Ask The Sexpert - Feb. 14, 2008

I'm interested in incorporating food items into my sexual repertoire. Are there any foods I should stay away from or health issues that I should be aware of?

- Hungry for Adventure

Dear Hungry for Adventure,

Throughout history, different foods have been associated with aphrodisiac powers. Some examples include oysters, champagne, strawberries and chocolate. But that is by no means an exhaustive list, nor is there any reason to prefer one type of food over another. Indeed, I would say the best food to choose is one that you enjoy.

That said, there are some that are more easily used in sexual encounters, such as those that are spreadable, like chocolate sauce or whipped cream. As anyone who has seen "Varsity Blues" can tell you (who could forget that whipped cream bikini?), these ingredients can be even more enticing than they already are when used in a sexual manner.

But a word to the wise: Food should be kept away from the genital region. The genital area is very sensitive, and while your skin might normally not have a reaction to particular items, it is possible for this area to become inflamed. This is especially true for women using sugary foods. Sugar is the perfect source of energy for yeast, so it is best to keep food away from "down there" to reduce the chance of contracting a yeast infection.

With just a little bit of care and a little bit of originality, I'm sure that new ingredients will prove to be a great spice to add to your sexual repertoire. Bon appetit!

- The Sexpert

Dear Sexpert,

I recently began an exercise program through my local health club. It is an aerobic workout that involves repetitious weightlifting (think muscle pump). Before I began attending these classes I was a pretty dedicated runner (20-30 miles per week). I have begun to notice a definite improvement in body strength and an incredible improvement in my sexual libido. What gives? I love it, not complaining at all, but what is lifting weights doing to my body that running wasn't doing for me?

Get the best of the ‘Prince’ delivered straight to your inbox. Subscribe now »

- Aerobics Fan for Life!

Dear Aerobics,

Exercise generally improves libido; various studies have shown a correlation between both a healthy diet and regular exercise. "Exhaustive exercise," such as marathon running, however, can actually cause libido to drop for a few days, as the body expends a lot of energy and needs to rest. You didn't mention whether you've stopped running quite so much since beginning to lift weights, but I'm guessing you've probably changed your workout regime rather than simply adding weightlifting. This exercise is using lots of different muscles and isn't wearing your body out, so even though you're getting a good workout, there's plenty of energy to spare for sexual activity. Make sure to talk to your doctor or a fitness expert to ensure that you're not overexerting yourself or putting too much stress on your muscles, but as long as you're seeing benefits in both your health and your sex life, it sounds like the workout is definitely a good thing for you!

- The Sexpert

"Ask the Sexpert" is written by a team of peer sexual health educators and fact-checked by University health professionals. Submit questions, to be published anonymously every Thursday, to sexpert@dailyprincetonian.com. Don't be shy!