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Wear face mask while having sex amid COVID-19 pandemic: A few other tips to play it safe

Wear face mask while having sex amid COVID-19 pandemic: A few other tips to play it safe
Now, according to a new study, you may be at risk of COVID-19 if you have sex without wearing a facemask.

Researchers at Harvard University in the US recommend that couples must take preventative measures in the bedroom. This includes wearing face masks.

Written by Jahnavi Sarma |Updated : June 3, 2020 8:35 PM IST

Sex in the times of COVID-19 is risky. Though not a lot of research has been done on the subject, one study China found the presence of COVID-19 virus in the semen of infected men. This opens up the chances of sexual transmission, say researchers. However, this research was not conclusive. Now, according to a new study, you may be at risk of COVID-19 if you have sex without wearing a face mask. Researchers at Harvard University in the US recommend that couples must take precautions in the bedroom and one of the most crucial ones is wearing face masks. They say that other important preventative measures include showering before and after sex and avoiding kissing. According to them, one also needs to cleaning up the physical space with soap or alcohol wipes.

Sex in the era of social distancing

We now live in a world where social distancing is a must if you want to avoid infection. Having sex requires you to be very close to another person which ups the risk of catching the infection considerably. Moreover, the novel coronavirus spreads via respiratory droplets and saliva. So, kissing also increases your chances of infection. Though the virus has not been detected in vaginal fluid, its presence in semen is worrying indeed. Hence, there is need to take certain precautions while having sex.

In the above-mentioned Harvard study, scientists have ranked sexual scenarios on the basis of your risk factor. Those at the lower end of the scale included abstinence and masturbation. Having sex with people from your own household and those from other households, on the other hand, were 'high risk' activities.

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This follows the UK Government's announcement that it's now illegal to have sex with people from other households during lockdown. Under a new amendment to The Health Protection (Coronavirus, Restrictions) Regulations 2020 Bill, it says only those with 'reasonable excuses' can meet indoors and sex is not listed as one of those excuses.However, it must be noted that researchers are not recommending long-term abstinence. In fact, they say that abstinence is definitely not the answer to the current predicament.

Safe sex practices to embrace

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a see change in most aspects of life, including the way we look at sex. It isn't anymore viewed with the lens of pleasure alone. The thought of sex comes with a lot of fear and hesitation, and for valid reasons. While complete abstinence isn't the answer, a few precautionary measures will help you strike a balance between pleasure and safety while it comes to having sex in the era of social distancing. Here are a few tips that you must follow to stay safe:

  • Avoid sexual contact with anyone outside your household.
  • Be your own sex partner. Masturbation is safe and it will not spread COVID-19. But be sure to wash your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds before starting.
  • Casual sex is a big 'no'. Avoid meeting up online partners or someone who is not from your household.
  • Avoid kissing. COVID-19 can spread through saliva.
  • This virus has been detected in faeces too. So, avoid mouth-to-anus contact.
  • Shower properly before and after sex.
  • Consider using condoms and dental dams because this may reduce contact with saliva or faeces during oral or anal sex.
  • Use sex toys. This is safer than physical contact with another person. But wash your toys properly before and after you use them.