Approximately 20-30% of men complain of premature ejaculation, making it one of the most common sexual complaints in men. Promescent®, is a commonly used over the counter desensitizing spray used for the treatment of premature ejaculation. We sought to learn whether this treatment may have an adverse impact on sperm and potentially fertility by performing basic science experiments. Twenty specimens collected for diagnostic semen analyses were selected after they were analyzed and found to be normal based on WHO 5th edition criteria. Half of each sample remained untreated while the other half was exposed to Promescent®. The portions treated with Promescent® impacted the sperm by diminishing the motility, forward progression, and viability to zero. The impact on the sperm was devastating.
Dr. Parviz Kavoussi states, “This is especially important for our patients with premature ejaculation who undergo vasectomy reversal to reestablish their fertility potential to know, to not compromise their ability to conceive. With this data showing that Promescent® has such a deleterious impact on sperm in vitro in the lab, we need to study the impact clinically to further support the premise that couples who are trying to conceive should avoid the use of Promescent® after vasectomy reversal. This is much like the recommendations made to not use vaginal lubricants at these times of trying to conceive.” This data was presented at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine annual meeting.