The Pitfalls of Spicy Food and Oral Sex! (It's Not Just Bad Breath)

So, it’s date night. You want to impress. Taking a lover to a nice restaurant is always a nice treat. But, maybe, if you think you have a chance of getting lucky, and are inclined towards oral pleasure, you might want to skip the Mexican and Indian restaurants in favor of more bland fare.

It is true that spicy food increases sexual desire. In a 2011 article in The State Hornet, reporter Brittany Bradley and Dr. Diana Hoppe, author of “Healthy Sex Drive, Healthy You,” explain that spicy foods contain capsaicin. Bradley writes, “Eating foods that contain capsaicin release adrenalin, which in turn releases endorphins. These chemicals contribute to a feel-good sensation that can create a, eh em, happy feeling. It's also great for your metabolism, making you feel sexy about what you’re eating, increasing confidence and yep, making you want to do the deed.”

However, scientists and doctors alike warn that capsaicin can be stored in ones’ mouth for quite some time. When your mouth comes in contact with a lover’s genitals, the capsaicin can easily be transferred and the tingling, burning sensation your guy feels will most likely not be pleasure. Your habanero peach chutney might just cause your boyfriend to spend some time cooling off their nether region.

Simple solution…I will just go brush my teeth and use mouthwash!

Not so fast there bucko…
The current rule of thumb is to wait at least two hours before or after oral sex to brush your teeth and use mouthwash. In a Chicago Now article titled “Oral Sex and the Risk of HIV and STIs,” writer Just Joey gives us some sobering food for thought. "DO NOT brush your teeth, floss or use mouthwash two hours before or after oral sex. The reason for this is that you are creating cuts, abrasions and inflammation of your gums. These open portals create a welcome mat for bacteria such as Gonorrhea to enter your system. Even mouthwash, with its burning action, can create inflammation of the gums which allows bacteria to enter easier.”

So, it seems spicy food might be a double edged sword. On the one hand, it increases libido. On the other hand, it creates a few precarious concerns. Maybe I will get the roasted chicken and baked potato instead.

-Top photo by MoutonRebelle used under Creative Commons License.

Three Big Signs You Should Find A New Guy!

Maya Angelou had it 100% correct in her famous quote: “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” If the person you have been seeing for a short while exhibits any of these three behaviors, you owe it to yourself to move on to someone who will treat you and your burgeoning relationship with dignity and respect.


1) Never Makes Firm Plans
I’m sure everyone has been here before. We meet someone we kind of like, kind of think is cute, kind of would like to get to know better. We have already been on a few dates with this person so we ask “hey, do you want to get together this weekend?” If their answer is along the lines of “maybe that could work” or “possibly, let me get back to you after I see what my weekend looks like,” then it should be clear that this person is not really all that interested in you. If they have to wait and see if their better options fall through before committing to you, there is zero hope that this relationship will ever be anything worthwhile. Do yourself a favor and break it off now. Or, better yet, find another date. That way when they come to you Friday afternoon to see if you want to do something, you can tell them you have other plans.

2) Not Introducing You Around
If you have been out more than a few times and you have never met any of his/her friends, that could be a bad sign. Sure the first few dates we all want to be alone with the person we are seeing. But after that, it only stands to reason that you would incidentally run into a friend, roommate, co-worker, acquaintance out on the town or in the neighborhood somewhere. If it becomes clear that you have not been introduced to anyone they know, it might be time to find someone new. On a similar note, if you are out in public and they run into someone they know and don’t introduce you as a common courtesy, never go out with this person again. They either don’t want to introduce you or they are just being exceedingly rude. Either way, this is not to be tolerated. Find someone better.

3) No Public Affection
People who are happily dating smile, hold hands, touch each other, bump into each other while walking. It’s cute. It’s sweet. It makes you smile when you see other people behaving this way. If you have been out more than a few times and your date is showing no interest in touching you in public (especially if they touch you in private), then they are not worthy of your time and energy. Walk away. Yes, some people are shy and quiet and reserved. Your gut instincts will let you know when it’s more than that. If you try to hold their hand and they find a way out of it, or drop it when others are around, that will tell you everything you need to know.