By now you’ve heard that oral pleasure has some amazing benefits, but what do the experts have to say? Lorals founder and CEO Melanie Cristol reached out to Lisa Hochberger, an NYC-based sex therapist, to learn more about about pleasure, oral, and the benefits of both. She also gave her thoughts on how Lorals, our ultra-thin latex panties worn during cunnilingus, can increase pleasure and comfort during intimacy and exploration.
Melanie Cristol: What are some benefits of receiving oral sex?
Lisa Hochberger: We all have an untapped potential to enjoy more pleasure. Women who receive oral sex are likely to experience more pleasure (as compared to intercourse), because their partner’s mouth, tongue, and fingers may be closer to their clitoris than a penis or toy would be during intercourse. The clitoris has 8,000 nerve endings, double the amount in the tip of a penis, and its sole purpose in the human body is to help people with a vulva enjoy pleasure.
Pleasure can help reduce stress and clear the mind. Enjoying pleasure helps us feel good about ourselves and experience the world in a more fulfilling way. In this way, having oral sex may lead to women feeling more empowered and good about their bodies.
MC: What are some things that prevent people from enjoying oral sex?
LH: Stress and distraction! Libido is extremely sensitive; it responds to many different stimuli. A memory, a smell, or a sensation from touch can trigger your desire for more...but on the flip side, if you become busy, stressed, sick, or tired, your mind may transform your “energy” away from desire.
For some, the act of oral sex can bring up fearful thoughts and feelings. A negative mental picture about oral sex can stir up adverse thoughts and cause an emergency stress reaction in the body. When this happens, it makes it difficult to surrender to good feelings and enjoy. For some this may mean avoiding oral sex -- or, excitement about oral sex may turn into fear and subsequent discomfort.
If something were to help reduce stress around oral sex, it may make people more open to engaging in it! Lorals might effectively reduce stress and fear around oral sex, disrupting the negative cycle that our bodies may have experienced in the past.
MC: Do you think your sex therapy clients could benefit from Lorals?
LH: Lorals can be used as a tool for people who are struggling with their “sex-esteem.” It is true that some people have shame around oral sex. Although I wish for all people to have complete body confidence, the reality is that for some it is a journey to get there. Having a bit of coverage during oral sex may help people build confidence in their path to self-discovery with their partner(s). Lorals offer the potential to increase a person’s “sex-esteem,” opening a door that might otherwise be closed to oral sex.
Also, I am sure you have heard people describe confidence as being sexy, and it is true that it is vital to your overall sexual health. If you are not confident in the way your body functions when you are alone, it will be difficult to be confident with another person. Lorals might help people feel more sexy and confident. Like other types of lingerie, Lorals can be erotic, helping people gain more body confidence and sex esteem when they are with their partner.
MC: Are there other sex-positive uses for Lorals?
LH: I love that Lorals offer mess-free period oral sex. Some women get more aroused while menstruating but want to avoid messing up their linens. Simply slipping on a pair of Lorals could avoid blood on sheets and clothing.
I can also see Lorals being a great tool for transgender people whose genitals do not match their gender identity. Lorals can be a way for people to enjoy oral sex without their bodies being exposed.
MC: Any final thoughts?
LH: I truly believe that Lorals can be used as a tool to help people gain confidence around their sexuality. If someone has never been open to oral sex and thinks Lorals could help, then I say HELL YES, try them. Lorals are an incredible way for people to build body confidence.
MC: Thanks for joining us and supporting Lorals, Lisa!
Lisa Hochberger, LMSW, M.Ed., is a sex therapist and educator based in the New York metropolitan area. Formally trained in human sexuality, her passion is rooted in her belief that all human beings should understand what healthy sex is, regardless of culture, body, or ability.
Melanie Cristol is the founder and CEO of Lorals. She studied Sociology at Columbia College at Columbia University, and she received her Juris Doctorate from Columbia Law School. Prior to creating and patenting Lorals, Melanie was a healthcare and consumer products attorney, and she was part of the legal team that secured gay marriage rights for the western United States. Melanie also fought for LGBTQ rights in California and Ohio as a field organizer with the National LGBTQ Task Force.
Reviewed & Edited by Sarah Brown, a sex and intimacy educator with 10 years of experience designing and marketing intimate wellness and pleasure products.
