Seen Here: Pictured (L-R): Lisa Welsh, Anele Papu, Nadia Nakai and Moozlie joined moderator Lerato Kganyago for an engaging discussion on sexual wellness, intimacy, communication and the importance of closing the pleasure gap. Hosted as part of Durex’s Mutual Climax launch, the panel explored how open conversations can foster healthier relationships and a more inclusive approach to sexual well-being. Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, South Africa – As conversations around intimacy and sexual wellbeing become increasingly mainstream, Durex is expanding the dialogue beyond protection with the launch of Mutual Climax, a new condom designed to promote a more mutually satisfying intimate experience for couples.
The launch follows heightened public discussion around sexual wellness after National Sex Day and reflects a broader shift in how South Africans are approaching relationships, communication and pleasure.
While safe sex remains fundamental, new research suggests that emotional connection, honest communication and shared satisfaction are becoming equally important priorities for many couples.
Seen Here: Sex educator and sexual wellness advocate Lisa Welsh during a panel discussion on intimacy, communication and closing the pleasure gap, contributing expert insight on the importance of open conversations in building healthier relationships. Photo Credit: Supplied
Closing the Pleasure Gap
According to the latest Durex Global Sex Survey, South Africans place significant value on fulfilling intimate relationships, with 81% of respondents saying that achieving orgasm is important to a great sexual experience.
However, the findings also reveal a notable disparity in sexual satisfaction. Nearly 60% of women reported that they do not always orgasm during sex, with some admitting they have faked orgasms, while just 52% said they have openly discussed their sex life with their partner as a way of improving intimacy.
The research highlights an ongoing communication gap, suggesting that while many people desire satisfying intimate relationships, conversations about pleasure remain difficult for some couples.
Sexual Wellbeing Beyond Protection
According to Sandeep Gupta, Marketing Director at Reckitt South Africa, conversations around sexual health are evolving to include broader aspects of overall wellbeing.
“For many years, discussions about sexual health centred almost entirely on safety and protection. While these remain essential, people are increasingly recognising that sexual wellbeing also includes communication, intimacy, emotional connection and mutual satisfaction,” Gupta said.
He believes the survey findings present an opportunity to encourage healthier, more honest conversations between partners.
Seen Here: Sandeep Gupta, Marketing Director at Reckitt South Africa, speaking on the evolving conversation around sexual wellbeing, emphasising the shift from protection-only messaging to a broader focus on intimacy, communication and mutual satisfaction in relationships. Photo Credit: Supplied
Younger South Africans Seeking Better Conversations
The survey also points to changing attitudes among younger adults.
Nearly 46% of South Africans aged between 18 and 24 said they want to learn more about communication in intimate relationships, while 40% expressed interest in understanding more about pleasurable sex.
These findings suggest a growing willingness among younger generations to seek information that supports healthier, more informed relationships.
Communication Remains the Foundation
Sex educator and sexual wellness advocate Lisa Welsh says the shift reflects a healthier understanding of intimacy.
She believes meaningful relationships are built not only on physical attraction but also on trust, openness and mutual understanding.
“People are becoming more comfortable talking about what they need in relationships, including their intimate relationships,” Welsh explained.
“When couples communicate openly about pleasure, expectations and satisfaction, they are better equipped to build stronger emotional connections and healthier relationships.”
Welsh also emphasised that while products can enhance comfort and intimacy, they cannot replace honest communication.
“The most important thing any couple can do is communicate openly about their needs, preferences and expectations. Products can support intimacy, but genuine connection always begins with a conversation.”
Supporting Healthy Relationships
Durex says the development of Mutual Climax reflects changing consumer attitudes towards sexual wellbeing and forms part of the brand’s broader commitment to encouraging conversations around mutual pleasure and shared experiences.
Rather than viewing pleasure as one-sided, the company says the product was designed to support intimacy by recognising the needs of both partners.
Gupta said Durex believes sexual wellbeing extends beyond protection alone.
“It is about helping people feel confident, connected and comfortable in their intimate relationships. Healthy intimacy thrives when both partners feel seen, heard and satisfied.”
Normalising Conversations Around Intimacy
Health experts continue to stress that healthy sexual relationships are built on consent, mutual respect, trust and communication.
While innovations in sexual wellness products may support comfort and shared experiences, they are most effective when paired with open conversations between partners.
As attitudes towards intimacy continue to evolve in South Africa, Durex hopes its latest launch will contribute to reducing stigma around discussions of sexual wellbeing and encourage couples to approach conversations about pleasure with the same confidence as conversations about protection.
The message behind the launch is clear: meaningful intimacy begins with communication, and healthy relationships are strengthened when both partners feel comfortable discussing their needs, expectations and overall wellbeing.
