COVID-19 Has Ruined Sex!

Sexual Safety during the Pandemic (COVID-19)

It's been three months and counting since the coronavirus (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), and it has since then shown no signs of slowing down. Lockdown orders have been put in place by states across the country to curb the spread of the virus. Businesses have shut their doors, shops have closed down, and we've all been at home self-isolating and staying safe. This change from what was previously known as the norm has put a lot of strain on businesses, organizations, governments, people, families, and relationships. Many people are now concerned about their health safety and are worried about how the virus is affecting their relationships and sex life. These fears and worries come from a few misconceptions about the virus and exactly how it spreads. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an illness caused by a virus that can spread from person to person through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. You may also be able to get it by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. COVID-19 symptoms can range from mild (or no symptoms) to severe illness. 

A lot of people do not care about relationships during this time. They feel it's the last thing they need, they look to other coping mechanisms to ease their stress and take the pressure off their backs, and it probably works for them. However, a majority of us need intimacy to help relieve the stress of living through a pandemic. The need for the security and warmth of a human touch drives us to closer to our partners, and sometimes we may even have to engage in sexual intercourse to feel better and even closer to them. 

Most people who live apart try to cope by keeping the connection using Zoom, Skype, or other social media, doing their best to make sure that their relationship makes it through this pandemic crisis. It works for a while, but eventually, they'll have to ask the question.

"Is it safe to meet up with my partner and have sex with them?" 

Most people are already asking the question. You also probably want to know if it is safe to have sex at this time, as sexual activity is a big part of relationships and helps with intimacy. The answer to the question would be 

"It is safe to have sex if you're being safe." 

There is no medical evidence that the virus can be spread or found in seminal or vaginal fluids, so it cannot be transmitted through sexual intercourse, especially genital sex. While it is safe to have sex with your partner, there are many other ways to be infected during sexual intercourse.

Some of these include: 

Kissing

Kissing is one way someone can quickly get the virus as it can be spread through the saliva of an infected partner. 

Anal Sex

COVID-19 can also be found in infected people's fecal matter, so there is a high risk of you contracting the virus through anal sex. So it is always best to be safe. 

How do you play it safe?

In this pandemic, the safest sexual activity to indulge in is solo sex or masturbation. If you've been keeping safe by performing good hygiene and washing your hands, you cannot catch the virus through masturbation. It is an excellent substitute for genital sex if you are scared to have sex with someone else. 

If you choose to have sex with someone, it should be with a partner who lives in the same home with you, someone you sure has been staying safe hygienically and has maintained social distancing with members of the public, someone you are sure has not shown any symptoms of being sick. You should not have sex with anyone who does not live with you or are not sure about it. It is not safe. Try to maintain a monogamous relationship with someone you're confident of, avoid multiple partners, as any of them could have the virus and quickly pass it on to you. If, however, you choose to have sex with someone you do not live with, it is always best to ask them about their hygiene and health safety, look out for symptoms of illnesses like coughing, sneezing, or increase temperature. 

If you are forced to live separately from your partner due to the pandemic, there are several other ways that you can keep the fire burning and also get sexual satisfaction. You can call more often and talk for long hours. Ask about their day, talk about how you are feeling, and share intimate moments. You could also indulge in remote sexual activities like sexting, video chatting, and phone sex. It all depends on the understanding that you have with each other. You could also take this time to get to know each other, find out intimate things like sexual preferences, and try out new things like sex toys and sex enhancers. 

To stay safe, you could totally abstain entirely, but that is not an option for many, so here are a few tips if you choose to have sex. 

• Make sure to stick to a single sexual partner if possible, or reduce the number of sexual partners you have.
• If your partner is showing virus-like symptoms like fever, coughing, sneezing, tiredness, or loss of appetite, then ensure to avoid sexual intercourse. At the same time, the other person treats him or herself.  
• Make sure to bathe with soap before and after sexual intercourse. 
• Avoid oral and anal sex for the time being. 

It is not easy to live through a pandemic; it is a trying time for everyone. It's ok to be with someone who makes you feel comfortable and relaxed. Whatever decision you choose to make, make sure it is a safe decision. Try as much as possible to stay updated with the news. We believe that it will all be over soon.

Reference Sources:
CDC, Quebec Health, Mayo Clinic and American Sexual Health Association