Belgian women shy of buying vibrators

28 October 2005

BRUSSELS — In Belgium, just one out of every five women owned a vibrator in 2004, compared with 53 percent of British woman.

In a bid to thus break into the market further both here in Belgium and abroad, Durex Play unveiled three ‘new generation’ vibrators on Thursday.

According to the condom manufacturer, vibrators were in the past made with men in mind, resulting in designs with large genitals.

“However, many women want a more functional vibrator with a nice design,” Durex said.

And sexologist Alan Riley — who designed the new vibrators — said sex toys are recommended by sex therapists. He said orgasims help to prevent stress.

In erotica shops, vibrators are the most often sold product, shop owner Valérie Maréchal told Flemish daily newspaper ‘Het Laatste Nieuws’.

“The most popular is the ‘rabbit’, at least since it was shown in the television series ‘Sex and the City’,” she said.

However, women are still not keen on entering a sex shop, with a Dutch survey indicating the main reason why women did not buy a vibrator was shame.

Taking this into account perhaps, Durex Play said its models can be ordered over the internet.

Subject: Belgian news