FDA Approves 'Lorals' Latex Panties for Oral STI Prevention

FDA Approves 'Lorals' Latex Panties for Oral STI Prevention

WASHINGTON — The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reportedly authorized ultrathin, vanilla-flavored panties from Lorals to be considered protection against STIs transmissible from the vagina or anus during oral sex.

“It is a first for underwear,” the New York Times reported today.

“The FDA’s authorization of this product gives people another option to protect against STIs during oral sex,” said Courtney Lias, director of the FDA office that led the review of the underwear.

"Infections like herpes, gonorrhea and syphilis can be transmitted through oral sex, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)," reported the Times. "The only product previously authorized for protection during oral sex was a dental dam.”

However, dental dams are "extremely unpopular," Jeanne Marrazzo, director of the division of infectious diseases at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, told the paper, adding: “I mean, honestly, could there be anything less sexy than a dental dam?”

Lorals founder Melanie Cristol told the Times she chose the brand name because the “L” sound “evokes words like love and lust.”

Cristol explained that the panties, available as bikinis and “shorties," are “made of latex that’s about as thin as condom material and forms a seal on the inside of the thigh to keep fluids in.”

The entrepreneur shared that the idea came to her “after an experience in 2014 during her honeymoon in Mexico with her then-wife.”

The Times explained that Cristol, who was a corporate lawyer at the time, and had been a sex educator in college, discovered she had an infection that could be sexually transmitted and realized “how limited the protection options were.”

“I wanted to feel sexy and confident and use something that was made with my body and actual sex in mind,” she added, referring to the less-enticing dental dams.

Cristol launched the single-use Lorals in 2018 and marketed them to “people with vulvas.”

After securing the FDA approval, Lorals will begin branding its products today explicitly for infection protection.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Sexpo Australia Relaunches as SexEx

Sexpo Australia founder David Ross has relaunched his adult lifestyle expo as SexEx.

Orion Unveils New Styles From 'Svenjoyment Bondage' Line

Orion Wholesale has released two new styles from its Svenjoyment Bondage line.

NYC Adult Stores Lose Challenge to Zoning Law, May Face Relocation

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit on Tuesday upheld a lower court’s decision to allow enforcement of a 2001 zoning law aimed at forcing adult retail stores out of most parts of New York City.

B-Vibe Spotlighted in Glamour Magazine

B-Vibe has been named Best for Anal Toys in a Glamour Magazine article on pleasure brands.

Williams Trading, ANME Founders Partner for Livestream Event

Williams Trading has partnered with CalExotics, Doc Johnson, and Nasstoys to host a virtual trade show July 14-15 during ANME.

Eldorado Names Sandy Nuyt Sales Director

Eldorado Trading has appointed Sandy Nuyt as its new sales director.

Orion Debuts 'Glans Masturbation Cup Trainer' From Rebel Line

Orion Wholesale has released the Glans Masturbation Cup Trainer from its Rebel collection.

ProDx Health Introduces 'Assured MoFi ID' Testing Program

ProDx Health has introduced its new Assured MoFi ID Program for testing.

Eye of Love Expands 'Bloom' Collection

Eye of Love has introduced two new perfume oils from its Bloom collection.

Nobü Adds to 'Essentials' Collection

Nobü is expanding its Essentials collection with three new pleasure products.

Show More