HOW MORE SEX CAN HELP US BATTLE THE SPREAD OF CORONAVIRUS
There is a restriction of movement set by the authority and more time is spent at home with limited things to do. If you are so lucky to be locked down with your spouse or partner, it is a quality time to be having plenty of hot sex. What has sex to do with the Corona Virus Disease?
Sex is an important aspect of life, whether there is a pandemic or not. According to Tang et al. (2020), Corona Virus or COVID-19 is not a sexually transmitted disease but is mostly transmitted through close contact. Oh (2021) stated that the virus can be transmitted through mucus, saliva, breath, and contact with hard surfaces. It may not seem safe to have sexual activity due to how the virus is spread. Sex happens with direct and close contact with someone else. But how has sex been during the pandemic, and can it help battle the spread of the virus?
In an article by Thorne Harbour, the following options are stated as consideration:
Masturbation
According to Lopes et al. (2020), self-pleasure is a safe option to enjoy sex without being in proximity to other people.
Phone Sex
Phone sex is ideal for couples who are in long-distance relationships or cannot be able to get together because of the virus.
Sex Toys
Buying and using sex toys is safe during the pandemic, especially if you use them for self-pleasure. Sex toys should not be shared during the pandemic. This is to avoid spreading the Corona Virus disease and germs to the genitalia.
Close or One Partner
To reduce the risk of transmission of the virus, it is recommended to have one close partner. If meeting with someone new, precautions should be taken.
Wearing Masks
Wearing masks might sound odd, but it is advisable to use masks, especially when having sex with someone who has covid or has been exposed to the virus. This is because the virus can be transmitted through saliva or mucus.
Washing Up
Washing your hands regularly is a way of preventing the virus from spreading. Therefore, wash your hands before getting into contact with another person. To minimize the risk of contracting the virus.
Change of Sex Positions
Sex has to happen, and couples can use positions that do not require face-to-face contact. There is a variety of options to choose from: reverse cowgirl, doggy, collapsed doggy, spooning, and different variations.
Can Sex Help Battle Covid?
Despite all the warnings highlighted on the spread of Covid through contact, there have been limited options for sexual contact. However, sex is still important. According to Brody (2010), sex has quite some health benefits apart from orgasms. How can sex aid in the battle against the disease? Can sex improve our immunity? A study was conducted in 2021 by Fertil to determine the correlation between having sex and sexual frequency and the ability of a person's immunity to fight the virus. The study was conducted through an online survey of participants in different countries.
The results from the study were that individuals who have had sex more than 3 times a month were not infected with the disease, or cases were mild if infected. Another group of individuals who had sex less than 3 times a month were infected with the virus. The study concluded that sex had a protective role in the fight against the virus. This was despite the age or sexual behavior of the individual. What does sex have to do with the immunity of a person? An increase in sexual activity increases the immunity status of the capability of contracting the Coronavirus.
Sex and its Effect on Immunity
Sex can affect your immunity both positively and negatively. The most obvious negative impact is exposure to sexually transmitted diseases. What are the positive impacts of sex? An article by Christopher McFadden in 2019 explains that sex positively impacts a person's sex drive and general mood. The following are more health benefits of sex that have a great impact on the immune system:
- Sex can lower blood pressure.
- It helps boost one's libido.
- Sex is a form of exercise as it helps with staying fit.
- It reduces or blocks pain. Endorphins and serotonin hormones released during sex can help relieve menstrual pain.
- Sex helps reduce stress and anxiety.
- It improves sleep patterns and helps one get a good rest.
- It has been proven to reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer.
Another research conducted by Haake, P., Krueger 2004 indicated the rise in white blood cells or the number of men after orgasm. Results from the study indicated an increasingly significant amount of leukocytes, particularly natural killer cells. These leukocytes, also known as white blood cells, help in fighting the virus-causing diseases in the body. The findings from the study revealed that components of the natural immune system are triggered by arousal through sex and orgasm.
Though not to a large degree, sex can have an effect on how our immunity system fights infections and diseases in our bodies which can include the Covid-19 virus. In addition to being a source of pleasure during the time we spend time during the pandemic, sex can help battle the virus. Precautions should be taken however if we are to come into contact with a person that has been exposed to the virus.
Conclusion
Even though we might be missing out on the other parts of our lives, or feel bad that life has not really gotten back to normal, we can feel better that we can be doing something to help our bodies fight the disease. So grab your sex toys and get those endorphins your body so badly needs. The hormones can help you relax, give your body the relaxation it needs and boost your libido. Covid-19 should not restrict you from enjoying yourself. However, have fun safely so as not to contract the virus.
References
Lopes, G. P., Vale, F. B. C., Vieira, I., da Silva Filho, A. L., Abuhid, C., & Geber, S. (2020). COVID-19 and sexuality: reinventing intimacy. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 49(8), 2735-2738.
Oh, M. D. (2021). Airborne transmission of coronavirus disease 2019: a clinician's perspective. The Korean Journal of Internal Medicine, 36(2), 467.
Tang, K., Gaoshan, J., Ahonsi, B., Ali, M., Bonet, M., Broutet, N., ... & Thwin, S. S. (2020). Sexual and reproductive health (SRH): a key issue in the emergency response to the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak. Reproductive Health, 17(1), 1-3.
Brody, S. (2010). The relative health benefits of different sexual activities. The journal of sexual medicine, 7(4), 1336-1361.