Safe Sex and COVID-19
During this time, people everywhere are asked to reduce their physical contact with one another and to keep their distance.
But what about sex? We know from current research that sex is one of the two most important health behaviours (e.g behaviours that improve our mental and physical health; the other one being sleep). Sex has been shown to improve immune function, lower stress levels, regulate mood, and improve cardiovascular functioning. So, now more than ever, sex is something that is worth engaging in. How do we do it safely? Here are some tips on enjoying sex, and avoiding the spread of COVID-19:
1. Know how COVID spreads.
You can get COVID from a person who has it
The virus can spread to people who are within about 6 feet of a person with COVID-19 and when that person coughs or sneezes
The virus can spread through direct contact with their saliva or mucus
We still have a lot to learn about COVID-19 and sex
COVID-19 has been found in the feces of people who are infected with the virus
COVID-19 has not yet been found in semen or vaginal fluid
We know that other coronaviruses do not efficiently transmit through sex
2. Have sex with people close to you.
You are your safest sex partner. Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toys) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex
Alongside your favourite porn sites, this is a great time to explore erotica and online resources. Some of our favourites include Remittance Girl for steamy erotica and the app Dipsea (short erotic stories and awesome guided sessions to help explore new territory or spice up old), who have just released all their guided session content for free access until April 30, 2020, to help everyone be a bit happier while socially isolating.
The next safest partner is someone you live with. Having close contact, including sex, with only a small circle of people, helps prevent spreading COVID-19. Have sex only with consenting partners and do not have sex if your partner has symptoms.
You should avoid close contact — including sex — with anyone outside your household. If you do have sex with others, have as few partners as possible.
If you usually meet your sex partners online or make a living by having sex, consider taking a break from in-person dates. Video dates, sexting, chat rooms, or teledildonics may be options for you.
3. Take care during sex.
Kissing can easily pass COVID-19. Avoid kissing anyone who is not part of your small circle of close contacts
Rimming (mouth on the anus) might spread COVID-19. The virus in feces may enter your mouth
Condoms and dental dams can reduce contact with saliva or feces, especially during oral or anal sex
Washing up before and after sex is more important than ever:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
Wash sex toys with soap and warm water
Disinfect keyboards and touch screens that you share with others (for video chat, watching pornography, or anything else)
4. Skip sex if you or your partner is not feeling well.
If you or a partner may have COVID-19, avoid sex and especially kissing
If you start to feel unwell, you may be about to develop symptoms of COVID-19, which include fever, cough, sore throat, or shortness of breath
If you or your partner has a medical condition that can lead to more severe COVID-19, you may also want to skip sex. Medical conditions include lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, cancer, or a weakened immune system (for example, having unsuppressed HIV and a low CD4 count)
STAY SAFE AND HAVE FUN.