Selling Supplements & Related Sexual Health Products

There are some well-researched, substantiated dietary supplements for sexual health available on the market, but there is still the issue of getting them into the right shopping cart.

“Breaking through all the clutter in this market is a huge challenge,” said Rod Tallman, CEO, Life Span Labs. “Retailers should be very careful about what products they carry in this category. The retailer’s default position should be one of distrust until they are confident the company is reputable and the product is backed by science that proves it is safe, pure and effective. And, because of the common practice of spiking these products with ED drugs and the very serious safety issues this creates, retailers should require proof from the company that the products have been tested for purity.”

The next step is getting educated about the products as well as the physiology and mechanisms of action. “It’s important that retailers be knowledgeable about sexual health if they want to create the kind of credibility necessary to consistently sell products in this category,” said Denny Kwock, general manager, Daily Wellness Co. “This might mean being able to explain the various reasons why a man or woman is having difficulty and the mechanisms by which a particular product can address those issues.”

There is certainly great opportunity for both sales and to help consumers with an aspect of health that impacts general well-being. “I would encourage retailers not to be afraid to promote this category, assuming they have quality and reliable products and partners,” Tallman said. “Although this will always be somewhat of a sensitive category requiring tact and care in promoting, it is a huge market and becoming a trusted retail resource for products in the category could be quite profitable.”

Complementary Product Sales
In addition to offering dietary supplements to address consumers’ needs in the sexual health area, retailers may also have an opportunity to deliver complementary products.

“As people are becoming more interested in using products that are healthful and natural, this preference is being extended to their personal sexual lives,” said Susan Montani, vice president of sales, Natural Contours. “They are searching for products that they feel safe using, such as natural massage oils, natural lubricants and intimate products, toys and enhancers that do not contain known toxins, such as phthalates.”

Natural Contours designs personal massagers that are phthalate-free and made with bacteria-resistant plastic. The company just developed a gift box that includes a small, waterproof vibrator, an elegant scarf, and all-natural lubricant, bath oil and massage oil. The company will start producing the lubricants and oils for individual sale as well.

In addition, the company developed a Kegel exerciser, which can be used to tone and strengthen the pubococcygeus (PC) muscles. This has application not only in the sexual health arena, but also for women who have given birth and to prevent urinary incontinence.

Similarly, High Island Health developed its product, Pro-State®, a patented prostate massager. “The device is all natural and works simply with the body’s own muscle contractions by emulating a prostate massage to increase blood flow in the lower pelvic region and release congested fluid in the urethra,” said Myrenda Chiu, a company exec. “As a result, both prostate health as well as sexual function are addressed. The Pro-State has an 87-percent effectiveness rate and research shows that prostate massage increases the efficacy of any supplements and antibiotics.”

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