Importance of
safer sex during COVID days: COVID is here to stay so how to have safer sex
COVID-19
is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), however it can spread by close
contact when having sex or being intimate with another person. To avoid
spreading the virus, some people are being urged to avoid having intercourse
with someone they do not live with. It is completely fine to have sex with a
person you live with as long as you do not have any COVID-19 symptoms.
The
virus is spread through close contact with droplets from the nose and mouth,
including saliva, of an infected person. This means that having sex or being
intimate with someone increases the chances of contracting COVID-19. There is
also evidence that the virus is found in faeces, suggesting that rimming may be
a way for the virus to spread. Some studies discovered traces of the virus in
semen, but further research is required to determine whether it can be
transmitted between people via semen.
Guidelines for safer sex during COVID days
Consensual
sex with people has always come with a slew of potential risks and rewards.
COVID-19 is a new health risk to be aware of while engaging in in-person sexual
activities with others, and it is an important issue to consider when making
sexual decisions. These are decisions we would all make anyhow, but particular
types of dangers exist right now for public health reasons. For those
contemplating sex options during this time, communicating openly about both
safety and boundaries with partners may be beneficial.
Safer sex with someone you live with
If
you live with a sexual partner and neither of you have any symptoms, you can
continue having sex as normal for your relationship. If you or your partner
experience any COVID-19 symptoms, such as fever, dry cough, fatigue, or a loss
of taste or smell, you must stay away from each other for 14 days to avoid
spreading the virus. You should avoid intercourse and any type of physical
closeness, such as kissing and hugging during this time.
Safer sex without physical contact
Masturbation
poses no COVID-19 danger and is one of the best ways to continue having sex
throughout the pandemic. You can also try phone or webcam sex with a partner
without having to meet up in person. If you decide to go online, be mindful of
what you share and with whom you share it. Always remember to follow your
instincts. Your partner could be interested in trying out this new style of
being sexual, but you should not feel obligated to share sexual content over
the phone or the internet if you do not want to.
Safer sex with someone you do not live with
If
you do decide to have intercourse with someone you do not live with, there are
a few steps you may need to reduce the chances of contracting COVID-19:
·
If you do not live with someone, avoid kissing or exchanging
saliva with them.
·
Rimming and other sexual behaviours should be avoided.
·
Every time you have sex, include oral sex, use condoms or
dental dams.
·
To reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19 to your partner,
consider using a face mask while having sex.
·
Before and after intercourse, take a shower and thoroughly
clean your hands and body with soap and water.
·
If you use sex toys, make sure to clean them completely with
soap and water, and avoid sharing them.
·
Consider arousal strategies that do not require physical
contact, such as dirty talk or mutual masturbation while physically separated.
·
Limit the overall number of sexual partners one has at the
same time.
·
If your partner is sick or thinks they could have COVID-19,
avoid having sex or being intimate with them.
How to have safer sex during COVID days
If
you or a partner has COVID-19 symptoms, keep your distance for 14 days and
avoid having sex. Masturbation, sex toys, and phone or webcam sex are all
options for having sexual pleasure or feeling intimate with your partner
without getting physical. If you decide to have sex with someone with whom you
do not live, you should take precautions to reduce the chances of passing
COVID-19 on.
Nowadays,
safer sex is defined as sex in which all parties involved attempt to limit the
risk of STI and COVID-19 transmission.
Educate oneself
Understanding
how to disease works is the first step towards safer sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 can be spread in one of two ways. COVID-19 is disseminated largely
through contact with respiratory droplets – such as sneeze droplets, cough, and
spit – from a COVID-19 infected person coughing, sneezing or talking near you.
COVID-19 can also be passed from person to person through the air.
Find out if you have COVID-19
The
only way to find out if you have COVID-19 is to get tested, minimise as many
potential transmission risks as possible between the test time and the results,
and then wait for the results.
Discuss your COVID-19 status and possible exposures
You
should find out whether your partner’s previous COVID-19 test was negative or
positive, if they are completely vaccinated, if and when they plan to get
vaccinated, what their safety protocols are, and if they have had any recent
exposures before consenting to meet up with you. (Gaither)
This
is an extremely dangerous virus that needs to be treated as such.
Discuss specific sexual actions and positions
If
both individuals are in good health, only then participate in intimate
activities like kissing or sex. Do not have sexual relations with someone who
has COVID-19 symptoms or has tested positive. COVID-19 can easily pass through
kissing. Avoid kissing anyone who is not part of your small circle, and do not
kiss if you or your partner are sick. Finally, having in-person intercourse
with someone you do not live with, in the middle of the pandemic is perilous if
you are not fully vaccinated. However, the NYC Health Department claims that
some activities are safer than others. The safest sex acts during the pandemic
are:
·
Masked sex
·
Oral sex with a dental dam or a condom
·
Anal sex with a condom or other barrier method
·
Mutual masturbation
·
Glory hole sex
Keeping
contact with people to a minimum reduces the risk of illness. Masturbation
using toys is encouraged. Condoms and dental dams can help prevent the
transmission of STIs like HIV by reducing contact with saliva or faeces,
especially during oral and anal sex. It is also crucial to wash up before and
after sex. It is obligatory to wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and
water. Swapping spit is a bit of a gamble. Rimming is also considered
dangerous. You should approach other sexual behaviours with an awareness of the
dangers involved.
Virtual sex
Virtual
sex may be both pleasurable and intimate (Engle). Sex devices that can be
controlled via an app, mood lighting, strong Wi-Fi connections, and unlimited
chatting can help. Consensual virtual relationships made over the phone or
through web platforms can be used to communicate socially and sexually without
having to exchange fluids.
In the midst of the pandemic, it is possible to enjoy in-person partnered and multi-partnered sex. It simply necessitates extensive prior communication regarding particular topics, such as COVID-19 protocols, current STI status, boundaries, and so on.
Sources:
2.
https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-sex-guidance.pdf
3.
https://yalehealth.yale.edu/safer-sex-during-covid-19
4.
https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/sex-in-the-time-of-covid-19/