DUREX GLOBAL SEX SURVEY REVEALS NEARLY HALF OF FIRST TIMERS IN THE U.S. ARE USING CONDOMS, AND THOSE ALREADY ACTIVE ARE GETTING GREATER SEXUAL SATISFACTION
- The percentage of Americans using a condom for their first sexual experience has risen by 51% since 2006 to 49% in 2024.
- 57% of sexually active people in the US say they are both physically and emotionally satisfied, up 23% and 8% vs 2006.
- Of those that use dating apps, 52% of Americans use them to meet people to date, and 41% to find a long-term partner, while 29% of American respondents said they have used or use them to find a casual sex partner.
Parsippany, N.J., June 24, 2024 – The percentage of Americans using a condom for their first sexual experience has risen by 51% since 2006 to nearly half of all first timers (49%) in 2024, based on findings from Durex’s latest Global Sex Survey.
Durex is now present at 2 billion sexual occasions globally[1] each year and, over the last two decades, more than 118,000 people across the world have participated in its Global Sex Survey. The latest 2024 edition* was conducted in 36 countries.
The fourth edition of the world's most comprehensive sexual health and wellbeing survey, in celebration of Durex’s 95th anniversary, found that condoms remain the most popular method of contraception, especially among first timers worldwide with the use of condoms during first sexual experiences rising to 55% in 2024, up 34% since 2006.
This is especially significant because those who use condoms during their first sexual experience are nearly three times more likely to continue using them in the future.
In the US, 15% of condom users said that the main reason they use them is because it is the most reliable form of protection and contraception. And when having sex with their main partner, 59% of US condom users said they will ‘often’ or ‘always’ use a condom.
Among those who said they often use condoms when they have sex with their partner, 27% said they do so because it gives them peace of mind that sex is free from STIs. This rises to 30% among those who have used Durex condoms in the last 12 months.
Greater sexual satisfaction
The latest Durex data has unveiled that levels of sexual satisfaction have increased across the world, as 57% of respondents stated they are emotionally satisfied and 57% said they were physically satisfied with their sex lives, marking an 8% rise in emotional satisfaction and a 23% rise in physical satisfaction since 2006.
Responses in the US were similar to global averages at 57% physical and emotional satisfaction. However, the biggest spike was seen in Americans aged 18-24, with 72% reporting they are physically satisfied with sex. Those who use condoms also reported higher levels of physical satisfaction at 58%, versus non-condom users at 54%.
Globally, those who are sexually active and use Durex are also 25% more satisfied with their sex lives than those who don’t. As the #1 condom and lube brand globally[2], Durex contributes to enhancing sexual pleasure and freedom – and will continue to do so through compelling and powerful communication and education.
Ben Wilson, Intimate Wellness Global Category Director at Reckitt, said: “It’s encouraging to see that so many people are enjoying a satisfying, fulfilling sex life in many of the countries who took part in this year’s survey. We know that intimate wellness can be a significant contributor to overall health, and we’re committed to ensuring everyone has a sex life they feel positive about."
quote icon“Durex has been a pioneer of innovation and cultural leadership for 95 years, and we’re only just getting started. With exciting innovations and an ever-increasing understanding of what consumers really want, the next 95 years will help us bring great sex to even more people around the world.”
Ben Wilson Intimate Wellness Global Category Director at Reckitt
This year’s results have revealed that those who are satisfied with their sexual wellbeing have better overall wellbeing too, as 51% of sexually satisfied people agreed that they feel healthier, 51% agreed they are more confident, and 65% agreed they feel happier. This year’s results have also shown that 54% of global respondents strongly agreed that their sex lives are exciting, up 11% since 2006.
People who took part in the 2024 Survey are increasingly spicing things up in the bedroom too as the number of people across the world using lube has grown by 6% when compared to results from 2017, and those who have bought a sex toy has grown by 46% during that same period. In the US, 9% more Americans have purchased a sex toy compared to those surveyed in 2017.
It’s not just in the bedroom that Americans are spicing things up. 12% of respondents in the US stated that ‘sexting’ was also a part of their current sex lives with their partners. This rises to 19% amongst 35-49-year-olds.
Loud and proud
Durex’s Global Sex Survey has also revealed that globally society is becoming more open to sexual diversity, with the number of respondents stating that it is acceptable to have a same-sex partner increasing by 34% globally since 2006. In the US it has risen by 52%. Globally,
44% of respondents aged 18-24 identified themselves “not fully straight”.
Durex is steadfast in its commitment to supporting everyone, everywhere in having great sex, and is proud of its role as an ally to its LGBTQ+ consumers, and the wider LGBTQ+ community.
The prevalence of pornography and experimentation
The prevalence of pornography continues to grow as the number of respondents globally who watched porn at least once in their life has increased by 15% since 2017. This increase is seen across both men and women, as women now account for 44% of viewers.
Nearly a third, or 31% of global survey respondents also revealed they’ve worn “sexy” underwear to enhance a sexual experience, and 31% have either given or received a sensual massage to get in the mood, perhaps highlighting people are experimenting more in the bedroom.
Of those that use dating apps, 52% of Americans use them to meet people to date, and 41% to find a long-term partner, while 29% of American respondents said they have used or use them to find a casual sex partner.
You can find tips, guidance and advice on sexual health and wellbeing online here: www.durexusa.com
[1] Estimate based on Reckitt internal condom foil production data full year 2023
[2] NIELSENIQ based on value sales in 36 countries for the 12-month period ending 31 December 2023.
*The Global Sex Survey was fielded by Toluna Harris Interactive and surveyed 29,500 people across 36 countries between January and April 2024.
Results are weighted to be representative of the national populations in all countries according to age, gender, and region.
The findings within this press release from the 2024 Global Sex Survey are sourced from the full set of data across all 36 countries, while percentage increases/decreases from previous Global Sex Surveys are sourced from wave-on-wave data across 23 selected countries.
Summary data scores within this press release are sourced from both the top two and top three responses to questions from the Global Sex Survey.