What is a genital guard and how is it used in acting?

Sex scenes in films need to look believable, but obviously not involve the actors having real sex.

This is where a genital guard comes in.

But, what is it and how does one work?

A genital guard is used when sex is being simulated in a film or on TV.


For women, the genital guard looks similar to a plastic shoehorn. It’s attached onto the groin with a latex glue to protect the area during filming.

The male version of a genital guard looks like a sock, and has a drawstring to keep it fixed on the penis.

These both are designed to be as invisible as possible to present the image of real sex between the actors. Often, genital guards are makeshift items fashioned from flesh coloured underwear or fabric, and the way they look depends on the type of scene being filmed and how much they can get away with wearing.

James Franco has been accused of removing actresses’ genital guards during filming (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File)

Actor James Franco was recently accused by actress Sarah Tither-Kaplan of removing the genital guards of women while starring in orgy scenes.


Franco’s lawyers deny the claims.

The casting director of the film where this is alleged to have happened – Cynthia Huffman – had this to say:

James is all about giving up-and-comers, actors and actresses and young filmmakers a break in this business.


MORE: Ashley Judd praises James Franco for his ‘terrific’ response to sexual misconduct allegations

MORE: James Franco denies ‘inappropriate or sexually exploitative behaviour’ following claims from five women