Quarantine & Chill
Do you seem to have sex on the brain more during this coronavirus pandemic? If you answered yes, then you are certainly not alone. Many people are currently out-of-work, working from home, or self-isolating at home, which over time can lead to boredom. One of the ways many couples are combatting that boredom is through sex. Some are calling it “quarantine and chill.”
The CDC has recommended that people use social distancing and self-quarantining as ways to protect themselves from becoming infected with coronavirus. Social distancing recommends that you stay at least 6 feet away from others. Basically- if you don’t live with them, you don’t visit them! That certainly limits the amount of people you come into contact with.
It has been over 3 weeks since we have started to self-quarantine, and don’t be mistaken, we enjoy our alone time as much as the next person… BUT- like most others out there, the loss of physical contact with friends and family along with the freedom to go out and about as we choose is taking a toll.
We know that you can contract the virus by touching or breathing-in droplets that someone else, who is infected, emits through coughing or sneezing. The virus can also live on some surfaces for different amounts of time. Like STI’s, you could have the virus and not know it because you are not showing any symptoms.
Many people are wondering if the coronavirus can be spread through sexual contact. Current information states that it cannot be transmitted through semen or vaginal fluids but can live in fecal matter. What does this mean for people having sex? Anal sex is much riskier in terms of being able to get the coronavirus, especially if you are not using protection. Oral sex is also considered high risk because of the presence of saliva, which can contain the virus. Most sexual activities, however, have each other all up in their personal space so just for that purpose, they are considered high-risk.
There are both positives and negatives when it comes to being quarantined with your partner. A positive is that sex can be used to alleviate stress, which many are experiencing right now. It can take your mind off all the negativity and sadness that is being broadcast on tv and social media. Your mental health is crucial to attend to during a time like this! Isolating with a partner is also allowing couples to have more time together to enjoy each other sexually and / or to work on things in their relationships- such as communication.
On the flip side, sometimes spending too much time with your partner, or anyone for that matter, can also lead to stress. Couples that are used to being apart for most of their day because of work are now having to spend more time together. Being stressed out can cause anxiety and that can lead to not wanting to be intimate. Getting pregnant is another stressor that many couples are now being faced with. For some, their birth control prescriptions may be running out and/or may not have access to other forms of protection due to the pandemic. If this is you- call us! We want to make sure your reproductive health needs are met during this time.
What does this mean for people who do not live with or have a partner? The only kind of contact that they are going to be able to have is through social media platforms and messaging / calling each other. Going on dates in the traditional sense has, for right now, come to a screeching halt. Remember- if you don’t live with them, you don’t visit them!
So, what are you options for being safe and being sexually active? First make sure that both parties have given consent before any sexual activities take place. Take a look below at the ways you can protect yourself and your partner(s) but still enjoy sex:
Use your words
Text messages (sexting)
Letters
Take it online for persons over age 18 (privately)
Cybersex (do not show your face or defining birth marks or tattoos)
Video calls (do not show your face or defining birth marks or tattoos)
Do it yourself
Masturbation (wash your hands before and after)- a little DIY never hurt anyone!
Use or adapt your barrier methods for oral sex (protects you from coronavirus as well as STI’s)
Flavored condoms, dental dams and internal condoms
Masturbate together (Mutual Masturbation)
For partners who are sharing space but do not want to touch
Use toys on each other
Make sure they are thoroughly cleaned (clean with warm soapy water for 20 seconds or more. Avoid electrical components or batteries
Make sure they are non-porous: 100 % silicone, stainless steel, borosilicate glass, or ABS plastic.
Use barrier methods on your sex toys (use a new one for every sexual act) This will protect you from getting STIs
*Many of these items can be purchased online so you don’t have to leave your house*
**Please use your own personal judgment and discretion if you choose to use any online/digital platform**
If you think you are experiencing symptoms of coronavirus- cough, fever, tiredness, difficulty breathing- you can call your primary care doctor or the University Hospital’s Triage line @ 315-464-3979.
If you think that you may have been exposed to an STI or are experiencing symptoms- you can call or text us at (315) 325-2010!