LOS ANGELES—Lorals, maker of latex underwear for sexually-transmitted infections (STIs) prevention during oral sex, has announced today that it has been recognized in Fast Company's 2023 World-Changing Ideas Awards as a finalist in the Consumer Products category. The program focuses on social good and recognizes finished products and concepts that make the world a better place.
In May 2022, the New York Times announced Lorals’ authorization as STD-protective medical devices—the FDA’s first 510(k)-cleared underwear devices and second 510(k)-cleared devices for cunnilingus. Today, Lorals is addressing a major gap in public health by providing superior, wearable STI-protection options for people with vulvas during oral sex.
Lorals founder and CEO Melanie Cristol said, "It’s a huge honor to be on Fast Company’s list of world-changing companies. We’re so passionate about our mission to empower people to have all the oral sex they desire, while having the ability to protect themselves and their partners in a way that feels pleasurable, satisfying, and seamless. Orally transmitted HPV is now the leading cause of mouth and throat cancers according to the CDC, and Weill Cornell Medicine reports that 85 percent of new genital herpes cases are spread through oral. Meanwhile, oral sex is crucial for women’s pleasure, with women being three times more likely to orgasm if they receive oral sex, according to the Archives of Sexual Behavior."
Added Cristol, "The FDA’s decision to clear Lorals as a medical device for STI-protection was a major step forward for equality in the sexual health space, as there were previously no effective options for protecting people with vulvas during oral sex, except for the dental dam, which is famously unpopular, and let’s face it, for good reason. Dams must be held in place, usually with two hands; and they can also slip around or be dropped, so you don’t know which side was against the body and which side your mouth was on, potentially exposing both partners to infection. Just imagine a condom you had to hold in place the entire time— it doesn’t make sense, functionally. People deserve a better option for access to safer and satisfying oral sex."
Lorals are worn like briefs and are hands-free for easy use during oral sex. The underwear is also comfortable, stylish, transfer sensations well, and are designed with real sex in mind. These factors make Lorals a truly practical option.
Lorals is honored to be recognized as a finalist in Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards. The company thanks its supporters for helping the company make safe oral sex more equitable, pleasurable, seamless, and satisfying.
Fast Company editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan says, "It’s thrilling to see the creativity and innovation that are so abundant among this year’s honorees. While it’s easy to feel discouraged by the state of the world, the entrepreneurs, companies, and nonprofits featured in this package show the limitless potential to address society’s most urgent problems. Our journalists have highlighted some of the most exciting and impactful work being done today—from housing to equity to sustainability—and we look forward to seeing not only how these projects evolve but how they inspire others to develop solutions of their own."
Fast Company’s Spring 2023 issue (on newsstands May 9) will showcase some of the world’s most inventive entrepreneurs and forward-thinking companies that are actively tackling global challenges. The solutions cover everything from water reuse in urban environments and modular housing to an initiative combating book bans and a program that spotlights trans-friendly salons around the world.
For more information, visit MyLorals.com. Find and follow the brand on Twitter and Instagram.
Follow Cristol on Twitter @MelCristol and Instagram @melaniecristol.
