Just weeks after National Sex Day sparked conversations around the pleasure gap and sexual satisfaction, Leading Sexual Wellness brand Durex is continuing the dialogue with the launch of Mutual Climax, a new condom designed to support a more mutually satisfying intimate experience for couples.
The launch comes at a time when South Africans are becoming increasingly open about discussing intimacy, pleasure and sexual wellbeing. According to the latest Durex Global Sex Survey, 81% of South Africans believe achieving orgasm is important for great sex. Yet despite this, the survey shows that almost 60% of women do not always orgasm during sex, in some cases they have faked it, and only 52% have discussed their sex life with their partner as a way of improving it.
The findings highlight an important reality. While sexual satisfaction matters to many South Africans, communication about pleasure remains a challenge for some couples.
According to Sandeep Gupta, Marketing Director at Reckitt South Africa, the conversation around sexual wellbeing is evolving beyond traditional discussions about protection and prevention.
“For many years, sexual health conversations focused almost exclusively on safety and protection. While those remain critically important, people are increasingly recognising that sexual wellbeing also includes communication, intimacy, connection and mutual satisfaction,” says Gupta.
“Data tells us that South Africans value satisfying sexual experiences, yet many people are still not having open conversations about pleasure with their partners. That presents an opportunity to encourage healthier and more honest dialogue around intimacy.”
The Durex Global Sex Survey also found that younger South Africans are actively seeking information about intimacy and relationships. Nearly half (46%) of adults aged 18 to 24 want to learn more about communication in sex, while 40% want to learn more about pleasurable sex.
Sex Educator and Sexual Wellness Advocate, Lisa Welsh, believes this shift reflects a growing understanding that healthy intimacy requires more than physical attraction.
“People are becoming more comfortable talking about what they need in relationships, including their intimate relationships,” says Welsh.
“This is a positive development because healthy intimacy is rooted in communication, understanding and mutual consideration. When couples feel empowered to talk openly about pleasure and satisfaction, they are better positioned to build stronger connections, deepen trust and create more fulfilling relationships.
Recognising this shift in consumer attitudes, Durex developed Mutual Climax as part of its ongoing commitment to supporting sexual wellbeing and encouraging conversations around mutual pleasure, thus bridging the pleasure gap.
It is designed to help couples enhance intimacy and create a more mutually enjoyable experience, Mutual Climax reflects a broader movement towards viewing sexual wellbeing as an important component of overall health and relationship satisfaction.
“At Durex, we believe sexual wellbeing is about more than protection alone. It is about helping people feel confident, connected and comfortable in their intimate relationships,” says Gupta.
“Mutual Climax was developed with the understanding that pleasure should not be viewed as a one-sided experience. Healthy intimacy thrives when both partners feel seen, heard and satisfied.”
While experts agree that no product can replace trust, communication and emotional connection, innovations that support pleasure and comfort can help couples explore intimacy together and create opportunities for meaningful conversations.
“The most important thing any couple can do is communicate openly about their needs, preferences and expectations,” adds Welsh.
“Products can support intimacy, but genuine connection always begins with a conversation.”
As South Africans continue to challenge outdated perceptions around sex and relationships, Durex hopes the launch of Mutual Climax will contribute to a future where conversations about pleasure are approached with the same openness and confidence as conversations about protection.
“Ultimately, our goal is to help normalise conversations around sexual wellbeing,” concludes Gupta.
“When people feel comfortable talking about intimacy, pleasure and satisfaction, they are empowered to make more informed decisions, build healthier relationships and enjoy more fulfilling experiences together.”
