Is it safe to have sex during the COVID-19 outbreak?
If you and your partner are living together and are not displaying any symptoms, the COVID-19 outbreak shouldn’t change anything to your situation. If, however, any of you are displaying symptoms, even if they are mild, you should social distance and follow local/government guidelines relevant for you.
Can a condom protect me from getting COVID-19?
COVID-19 is not a STI/STD. It is a virus that is mainly spread through small respiratory droplets via coughing, sneezing or through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose. This is why a condom will not protect you from getting COVID-19.
Do use a condom to prevent STD/STIs and unintended pregnancy though.
Can I meet a new partner?
You can meet a new partner online, but it is important that for now you are not meeting in person and to follow your local / government guidelines on social distancing even if none of you are displaying any symptoms. This is important as staying at home is key in slowing the spread of the virus. Also keep in mind that some people have the virus and are not displaying any symptoms so can pass it on without even knowing. The incubation period (time between catching the virus and beginning to have symptoms) is currently estimated between 1-14 days*.
*https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/q-a-coronaviruses
Can I have sex with a new partner?
Sex may not be possible due to social distancing rules that mean staying at home, but it doesn’t mean you can’t meet people online - start talking on the phone, have video chats, sext or have phone sex, masturbate together, if that is your thing. Remember to stay safe online. Do not give out personal details unless you are absolutely sure you know who the person is. Any activity should always be consensual - that is, you are both comfortable and there's no pressure to do something you don't want to.
What is safe sex during COVID-19?
That all depends on your situation…
If you & your partner are not living together or if you are living together but one of you is displaying even mild symptoms, best is to not have sex for now and follow local/government guidelines relevant for you.
If you are living together and neither of you are displaying any symptoms, then the usual rules of safe sex apply, and condoms will be the best way to protect from STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
If you are single, you are your safest partner right now. Masturbation is a great way to self-pleasure and discover what you are into and where you like to be touched. Some research also shows that it may help relieve stress. For more on masturbation, click here.
In these difficult times, not everyone has sexual privacy as they might be sharing small physical spaces. Sexual pleasure is a luxury for many people right now. Enjoy, be safe, protect yourself and others.
A recent partner has symptoms, am I safe?
COVID-19 is mainly spread through respiratory droplets, so even kissing an infected person can put you at risk. If a recent partner developed symptoms, please make sure to self-isolate and monitor your symptoms. Also, please be responsible so if you had other partners during that time too, please let them know.
I am single, what can I do?
We strongly advise against meeting new people in person during the COVID-19 outbreak and strongly advise to follow local/government guidelines relevant for you. But it is totally ok to still use dating apps and services. Virtually dating at home can be an exciting new way to explore too. For ideas and ways to #DateAtHome click here.
Also don’t forget that you are your safest sex partner. Masturbation is a great way to discover your body and what works for you. There is as well some scientific evidence that suggests it may help relieve stress. Only thing to keep in mind is that if you use sex toys, you should wash them and your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before and after use. More on masturbation can be found on: A Finger of Fun
My partner is not in the mood for sex, what can I do?;
If you and your partner are looking for some ideas on how to date at home and keep your sex life interesting right now please click here for some inspiration.
But as we want everyone to have a good time, please keep in mind that people do have different sex drives, so it’s important that you have an open, honest and respectful conversation about this.
