient list, all transcribed below. The bottle itself is child resistant, and the carton contains a leaflet explaining how to open it.

What's inside

The formula is short: one active ingredient and four inactive ones. Nothing sits in an undisclosed blend, so you can see exactly what goes on your skin.

• Lidocaine USP 9.6% (active). Lidocaine is a local anaesthetic of the amide type, found in a wide range of over-the-counter topical products. "USP" means the ingredient meets the United States Pharmacopeia standard for identity and purity. The label states its purpose as "Male Genital Desensitizer" and gives the dose per spray as approximately 10 mg.
• Ethoxydiglycol. A clear liquid solvent used widely in cosmetic and topical formulas to keep other ingredients dissolved and evenly spread.
• Isopropyl myristate. An ester made from isopropyl alcohol and myristic acid, a fatty acid found in nutmeg and palm-kernel oil. It is a light, non-greasy emollient common in skin-care products.
• Stearic acid. A saturated fatty acid that occurs naturally in many plant and animal fats; in topical formulas it helps with texture and consistency.
• Fragrance. The label lists fragrance without naming its components. If you react to scented products, bear that in mind before use.

Those five items are the complete list. The carton does not describe the product as water-based, silicone-based, flavoured or suitable for oral contact, and we have not added any of those descriptions.

Drug Facts panel

The table below follows the carton's Drug Facts panel heading by heading, so you can check the details before you buy.

The warnings section also notes that the underlying issue may be due to a condition requiring medical supervision, and that if the product, used as directed, does not provide relief, you should discontinue use and consult a doctor.

How to use it

Apply three or more sprays, and no more than ten, to the head and shaft of the penis before intercourse, or use it as a doctor directs. Wash the product off after intercourse. Across any 24-hour period, do not use more than 20 sprays in total.

Those three lines are the whole of the printed directions. The carton does not give a waiting time between spraying and intercourse, and it does not tell you to wipe or rub the product in, so we do not state either here. For anything beyond the printed lines, the carton asks you to read the instructions and advice in the leaflet inside the pack carefully.

Some useful arithmetic from the numbers on the pack: at the three-spray starting amount, the 36-spray bottle covers twelve applications; at the ten-spray ceiling, it covers three. Store the bottle at room temperature, 20 to 25°C (68 to 77°F), and close it fully after each use.

Who it's for

This spray is intended for adult men aged 18 and over who want a topical, over-the-counter lidocaine product in a measured-dose format rather than a cream or a wipe. Because each spray is roughly 10 mg, it is easy to keep track of how much you have applied, which matters with a drug that has a printed daily ceiling.

It is not a good fit for couples who rely on condoms: the carton states in bold type that the product is not compatible with condoms. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding is asked to speak with a health professional first. You can browse other items for men in our men's adult products section.

Good to know

• External use only. Avoid contact with the eyes.
• Watch for irritation in either partner. The label names rash, burning and itching; stop using it if any appear, and see a doctor if they persist.
• If it does not work for you as directed, the Drug Facts panel tells you to stop using it and consult a doctor.
• If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center right away. Keep the bottle out of reach of children.
• Manufacturer contact. Questions about the formula go to the number on the carton, 1-800-756-5488. The brand website printed on the pack is k-y.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much lidocaine is in K-Y Duration Spray?

Each spray delivers approximately 10 mg of lidocaine USP, and the solution is 9.6% lidocaine. The bottle holds 5.0 mL, enough for 36 sprays.

Can I use K-Y Duration Spray with a condom?

No. The carton states that this product is not compatible with condoms, so choose a different option if condoms are part of your routine.

How many sprays can I use in a day?

No more than 20 sprays in any 24-hour period. For a single application the label gives three or more sprays, capped at ten, applied before intercourse, and asks you to wash the product off afterwards.

What else is in the formula besides lidocaine?

Four inactive ingredients: ethoxydiglycol, fragrance, isopropyl myristate and stearic acid. That is the complete list printed on the Drug Facts panel.

How is my order packaged?

Your order ships in plain outer packaging with nothing on the outside describing the contents. It will not show the Gear Isle name.

Product information compiled and reviewed by the Gear Isle product team. We transcribe product specifications directly from manufacturer packaging. Found an error? Tell us.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. For adults 18 and over. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before use, especially if you have a medical condition or a known allergy to any listed ingredient. Keep out of reach of children.