Sex and Social Distancing? Sexual Health in the Time of COVID-19

Many people may be wondering if it is safe to have sex during the COVID-19 global pandemic. While the virus has not been found in semen or vaginal fluid (and other coronaviruses have not been shown to be sexually transmitted), it has been found in feces and saliva that could be shared during kissing or other oral contact. Any sexual activity that includes close contact (with the genitalia and mouth in particular) still needs the added protection of a barrier method (a condom, dental dam, finger cot, or latex glove). In truth, this may be the best time to abstain from partnered sexual activity, especially if that partner is not someone with whom you reside. Consider how a casual sexual encounter may impact those in your home, including those who are elderly, have chronic health conditions, or are immunocompromised. Just because you may not think you are at high risk as a college student, doesn’t mean that everyone around you is in the same boat.

For those who are living alone, the advice is straightforward: you are your safest sex partner! As the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines suggest, masturbation will not spread COVID-19 and good handwashing etiquette (with soap and water for 20 seconds before and after play) is still just as important. Avoid close contact generally with anyone outside your household. If you do choose to have sex, try to limit the total number of partnerships as much as possible and keep close attention to their health. While the Student Wellness Center has suspended free HIV/STI testing for the remainder of the spring semester, Columbus Public Health and Equitas Health still offer testing and treatment (by scheduling an appointment over the phone) in Columbus. Please see the resources below to learn more.

If you are occupying your free time by scrolling on dating apps, consider the pandemic a great time to really get to know someone and form an emotional connection before the physical intimacy that will inevitably follow. Even Tinder has encouraged its users to go on ‘virtual dates’ during this time. The foundation to any healthy relationship is strong communication, and this could become the best time to figure out just how compatible you two really are!

For those that live with their sexual partner(s), please know that it is normal if you have been totally disinterested in sex for the past few weeks. In fact, many people are feeling more anxious or depressed during this uncertain time, and mood changes may lead to lower sex drive (libido). Being around your partner(s) for days on end may also have you feeling some type of way. Having honest and emotionally vulnerable conversations with them may help reduce that stress and make you more comfortable with these changes. It is also important to mention that if anyone is not feeling well, it may be wise to skip sex until their symptoms resolve.

Lastly, if you were seeing someone at school who has now moved back home, try to focus on other aspects of the relationship and know that there are many ways to connect virtually and still experience intimacy and sexual satisfaction. Sexting, phone sex, and now ‘Zoom sex’ may become the way of the future! These also happen to be some of the safest ways to express our sexuality, as they do not carry the risk of STI transmission or unintended pregnancy. Still, please consider the privacy considerations of sharing and sending sexually explicit content over your phone or the internet before you begin.