Do Sex in the Period of Covid 19

18 May, 2021
Mohtra Health Clinic

Let us start with what we know. COVID-19 is such a direct contact with respiratory disease, eg kissing through saliva can easily pass the virus. While COVID-19 has not yet been detected in vaginal fluid, it has been found in the feces of infected people. So this means that COVID-19 can also be spread by rimming (oral/anal contact) and anal intercourse. Remember that condoms and dental dams reduce exposure to saliva and feces during anal and oral sex or oral/anal contact.

A recent study found coronavirus in semen, both men who had active infection and who had recovered, but it is unclear at this point whether it may have been sexually transmitted through semen.

So where does that leave us? With varying levels of risk. Given that we currently know about COVID-19 and how it spreads, the safest sexual activity is single or distant. Single-sex (aka masturbation) can be both satisfying and safe - just remember to wash your hands! And the technology also offers a variety of remote options such as video chat, sexting.

The next safest option is to have sex with someone you already live with, provided the person is also taking steps to reduce the potential risk of COVID-19 (eg social distance, hand washing, public Wearing masks at places).

You are your safest sex partner. Masturbation will not spread COVID-19, especially if you wash your hands (and any sex toy) with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex.
The next safest partner is the one you live with. Close contact - including sex - with only a small circle of people helps prevent COVID-19 from spreading. All partners must agree.
You should limit close contact with anyone outside your home, including sex. If you have sex with others, keep your partner as low as possible and choose your trusted partner. Talk about COVID-19 risk as you would on other safe sex subjects (eg PrEP, condom). So ask: do they have symptoms or do they have symptoms in the last 14 days? Have they detected COVID-19? People are no longer considered contagious if at least 10 days have passed since the day their symptoms began and if they have not had a fever for at least three days.
If you usually meet your sex partner online or live with sex, consider taking a break from in-person dates. Video dates, sexting, or chat rooms may be the option for you.

For couples with whom pregnancy is a concern, do not forget contraception. Once again, condoms (both internal and external) can fill that role, and telemedicine options are also available if you cannot venture into a clinic or pharmacy.