Sex During Coronavirus

The subject of current concern to the whole world is the novel coronavirus and sex during coronavirus…

In this context, as a sex neuroscience researcher and sex positive advocate, I write this article with several goals in mind: to inform readers of the relationship between sex and the current pandemic, and to prevent the spread of myths and false information in a troubled social environment.

Due to the common modes of transmission of respiratory viruses, engaging in certain types of sexual activity can spread the virus. However, it is unrealistic to expect people to abstain from sex in times of isolation.

In the current situation, since sex is not a priority topic of discussion, false information flows quite easily. People could unintentionally increase the spread of the virus if they do not take the necessary precautions.

So wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds, and let’s get down to business!

Sex and Covid-19

Can the coronavirus be transmitted sexually? The answer is simple: we don’t know. So far, no reliable research, official communication or scientific report has been presented by the competent authorities.

Transmission of the virus through sex and getting it from your sexual partner are two different things. The first case involves transmission through sexual contact and the exchange of body fluids, for example through vaginal, oral and anal sex. The second case concerns transmission which can occur, among other things, when partners kiss.

World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Christian Lindmeier told The New York Times that coronaviruses are not usually transmitted sexually. In the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are seven types of coronavirus – and all of them ordinarily exert their effects on the airways in humans.

Other infectious disease experts support these observations. However, the coronavirus does not only affect the respiratory tract. Indeed, some traces of it have been found in the stools of infected patients. However, the US CDC considers the risk of transmission through this route to be low.

The new coronavirus is spread by droplets expelled by infected people when they breathe out, cough or sneeze. People around them become infected by inhaling these droplets, or touching them on a surface, and then touching their face. The chances of contracting the virus through sexual activity with an infected person are therefore very high.

Related post ? COVID Symptoms | Symptoms in order of appearance

How is the virus transmitted during sex?

The virus that causes COVID-19 can be transmitted through close personal contact, in poorly ventilated indoor spaces, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects during sex.

If someone is a carrier of the virus, the risk of transmission will be very high during close contact sex (including vaginal, anal and oral sex). If in close contact, you may be exposed to droplets from the mouth, throat or nose of an infected person. In addition, the virus can be transmitted through saliva during kissing. Traces of the virus have also been detected in semen, urine and faeces (and can also be found in other body fluids), but at this time it is not known whether there is a risk of transmission from the virus. these liquids. That said, COVID-19 is not considered a sexually transmitted infection.

The virus can also be spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, such as skin and sex toys. These surfaces and objects may have been contaminated with respiratory droplets or saliva.

Alternative practices sex during coronavirus

The study also highlighted alternative practices that couples can engage in during the pandemic. A range of sexual practices can be recommended to couples, including abstinence and masturbation. Abstinence is the lowest risk approach to sexual health among the global health hazard of coronavirus. Meanwhile, masturbation is another safe recommendation for patients to meet their sexual needs.

Health care practitioners should advise couples on the use of the internet and digital platforms as these have potential permissible consequences. In addition, minors should be warned about online sex predation.

Should we avoid all sexual relations?

No, because consensual sex can contribute to our general health and well-being. Different choices can be made depending on how much each person assesses their level of risk (see the section on risk management), which can either eliminate or reduce the risk of transmission of the virus. It is important to have “sex-positive” discussions, that is, one reflecting a positive attitude towards sexual expression, elimination and risk reduction in order to reduce the potential stigma associated with sexuality and sex during coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

How to reduce the risk of transmission of the virus during sex?

Eliminate the risk of transmission during sex during coronavirus is very important!

Sex without close physical contact poses no risk of transmission. Sexual activities with physical distancing can include:

• Solitary pleasure (masturbation).
• Sex by video.
• Phone sex.
• Chat rooms.
• Sexting.
• Writing and sharing erotic stories.
• The use of a sex toy connected to the internet, where the partner controls the intensity of the accessory.

Consideration should be given to the potential privacy concerns associated with the use of online or telephone communications (eg, screenshots) when engaging in any of the above activities.

Reduce the risk of transmission during sex

Before having sex, it is advisable to talk about COVID-19 with any partner, especially to know if he or she is showing symptoms or has been potentially exposed to the virus, and what precautions are taken to limit potential exposure to the virus during sexual contact.

If a partner is not feeling well or is suspected to have been exposed to someone with COVID-19, it is important to avoid face-to-face sex for the if there is a transmissible infection. However, even if there are no symptoms, you can still carry a transmissible virus.

Because asymptomatic people (that is, those without symptoms) can pass the virus on, there are general prevention strategies people can consider using before, during, or after in-person sex. although their effectiveness in the context of sexual relations is not currently known. It is important to remember, however, that the greatest risk factor for transmission comes from close physical contact, which cannot be avoided during face-to-face sex, so these strategies cannot be relied upon. To prevent transmissions:

• Wash or shower with soap and water before and after sex.
• Avoid kissing, exchanging saliva, sex positions that result in close face-to-face contact, and avoid touching faces.
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth during sex or use other means to prevent the spread of droplets, such as “glory holes.”
• Thoroughly clean objects (eg sex toys) and frequently touched surfaces.
• If sex is part of a person’s job, they may consider doing their activities online (e.g. web services) or using the phone (e.g. texting, phone sex). If this is not possible, she can think of ways to avoid face-to-face contact and use other strategies listed above.

Sources: American College of Physicians, Web MD

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