LifeStyles condoms changes packaging to teach sexual consent

A popular condom brand has overhauled its packaging after it was revealed one in two Aussies admit they are confused by sexual consent.

A leading condom brand has made a huge change to its packaging in a bid to help boost consent education among Australians.

LifeStyles Healthcare announced the boxes of its condom line would now feature a message to encourage healthy communication between sexual partners and promote responsible and respectful sexual behaviour.

The message on the product, which is sold in Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse, reads: “Yes is our biggest turn on. Always ask for consent.”

Nicole Adey, the vice president of LifeStyles Healthcare in APAC, told news.com.au the decision to “drive consent awareness” comes as one in two Australians admit they are confused by sexual consent according to research released by the Australian Government in 2022.

LifeStyles condoms has announced it is adding a message about sexual consent message to its packaging. Picture: Supplied/news.com.au

“We want to remind and encourage users to have open communication with their partners to create a positive and safe environment for all parties,” she said.

“As a leader in sexual wellness for over 100 years, we believe that everyone deserves quality sexual education.

“We know that when people feel safe and confident in intimate situations, both in their physical and mental state-of-being, this leads to a more positive and enjoyable experience for all.”

Ms Adey explained the packaging redesign took 18-months to complete and included insights from a number of internal and external stakeholders.

“Early on in the process we conducted some in-depth consumer research which provided us with invaluable insights around positive communication, including the topic of consent, during sexual interactions,” she said.

“We’ve invested a lot into this project and are very pleased with the results and positive feedback, with new packaging hitting retailer shelves now.”

The brand is sold in Woolworths and Chemist Warehouse. Picture: Supplied/news.com.au

It comes amid worrying stats that show one in two Australians don’t understand sexual consent. Picture: Supplied/news.com.au

The brand, which is the number one latex condom manufacturer in Australia, also said it hopes other condom makers will follow suit.

“We believe that the discussion around consent should be at the centre of all sexual health and wellness education,” Adey added.

“We absolutely encourage other sexual wellness brands to join us in promoting open communication between sexual partners.”

The inclusion of consent messages on LifeStyles condom packaging is just one of the many initiatives the brand said it is implementing to promote responsible sexual behaviour.

Currently, LifeStyles Wellness works in conjunction with LaTrobe University to provide schools with sexual education programs and toolkits, and has free resources on its website.

The company also said it is committed to continuing to explore new ways to encourage healthy sexual practices and to promote greater awareness of sexual health issues.