'Rona and Sex: Your guide to getting it on during COVID-19
We know you were thinking about it!
We’re on day 247827059 of quarantining and let’s face it we’ve got cabin fever. There are not enough episodes on Netflix or enough books to read to truly keep us entertained and add some variety to our day. I mean, what else are you supposed to do when you’re quarantined with bae and haven’t made any other human contact in what feels like weeks?
SEX.
We’ve put together the ‘Rona and Sex guide to give you answers to all of your burning questions when it comes to living your best life during this pandemic.
Is it okay to have sex?
The coronavirus is transmitted from person to person, through mucus and saliva, usually between people who are within six feet of each other. Researchers have also found traces of the coronavirus in semen. It is recommended to not kiss or have in-person sex with anyone you would not want to be quarantined with for 14 days.
Consider this: Phone or video sex, and/or mutual masturbation.
What precautions can I take?
Have a conversation with your partner(s)
Ask your partner(s)where they've recently traveled, if they've been around anyone symptomatic and if they've shown symptoms themselves so you can know whether they've possibly contracted the virus.
Wash your hands.
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after sex.
Social distancing.
Explore new ways of connecting virtually. Is it FaceTime? Cash App? Sexting?
Clean your toys.
Wash your sex toys with soap and warm water.
Consider this: Avoid sex if you or your partner(s) are not feeling well.
Can ‘Rona hinder access to
reproductive care?
People seeking abortion care already faced so many barriers to access before the pandemic. There is a possibility for it to be heightened now due to restrictions on travel and provider availability.
Some clinics are increasing their capacity to provide abortion by telehealth or removing requirements around abortion like in-person consent, ultrasound, and lab testing before an abortion to reduce patient contact.
An abortion should not be considered an elective procedure.
Consider this: Call your local abortion provider to see what their COVID-19 policy is.
Should I stock up on contraceptives and PrEP?
If you are already taking contraceptives it is a good idea to have at least a three-month supply available. You can also ask your provider for a prescription for Emergency Contraception.Check in with your health care provider about refills for PrEP.
Consider this: Ask your health-care provider to send your refills to a mail-order service or check the policy of your local pharmacy.
Stay safe! Here is a friendly reminder from the
NYC Department of Health:
Until next time,
