Share

Clicks and Dischem are selling sex toys - why it's so important

accreditation
Sexual health is part of overall wellbeing
Sexual health is part of overall wellbeing

South Africa can be considered as somewhat of a conservative country, and in general, sexuality can be a taboo subject. Especially when it comes to sex toys.

So imagine my surprise when I found out that Dischem and Clicks stores are selling sex toys, and have been for a couple of years now.

Clicks spokesperson Susann Caminada, says the store has stocked various sexual wellness items for a number of years now, and Dischem says it has had its stock for more than a year now. 

READ MORE: This Real Talk app helps teens feel more comfortable about talking about sex and their bodies

I spotted a mini vibrator and a vibrating ring at Clicks, which is encouraging for a few reasons.

I think it is important to have sexual health products – beyond just condoms and lubricants – that are easily accessible and hope it will help address the stigma around the uncensored expression of sexuality – especially for women. Why should we have to sneak around and order products online or feel shamed about popping into an adult shop?

Having the products available in a store where we shop toothpastes, sanitary pads and fragrances, normalises sexuality.

Besides, sexual health is part of overall health.

The World Health Organisation puts forward the following definition: “Sexual health is a state of physical, mental and social wellbeing in relation to sexuality. It requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence.”

READ MORE: Solo Intimacy

This is along the lines of the conversations women are having online:

Dischem’s national clinic manager, Lizeth Kruger, says the request for sexual health products is very common at the store, and that 40% of their queries are related to sexual health.

“We have a lot of requests that are part of sexual wellbeing so we have to supply the clients as a safe option,” she says.

Lizeth adds that Dischem sees sexual health as part of the overall wellbeing of a person.

“If you have a query or question or concern about sexual health we believe that it’s better to talk to a professional person regarding that, and that we can assist with the right product rather than going to another store [where] there’s not really a professional person that can help you from a clinical perspective.”

READ MORE: Here are 12 things your medical practitioner wishes you knew about your sexual health

While Dischem acknowledges the importance of sexual health, Lizeth says they won’t be expanding their existing range unless there is a need.

“We won’t be an adult shop,” she says between laughs. “[But] if it’s part of clinical or medical wellbeing and is tested and there’s research behind it that i'ts really part of wellbeing then we would probably stock it, but we won’t extend it to such that it will be toys.”

At Dischem, an Intimate Touch Mini Vibrator is available for R 134.95.

Dis-chem Intimate Touch Mini Vibrator

An Astroglide Heritage Vibrating Pleasure Ring retails for R 59.95.

Dis-chem Astroglide Heritage Vibrating Pleasure Ring

In South Africa, sexual health products and education have been rooted in HIV prevention, which is very important, especially with respect to our history with the virus – but as it is noted in WHO definition, sexual health is also about pleasure.

Often, societal norms dictate that sexual pleasure be reserved for men, and that has an impact on sexual health.

READ MORE: Ways to benefit from vaginal rejuvenation

Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, a sex and reproductive specialist, articulates this point perfectly in this Quartz article. “Everyone is focused on preventing diseases, without affirming that pleasure is what actually drives people to sex,” she says.

Clicks offers a Mini Vibrating Bullet for R159.

Clicks Mini Vibrating Bullet

Clicks also offers a Vibrating Ring for R99.99.

Clicks Vibrating Ring

Having these kinds of sexual health products in family-friendly shops is an affirming step and we look forward to the day where we can all openly talk about the subject without any shame. 

Sign up to W24’s newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE