For years, the only option people had to protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during oral sex was dental dams.
Tricky to use effectively, these latex sheets helped, but were never a user-friendly option.
In March 2022, the FDA authorized a new type of underwear to protect against S.T.I.s during oral sex – Lorals.
Lorals underwear became the first approved wearable panties to protect against STIs during oral sex.
Quick FAQs
Lorals latex panties are designed to fit sizes 1-20
Lorals have a very mild scent and taste of vanilla.
No, they do not protect against pregnancy. However, the Lorals for Protection style does [prtect against STIs.
No, Lorals panties are meant for single use only.
What Are Lorals Latex Panties?
Lorals latex panties are latex underwear designed to be worn by individuals who are looking to enjoy oral sex without direct contact with their partner.
There are two types, the Lorals for Protection and Lorals for Pleasure options, and both are available in a “bikini” or “shortie” style.
Lorals for Protection
Lorals for Protection are latex panties approved by the FDA and are used to protect against the 35+ pathogens that are transmissible during oral sex.
The panties can also be used to prevent the spread of bacteria during anilingus (oral-anal sex, also known as rimming) due to fecal matter exposure.
Oral-anal sex may cause gastrointestinal infections related to the transmission of organisms like Shigella and Salmonella.
Lorals for Pleasure (also known as Lorals for Comfort) are also latex panties, but the FDA has not cleared them for protection against STIs.
While the design of Lorals for Comfort is similar to Protection models, these panties are primarily for people looking to enjoy the other benefits of Lorals.
For example, Lorals can be used during a period for blood-free oral sex, for grinding or scissoring, or simply to lower sensitivity levels during foreplay.
Lorals Latex Panties Pros and Cons
Pros
All Lorals underwear is silky to the touch and seamless for a natural fit
One size fits all from size 0-20
Individually packaged and portable
Easier to use than dental dams and offer a hands-free alternative
Cons
Only fits hip sizes from 26 to 51 inches (note: more sizes are said to be coming soon)
People with larger body shapes may not have the same level of body coverage
Lorals cost over $6 a pair, which can be costly compared to standard dental dams
Lorals are not an option for people who have latex allergies or sensitivities
Lorals are made of latex, which means they don't fit exactly the same as a standard pair of underwear.
You put them on like regular underwear and then adjust the latex, so it properly covers the genital area.
Since Lorals are only one size, it is recommended to slightly stretch the waistband of the panties when you pull them from the package.
On people with a larger body type, the waistband will be stretched thinner, and there may not be as much coverage for butt cheeks.
This can make the panties look more like string-bikini-style underwear.
Are Lorals Panties Reusable?
Lorals latex panties are designed for only one use, regardless of which type you are using.
The latex material is really thin, which means it could break down with reuse.
Therefore, they would not offer the same level of protection or comfort.
Be sure to dispose of each pair after using them.
Do latex panties protect against pregnancy?
Lorals latex panties do not protect against pregnancy and should not be relied on for pregnancy prevention.
Further, the latex panties are not designed for use during intercourse, only during oral sex or other sexual foreplay.
Are latex panties the same things as female condoms?
Lorals latex panties are commonly wrongly assumed to be a type of female condom.
However, female condoms are designed to be inserted into the vagina with a tube of latex connected by a smaller internal ring and a larger external ring.
Therefore, the two are made completely different and designed for different uses.
Where can I buy Lorals underwear?
Lorals latex panties are available directly through the Lorals website. However, the products are also sold by other companies that focus on sexual wellness products like Promescent.
Do Loral panties have a taste or smell?
Loral panties have a gentle vanilla fragrance and taste.
The manufacturer uses a food-grade vanilla flavoring during their patented creation process, which gives the underwear its unique taste and smell.
Unlike some latex products, Lorals latex panties do not smell or taste like rubber.
Other STIs may also be spread through oral sex, even though this happens less frequently.
A few examples include HIV, genital warts, and pubic lice.
When used properly, Lorals for Protection may help lower the risks of these STIs due to the panties providing a barrier between the body and the mouth.
Final Thoughts on Lorals Latex Panties
Lorals latex panties are an exciting alternative to dental dams for STI protection during oral sex but may offer additional uses.
While Lorals are more costly, they offer a hands-free option for protection during oral sex.
Lorals for Protection are FDA-approved for STI protection, but Lorals for Pleasure are good options for people looking for mess-free period play or less sensitivity during oral.
The latex panties can even be used to thwart the transfer of bodily fluids or bacteria during all types of oral sex if one partner or the other desires the added barrier.
Dr. Jordan Soper is a Board Certified Psychologist, AASECT Certified Sex Therapist, and owner of The Center for Sexual Health and Wellness in Las Vegas, NV. Dr. Soper’s areas of expertise include evidence-based treatment for sexual health and functioning disorders, anxiety, and trauma with diverse populations including military/Veterans, first responders, police officers, members of the LGBTQ+ community, young professionals, students, therapists, sexual assault survivors, and members of the BDSM/Kink/Fetish community. She is passionate about education, advocacy, and using humor to decrease shame and stigma around mental and sexual health concerns.
Sources:
Absorption Pharmaceuticals LLC (Promescent) has strict informational citing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic or research institutions, medical associations, and medical experts. We attempt to use primary sources and refrain from using tertiary references and only citing trustworthy sources. Each article is reviewed, written, and updated by Medical Professionals or authoritative Experts in a specific, related field of practice. You can find out more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
Health, Women’s. “Is the G-Spot Real? | National Women’s Health Network.” National Women’s Health Network |, 3 Oct. 2022, nwhn.org/is-the-g-spot-real/. Accessed October 3, 2022.
Chesson HW, Mayaud P, Aral SO. Sexually Transmitted Infections: Impact and Cost-Effectiveness of Prevention. In: Holmes KK, Bertozzi S, Bloom BR, et al., editors. Major Infectious Diseases. 3rd edition. Washington (DC): The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development / The World Bank; 2017 Nov 3. Chapter 10. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK525195/ doi: 10.1596/978-1-4648-0524-0_ch10. Accessed October 3,2022.
Wikipedia Contributors. “Anilingus.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 28 Sept. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anilingus. Accessed October 3, 2022.
Harrison AE. Primary care of lesbian and gay patients: educating ourselves and our students. Fam Med. 1996 Jan;28(1):10-23. PMID: 8720222. Accessed October 3, 2022.
Lee R. Health care problems of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender patients. West J Med. 2000 Jun;172(6):403-8. doi: 10.1136/ewjm.172.6.403. PMID: 10854396; PMCID: PMC1070935. Accessed October 3, 2022.
Mahdy H, Shaeffer AD, McNabb DM. Condoms. [Updated 2022 Apr 21]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2022 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470385/. Accessed October 3, 2022.
NHS Choices. What Infections Can I Catch through Oral Sex? 2022, www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/sexual-health/what-infections-can-i-catch-through-oral-sex/. Accessed October 3, 2022.
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
