One Reason You Shouldn’t Drink Coffee Before Sex (And One Reason Why You Should) – Health Digest

Caffeine and coffee acids, such as chlorogenic acid and N-alkanoyl-5-hydroxytryptamide, can cause digestive discomfort in some people. Caffeine works by increasing the frequency of contractions in your gastrointestinal tract. This is why a lot of people turn to the beverage as a natural stimulant that helps them stay regular. 

However, for people with sensitive guts, this can become problematic, especially before sex. Not everyone digests coffee the same way. For some people, like those who have gastritis, the increase in contractions along with an increased production of stomach acids can cause symptoms like heartburn. Still, others might find that drinking more than two cups of coffee or strong doses of caffeine could lead to diarrhea. 

People with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or anxiety may also have to be mindful, per  Dr. Kyle Staller, a gastroenterologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School (via Bon Appétit). Coffee can exacerbate your symptoms and take away from the sensual activity you were looking forward to indulging in. Plus, what you put in your coffee matters, too. Dairy intolerance can cause symptoms like gas, bloating, and diarrhea. (Speaking of gas, it’s the reason why you should avoid eating this popular protein before sex.)

Now, on to the more positive effects of consuming coffee before sex.