Durex® Encourages Couples To Communicate Openly Through Honest Pillow Talk

NEW YORK, March 21, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- According to new survey results released by Durex, one of the world's leading sexual wellbeing brands, as a nation, people are more comfortable talking about sex with their friends than with their significant others¹. Data from the survey found that while 42 percent confide in their friends for sexual advice, only a mere 27 percent turn to the person they should be talking to - their partner. Previous Durex studies have shown how crucial sex is in a relationship, with 75 percent who agreed that sex is important².

Digital communication and social media play their part in amplifying this communication challenge with mobile phones proving both an asset and major culprit in getting couples talking.  Nearly half of those surveyed said that they feel more confident communicating with their partners through their phones, with 42 percent admitting to sexting with their partners.  However, while some respondents felt more confident communicating with their partner by using their phone, some view these tools as barriers to true communication.  According to Durex's survey, 70 percent of respondents admitted to bringing their phones or tablets to bed with them³. At Durex, we can't help but wonder, "Isn't bedtime the best time to focus on our partners?"

To further illustrate the issue, Durex, in partnership with Cindy Gallop, founder and CEO of MakeLoveNotPorn.com, triggered a much-needed conversation about the topic at New York Social Media Week on February 20, 2014. The worldwide event took place across five continents and saw Durex host an expert panel that explored how difficult it is for couples to find a satisfying sex life without an open and honest dialogue. The panel highlighted the challenges in learning how to communicate in a society where sex is still a very taboo subject. The discussion included Durex's Marketing Director, Aurore Trepo, who voiced how everyone has a part to play in inspiring a healthier representation of 'real sex' in the media, including breaking the taboos the U.S. has created around sex.

"Everyone knows how crucial communication is to a successful relationship, but not everyone practices what they know to be true. While 84 percent of couples admit their sex life would improve if they communicated more about sex³, our research highlights that couples prefer confiding in their friend instead of their partner," said Aurore Trepo, marketing director, Durex USA. "There is a strong fear of rejection or hurting your partner's feelings. Additionally, from a young age, American men and women are taught that sex is not appropriate to discuss. However, the couples who are up to the challenge are the first to reap the positive impact on their sex life. Ultimately, sharing more with your partner leads to greater sex, which makes both feel connected and more prone to try new things."

In a bid to improve the sexual health and happiness of couples all over the world, Durex has launched its 2014 mission to inspire couples to achieve the fulfilling sex life they deserve. With this goal in mind, Durex understands that the first step is to help people talk openly about sex. By opening the lines of communication and encouraging sexual dialogue amongst couples, Durex strives to eliminate 'sex talk' taboos in favor of honest pillow talk.

To make these initial discussions easier, Durex has created a variety of assets to guide these conversations and to further their mission for everyone to have even greater sex:

• A hub of curated online tips and videos to help couples talk about sex and their relationships in a healthy way
• Events with Cindy Gallop, an advocate for real world/real life sex
• An online fantasy finder for couples to take their relationship further by 'sexploring'
• A 'sexpert' that will provide professional advice on how couples can strengthen their relationships through communication and exploration
• Exciting and pleasurable new products to enhance everyone's sex life, like Massage & Play®, a 2-in-1 massage gel and lubricant

For more information and educational tips, visit the Durex website or visit the Facebook page.

Survey Methodology
¹ Survey was conducted via CrowdTap among a sample size of 500 male & female respondents, age 21+.  Survey was conducted between February 7 - 13, 2014.
² Survey was conducted via Harris Interactive, Inc. among a sample size of 1018 male & female respondents, age 18-65+. Survey was conducted in October, 2011.
³ Survey was conducted via CrowdTap among a sample size of 1,000 male & female respondents, age 21+.  Survey was conducted between January 9 - 23, 2014.
⁴ Survey was conducted via CrowdTap among a sample size of 1000 male & female respondents, age 21+.  Survey was conducted December 2013. CrowdTap is the network for Brand Influencer Communities and allows marketers to easily collaborate, mobilize and market with their targeted brand crowd of influential consumers.

For more survey results, please contact Porter Novelli.

About Durex
Durex® is a global leading sexual wellbeing brand worldwide. The brand not only produces condoms which exceeds global testing standards, but also offers lubricants and personal massagers. With over 80 years of experience in the bedroom, Durex is dedicated to inspiring lovers to love sex safely. That is why Durex will never stop innovating with new products that enhance the sexual experience, helping couples get closer and go further together.

For more information, go to www.Durexusa.com.

About RB
RB is a global consumer goods leader in health, hygiene and home.

With a purpose of delivering innovative solutions for healthier lives and happier homes, RB is in the top 25 of companies listed on the London Stock Exchange. Today it is the global No 1 or No 2 in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation. Its health, hygiene and home portfolio is led by 19 global Powerbrands including Nurofen, Strepsils Gaviscon, Mucinex, Durex, Scholl, Lysol, Dettol, Clearasil, Veet, Harpic, Bang, Mortein, Finish, Vanish, Woolite, Calgon, Air Wick, and French's.  RB has close to half of its revenues coming from it 2 emerging market Areas and just over half from its developed market Area.  Over 70% of core revenues come from the health and hygiene categories of the portfolio.

RB people and its culture are at the heart of the company's success. They have an intense drive for achievement and a desire to outperform wherever they focus, including in sustainability where the company has reduced its carbon footprint by 20% in 5 years and is now targeting to deliver a 1/3 reduction in water impact, 1/3 further reduction in carbon and to have 1/3 of its net revenue coming from more sustainable products by 2020. It is also the Save the Children charity's largest FMCG global partner, with a new partnership vision to radically reduce the world's second biggest killer of under-fives, diarrhea.  RB has been recognized as a sustainability leader in the CDP Global 500 Carbon Performance Leadership Index and received a 2013 Sector Mover Sustainability Award in the 10th Sustainability Yearbook. 

The company has operations in over 60 countries, with headquarters in the UK, Singapore, Dubai and Amsterdam, and sales in almost 200 countries. The company employs approximately 36,000 people worldwide.

For more information visit www.rb.com.

Contact:
Jennifer Krug
Porter Novelli
T 212.601.8264
[email protected]

SOURCE Durex