Ask Dr. Berman: Food, Foreplay, and Sex

Q: Is it really safe for me to use food during foreplay and sex?

A: Yes, it is safe to enjoy some culinary adventures during sex — but if you're prone to yeast infections, you'll need to take care to avoid the genitals when using any sweet stuff. Hot fudge, peanut butter, strawberries, grapes, and whipped cream beg to be included in sex play, but if they come into contact with the vulva, the sugar they contain can cause a these infections.

This shouldn't stop you from using fun foods creatively — just don't use them near the vulva. Whether this means limiting yourself to above-the-waist parts or washing off his parts before you have intercourse, you still can have some sweet treats during sex.

There are also some savory options, such as cucumbers and olives, that don't pose as much risk to your more sensitive parts. A hot beverage and an ice cube can change up the sensory experience, too. Put one in your mouth, kiss your partner somewhere, then try the other immediately after. He'll love the change in sensation!

If you just can't help yourself and get caught up in the moment with some sugary foods, take your sex play into the shower and wash each other off as soon as you're done. A quick cleanup should minimize your risk of infection — and it's a great way to end your night!

Food as foreplay:

If you like the idea of using food as foreplay, but you don’t want to risk staining your new sheets, consider enjoying aphrodisiacs before you hit the bedroom. There are a number of different foods which can offer sexual inspiration. Spicy foods such as peppers can help to increase your heartbeat and give your face a flush, much like what happens when you are sexually aroused. Phallic foods such as bananas and cucumbers can also be erotic, and sensual foods such as creamy avocados and lush fruit can also be evocative.

Cooking together can also be highly sensual. The aromas and textures awaken your senses and get you thinking on a primal level. Open a bottle of wine, play some seductive music, and cook a feast together, tasting the flavors and feeding each other bites as you go along. Don’t worry if you aren’t a chef. You don’t have to make something complicated. A simple, light pasta dish is easy to make and tasty to enjoy, and the kitchen offers a wonderful array of positions. Hop onto to the counter and make out as you wait for the water to boil. Leave the dishes for the morning…make tonight about getting dirty together and enjoying every minute of it.

 — Dr. Laura Berman