Is it safe to have sex during the pandemic? Plus, first-person pandemic pregnancy

Q

Can you have sex during the coronavirus outbreak?

A

In general, a couple living together can have sex if they both feel healthy, are not in an at-risk group and have not come into contact with anyone with symptoms.

If you are in a group at high risk of becoming seriously unwell, the advice is different. If you live with your partner, have been self-isolating for two weeks or more, and neither of you is exhibiting symptoms or have come into contact with anyone who is, then go for it. But only under these conditions. Remember that every time someone goes out of their household, for groceries, takeout or the pharmacy, that person has the potential to acquire the virus. That resets the 14day clock.

If you are considering meeting up with someone to have sex, don’t. Neither of you are meant to be out, nor do you really know where the other person might hav been, however innocently.

Q

Can you have sex if one of you has coronavirus or has come into contact with someone who has?

A

If you or your partner is exhibiting symptoms, the chances are sex is going to be the last thing on your mind. A fever and dry cough aren’t exactly aphrodisiacs.

If you, someone you live with or someone you’ve had sex with recently has had symptoms of COVID-19, you should self-isolate for 14 days to prevent further transmissions. This means no physical contact, which obviously includes sex.

The virus is transmitted most easily between those in the same household, by droplet spread and surfaces that have been contaminated. If someone is self-isolating because they have symptoms or have potentially been exposed to the virus, then they shouldn’t be having sex during the isolation period at all.

Q

Is Covid-19 sexually transmissible?

A

The virus is primarily spread through respiratory droplets. So while there is no evidence that it can be transmitted through genital secretions, it could be spread through saliva. And there is evidence that oral-anal sex could represent a risk for infection.

Q

How can I have sex while self-isolating alone?

A

The short answer is, you can’t, unless you have it alone. Clearly, avoiding the virus should take precedence over your sex life.

But the internet affords us plenty of ways to satisfy our needs from a safe distance. The dating app Hinge is encouraging users to enjoy its video chat mode, where you can have a virtual date rather than meeting in person: sexting, erotic video calls and voice notes — a brave new world of virtual pleasure awaits.

And remember, keep your sex toys as clean as your hands and surfaces, using soap and water. Whether or not you choose to sing two rounds of Happy Birthday while you do so is entirely up to you. You may try an equal amount of time singing some part of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.