Why you should start wearing face mask while having sex
As we enter a brave new world of social distancing and start practising new ways of greeting each other in public (bye-bye hugs and handshakes), the question of handling physical intimacy still looms large. The pandemic has officially changed the very concept of a comforting, human touch, so much so, we may start thinking twice before hugging a stranger even on the third date. Since there is little to no guidance on how to have sex during the pandemic from the World Health Organization and Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, a study conducted by researchers of the Harvard University seems to offer help.
02/7Is it possible to have safe sex during coronavirus?
The coronavirus spreads when infected people sneeze or cough and these droplets are inhaled by people nearby. Hence, any act of physical intimacy, especially during the coronavirus era carries a risk for viral transmission. Moreover, sex puts individuals in close proximity, upping the risk of transfer of aerosols from the infected partner to the other.
03/7What do the experts say
Researchers at Harvard University have published a study titled ‘Sexual Health in the SARS-CoV-2 Era’ in the journal the Annals of Internal Medicine which offers tips in how one should indulge in safe sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The study has come at a time when England has made it illegal for partners who are living in different houses to have sex indoors. While the legislation did not specifically mention the word “sex”, it did prohibit social interaction” and “any other activity” with anyone you don’t live with. Here are the takeaways from the research:
04/7No sex is the safest
The authors maintain that abstinence is the safest option as if you are not going anywhere near the other person, your chances of getting infected go down drastically. However, the authors understood that classifying sex as unsafe or dangerous may further cause a detrimental
psychological effect on people who are already in a vulnerable position mentally, owing to the pandemic.
05/7You are your safest sex partner
Yes, we are talking about masturbation. According to the extensive guidelines for safer sex issued by the New York City health department, masturbation will not spread COVID-19. However, people are also encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly before and after indulging in some ‘self-love’ session. If you use any sex toys, it is also strongly advisable to wash them for 20 seconds both before and after using them.
06/7Have sex with a partner in the same household
If you are living with your partner and both of you do not exhibit any signs of COVID-19, having sex can be a relatively low-risk option and it can also function as a great stressbuster in these testing times. However, the risk of exposure is still there if your partner steps outside the home even for a grocery run and even being an asymptomatic carrier cannot be ruled out.
07/7Having sex with someone you are not living with? Put your masks on
If you are planning on getting frisky with someone who does not live in the same household, the Harvard researchers advise taking a host of precautions for safety. Some of these include:
1 . Taking a shower before and after having sex
2. Limit the number of your sexual partners and a monogamous partner is relatively safer right now
3. Kissing is a big no-no as it leads to the exchange of saliva
4. Wear masks while having sex
5. Get creative with your sex positions to avoid face-to-face contact with your partner. You can try using physical barriers and slabs. One may also experiment with different sex postures.
6. Clean the area afterwards with soap or disinfectant wipes to avoid transmission of germs
7. You can also use condoms and dental dams for added safety.
