HPV, ORAL SEX & CANCER: WHAT'S THE RISK?

When the world is facing the coronavirus pandemic, most people wonder if it is safe to engage in sexual activities. Many questions are being asked on the relationship between sex and the Coronavirus. This article addresses some of the most common questions on the relationship between Coronavirus and sex. 

What is Considered Safe Sex? 

The risk of Coronavirus infection starts when someone gets six feet close to an infected person. This virus is transmitted by some droplet nuclei and specks of infectious substances that are invisible. They are normally spread from the mouth and nose through sneezing, breathing, talking, and coughing. 

A person can get the virus if they share the same air space with an infected person and inhale the infectious particles. As mentioned, the droplet nuclei can easily travel within a six-foot radius, but with coughing, it can travel even further. Also, if the nuclei drop on the surface of an object, it makes it infectious.

There is no specific recommendation for a person who may want to engage in sex with a coronavirus-infected partner. Researchers are still trying to determine if the virus is present in vaginal secretions since it was recently identified in the stool. However, based on the current findings of some scientific research on the transmission of the Coronavirus, vaginal, anal, or oral sex are unlikely to be a significant risk of transmission.

What is the Risk Associated with Sex?

Social distancing is considered the main containment strategy for the Coronavirus. As mentioned, people should maintain a distance of six feet. This is due to the transmission of the virus via respiratory droplets. You can freely have sex with your partner if both of you stay home without physical interaction with the outside world. However, if anyone goes out and interacts with different people, including vendors, intimacy may be unsafe. It is recommended to engage in solo play during this time, especially after washing your hands and sex toy with soap and water for at least 20 minutes before and after use. 

What are the Safe Sex Practices During the Corona Pandemic?

The first recommendation for reducing the spread of the corona virus is to avoid being intimate with an infectious partner. However, if you desire and can't control your sexual urge, have it with your household partner who stays indoors and doesn't interact with people outside. Don't involve a new partner during this time. Though the sexual mode of transmission has not been scientifically proven, Coronavirus can be transmitted through respiratory droplets, and sexual intimacy can be unsafe, for instance, kissing an infectious partner. 

It is also important to wash hands before and after sex. Often use water and soap to clean your hands for about 20 minutes. Dental dams and condoms are also useful in minimizing the chances of contact with feces or saliva, more so during oral or anal sex

Is it Safe To Use Sex Toys?

Sex toys are less likely to transmit Coronavirus if you use them alone. However, if you had shared them within 72 hours, ensure they have been cleaned appropriately. Also, wash your hands thoroughly because the virus might stay active in your hands for about three days.

Avoid cleaning sex toys and hands using a hand sanitizer. This is because it can irritate the vagina or rectum during masturbation.

Can Wearing a Mask During Intimacy Make You Safer?

Generally, wearing a face mask while having sex is not an ultimate preventive measure. It can be safer if you wear a mask, maintain respiratory and hand hygiene, and maintain some physical distance.

When Can a Person Who Has Recovered From Coronavirus Have Sex?

It's advisable to consult your doctor on the safety of having sex after recovery. There are some reports on cases of reinfection. This could be because of the remnants of the virus missed in previous tests. Even if you begin to feel better, there are chances that you may not be fully recovered, and the virus might not have fully left your body. 

Is There a Type of Sexual Activity That is Safer Than Others?

Although the world is going through this pandemic period, it doesn't mean people have to quash their urge for sex. Masturbation remains safe. If you are far from your partner, consider it a long-distance relationship, and have phone sex. You can also have a video date with your partner, though it might not be appropriate because some apps might be hacked.

It's also normal not to have the sexual urge during this moment. This may be because of the anxiety and stress that come with the pandemic. All this can significantly suppress your sexual needs.

Can Condoms Keep Someone Safe From Coronavirus?

Generally, condom keeps people safe from Sexually Transmitted Infections, but they don't prevent the spread of the Coronavirus. The only preventive measure is social distancing. Coronavirus cannot be passed through vaginal or anal sex to the other person.