COVID-19 and Sex: Know How To Stay Protected
The corona virus is still changing a lot — even when it comes to sex. Because as pleasurable and exciting sex can be — many people are still unsettled by the current situation. That’s why I would like to give you some useful information about sex and Coronavirus.
Is coronavirus sexually transmitted?
In general, the novel coronavirus does not count among the sexually transmitted infections (STI). But there is also a high risk of infection during sex, because transmission can occur if:
· Physical proximity
The likelihood of transmission increases if you come closer than 1.50 meters to a person infected with the novel corona virus.
· Coughing or breathing
Coughing or breathing on is one of the main routes of transmission for the novel corona virus.
· Kissing
There is also a high risk of transmission when kissing, as coronavirus spreads through saliva.
· Smear infection
A transmission of the novel corona virus through smear infections, i.e. the transmission of the pathogen via objects, but also via fingers and hands, so that it hits mucous membranes, cannot be ruled out in principle. Therefore, washing your hands properly is important. But sex toys should also be cleaned, especially if you share them with others.
How can you protect yourself from coronavirus during sex?
Condoms offer reliable protection against HIV and also reduce the risk of infection for other STIs. However, they do not protect against SARS-CoV-2.
There is currently no evidence that the COVID-19 virus is transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids, but the virus has been detected in the semen of people who have or are recovering from the virus. Further research is needed to determine if the COVID-19 virus could be transmitted sexually.
However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that after you are fully vaccinated you can resume your normal activities. You can also stop wearing a mask or social distancing in any setting, except where required by a rule or law. You are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after you get a second dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine or 2 weeks after you get a single dose of the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine.
Is oral sex Covid-safe?
Even though there’s a perception that oral sex is safer, it doesn’t pay to be too literal. If you’re going to have sex with somebody, body fluids are going to touch other body fluids. Not exchanging saliva will lower the risk of getting or spreading Covid but won’t take the risk away.
Should you wear a mask while having sex?
Masks are definitely the new condoms, sex-wise, but you aren’t fully protected. For example, if you think about using condoms for gonorrhoea, even wearing a condom does not totally prevent you passing on the infection. A lot of touching goes on when people are in that situation that isn’t just when the condom is on. Experts in the fields of both etiquette and sexual health agree that expecting people to keep masks on while having sex is quite unrealistic.
And what does that mean for your love life?
If you haven’t had a COVID-19 vaccine, the safest type of sexual activity during the COVID-19 pandemic is masturbation. Be sure to wash your hands and any sex toys used, both before and after masturbating. You might also consider engaging in sexual activity with partners via text, photos or videos, ideally using an encrypted platform to provide privacy protection.
Beyond sex, there are other ways to create or maintain intimacy with a partner at a distance. Go on virtual dates together, share music you enjoy, write letters to one another or dress up for each other. Be creative.
If you are unvaccinated and sexually active with someone outside of your household, consider these precautions to reduce your risk of getting the COVID-19 virus:
· Minimize the number of sexual partners you have.
· Avoid sex partners who have symptoms of COVID-19.
· Avoid kissing.
· Avoid sexual behaviors that have a risk of fecal-oral transmission or that involve semen or urine.
· Use condoms and dental dams during oral and anal sex.
· Wear a mask during sexual activity.
· Wash your hands and shower before and after sexual activity.
· Wash sex toys before and after using them.
· Use soap or alcohol wipes to clean the area where you have sexual activity.
