Experts say a rise in sexual activity during the winter months is primarily due to the holiday season. Pic for representation
Credit: File Photo
Sales of condoms and lubricants rise in the colder months, according to pharmacists and quick delivery apps.
Swiggy Instamart reported a big increase in users purchasing sexual wellness items in September, the end of the monsoon season.
“Throughout 2025, one in every 127 orders on Instamart included a condom,” a spokesperson told Metrolife.
September saw a 24 per cent spike in condom orders on the app. A single user from Chennai placed 228 condom orders over the year, totalling Rs 1.06 lakh, according to data shared by the company.
“The rise in sexual activity during the winter months is primarily due to the holiday season, when couples spend more time together for festivals or vacation. Otherwise, sex is a year-round activity,” says Dr A V Lohit, sexologist with 18 years of experience.
B Thirunavukkarasu, president of the Bangalore District Chemists and Druggists Association (BDCDA), says sales of condoms and lubricants in brick-and-mortar pharmacies have dropped by up to 60 per cent in the past year or so.
Even amid the decline, physical sales tend to increase in November, strengthen through December, hold steady in January, and peak in February, when Valentine’s Day is celebrated.
In Bengaluru, Koramangala records the highest number of condom orders both online and in stores, the trend being attributed to its dense, young population.
Apps vs stores
Quick commerce platforms have changed the way consumers buy products that may be considered socially awkward to ask for in public, says a sex therapist.
People Metrolife spoke to expressed a preference for online purchases. “As a younger woman, I can have a safe sex life without judgment,” says Priyanshi, a corporate employee.
A 45-year-old business owner says he has overheard snide remarks while buying condoms at pharmacies. “Because sex is such a taboo subject, it becomes uncomfortable to buy these products in person,” he observes.
Thirunavukkarasu notes that the decline in in-store sales of condoms does not indicate a drop in demand; instead, it reflects a change in the mode of purchase. Nonetheless, pharmacies remain stocked throughout the year, especially around
Valentine’s Day, which is when they witness high demand from customers in their 30s. Younger customers prefer online purchases, he says.
Two websites dealing in sexual wellness products confirmed that sales pick up around September and peak around Valentine’s Day.
Expert insights
Dr Lohit has noticed a behavioural shift among his patients since the advent of quick commerce platforms for intimate products. “Many are now practising safer sex because access to condoms is easier,” he explains.
A sexologist who works at a hospital in Hebbal notes that improved access has led to healthier outcomes. “With lubricants and other products more readily available, many clients report greater comfort and confidence,” she adds.
Popular flavours
According to the BDCDA, chocolate, strawberry, and orange are the most popular condom flavours around Valentine’s Day. Instamart says chocolate is India’s favourite condom flavour.