Feeling sick after making out can stem from hormonal shifts (adrenaline, serotonin), underlying stress/anxiety, catching infections like mono or herpes through saliva, or even a strong vasovagal response (though more common in penetrative sex). Swapping germs can sometimes trigger illness if immunity is low, while intense physical exertion and excitement from intense kissing can also cause temporary nausea or dizziness, similar to after orgasm.
The physical exertion of sex can cause nausea, as can the release of endorphins and hormones. Additionally, adrenaline is released during arousal and orgasm, which could make you feel light headed or dizzy.
Making out makes you feel present, alive, connected, aroused, desired, appreciated and loved, and you don't even have to take (all) your clothes off. According to studies, the frequency of kissing is a reliable indicator of relationship health.
When we kiss, the body produces endorphins, or happiness hormones leaving both parties in a loving relationship feeling warm, fuzzy, happy and carefree. Additionally, kissing can reduce the body's cortisol levels, making it a miraculous remedy for stress.
Maybe you felt like you were falling in love just from a simple kiss—that's a natural reaction and chemical “high” after you both lock lips. It's likely that he's experiencing the same thrill, too.
The 90/10 kissing rule, popularized by the movie Hitch, suggests that one person leans in 90% of the way for a kiss and pauses, allowing the other person to close the remaining 10%, which signals their consent and involvement, preventing it from feeling forced and creating anticipation. This technique gives the other person control, allowing them to either lean in for the kiss or pull away, indicating their comfort level.
Certain factors can increase the likelihood of becoming ill after kissing: Weakened Immune System: A compromised immune system makes it harder to fight off infections. Existing Illness in Partner: If the person you're interacting with is sick, your risk of catching their illness rises.
Kissing can transmit many germs, including those that cause cold sores, glandular fever and tooth decay. Saliva can transmit various diseases, which means that kissing is a small but significant health risk. It's not all doom and gloom. Research into passionate kissing has uncovered many valuable health benefits.
when you kiss your partner passionately, not only do you exchange bacteria and mucus, you also impart some of your genetic code. No matter how fleeting the encounter, the DNA will hang around in their mouth for at least an hour.
If kissing before marriage stimulates lust or leads to sexual immorality, it is a sin and should be avoided between couples that are not married.
Some signs you're a bad kisser: Going too fast, lacking enthusiasm, poor technique, and bad breath are common indicators. How to not be a bad kisser: Start slow, use your body to add dimension, focus on your partner's reactions, and ask for feedback to improve.
Keeping Things Interesting
Oxytocin – The Bonding Hormone
When you kiss, your brain releases oxytocin [4], which can make you feel calm, happy, and safe. It also lowers stress and anxiety, which is why kissing often feels so comforting, especially during tough times.
Hormonal changes
Your hormones play a big part in your sex drive and changes to them can make them go up or down. The sex hormone testosterone is found in everyone – regardless of sex or gender – and when your testosterone levels go up, it increases your sex drive. They're usually highest in the morning.
The genital area feels "full" as blood fills the blood vessels in the pelvis, vulva, and clitoris. The vagina and vaginal lips (labia) become wet with clear fluid. Muscles begin to tighten up throughout the body, and breathing quickens.
This can happen when your partner penetrates very deeply, touching your cervix. Your cervix has many nerve endings that can trigger a vasovagal response. A vasovagal response is when the body stimulates the vagus nerve. This leads to lower heart rate and blood pressure, which can make you feel faint and nauseous.
Sperm can survive for several days in the female reproductive tract, but its lifespan in the mouth is extremely short, typically lasting only a few seconds to minutes due to saliva's enzymes and acidic pH.
Couples may exchange an average of 5 mL of saliva during active kissing,28 making this an activity that could favor the transmission of infectious diseases.
When stored properly in a dry, room-temperature environment, DNA from buccal swabs can last up to 6 months without significant degradation. If refrigerated, DNA can remain viable for over a year. Improper storage, such as exposure to heat, moisture, or bacteria, can degrade DNA within days to weeks.
Don't …
What does it mean when a guy moans when kissing or making out? It means the guy is enjoying himself and experiencing great pleasure. Pretty straightforward.
For avoidant individuals, intimacy and vulnerability can feel like being engulfed, suffocated, and controlled. Too much closeness can literally feel like a loss of self—and yes, for some, it can even feel like dying (suffocating). That's how intense their fear of intimacy can be.
Research into the neurobiology of couples shows that kissing isn't just a romantic act — it's a powerful chemical experience that connects us to our partner on multiple levels, especially through the release of dopamine.
10 Signs of a Bad Kisser