ver the last couple of weeks, the world has been struck by an outbreak of COVID-19, a new infectious disease that spreads through contact with an infected person, mainly through coughing or sneezing.
With borders closed, countries being on lock down, and people in isolation, these past few weeks have been difficult, to say the least. Our way of life is changing drastically and there is a lot of uncertainty and fear surrounding what our future will look like and how we will be impacted in the long-term.
We have been asked to practice social distancing to flatten the curve and slow the spread of the virus. This means significantly limiting our physical interactions with those we normally encounter on a day to day basis, as much as possible. This means no hugging and kissing, no hand-holding, and could easily be interpreted as no sex.
So, can you have sex during this time?
Well I am certainly not here to tell you what you can and can’t do. I’m here to give you the facts. And the facts are that having intercourse would definitely not be practicing social distancing. Sexual play involves being close, intimate, and touching physically. All things which can increase the chances of you contracting and/ or spreading the virus.
Instead of wondering if you can have sex during this time, I think the real question is, is there a safer way to have sex during the pandemic?
The answer is yes, there are ways to practice safer sex and to reduce the risks involved, however being sexual active does put you at greater risk of getting sick and transmitting the virus to others.
COVID-19 can spread to others in a six-foot radius when a person coughs or sneezes. The virus can also be transmitted through direct contact with an infected person's saliva or mucus.
The guidelines add that the virus has been found in feces of people with COVID-19 but not in their semen or vaginal fluid. So, at this point, the virus has not been found to be transmitted through the exchange of sexual fluids from the vagina or penis, however, anal could pose a risk.
How do I reduce the risk of contracting or transmitting the virus during sex?
The first thing I would recommend is to avoid kissing on the mouth/ face and exchanging salivary fluids. The next would be to not have anal sex and to practice positions that are not face-to-face, like doggy, for example. Don’t use your spit as lube. And when you are finished, shower and wash your entire body thoroughly.
If you are going to have sex, I recommend it be with an existing, consistent and household partner whose travel history and daily whereabouts are known to you. That way, you can have a better idea if your partner has come into contact with an infected person. And you can also know if they are practicing hand hygiene and taking proper safety measures when interacting with others.
If you don’t have a partner who you live with and who is consistent, I do not recommend having sex at this time, unless it’s with yourself. Masturbation is the safest way to have sex during this pandemic. And it’s a great opportunity to connect to yourself on an intimate level, to explore new things, get comfortable with your body, try different toys and techniques, and see what brings you pleasure.
I will do an article on recommended toys in the coming weeks. Keep an eye out for that!
And for those who enjoy porn, Pornhub premium is now free for one week if you sign-up within the next month. Enjoy!
Stay safe! Wash your hands. And practice social distancing.
Sending you healing and loving energy during this difficult time.
Until next time,
⁃ Talya, xox
