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Sex and COVID-19

^{Originally posted Spring 2020}

Navigating sex in the COVID-19 landscape is a balance between our need for sex, intimacy and cuddles, and the risks of getting COVID-19 and passing it on.

Having said that, we acknowledge that when it comes to sex, some people take COVID-19 seriously, others less so, some not at all. It's the truth of the matter, it's part of the human condition, and we're not judging.

As more of us return to work, socialise, and have sex, the "new normal" should ideally mean following government guidelines and rules; however, you would be forgiven if you find them confusing, contradictory and/ or and complicated. As gay men (and MEN R US volunteers) we struggle to make sense of it all but here's our take:

The 'I'm going wank myself into oblivion' option
The safest option is not to hook up with anybody else and keep your sex online/ virtual.
The 'keep it the extended family' option
The consensus guidance seems to be to have sex with a regular sexual partner, a regular sex bud, or someone you live with, though you should discuss and decide the precautions you may wish to take first. Most importantly though is not to have sex with others.
The 'safer COVID-19 sex' option
Hook up but fewer hooks-up and fewer partners mean less contact with the virus if it's present. COVID-19 can be passed on through close person-to-person contact during sex so while not fantastically glamorous, you can reduce the risks by wearing masks, doing it doggy style, wearing condoms and no kissing.
The 'give it to me now' option
As hook up-apps thrive again, this appears to be the train that's left the station.

Remember

COVID-19 is passed on through droplets from your mouth and nose when you cough and/ or breathe out
It is thought that the virus can be passed on in saliva, shit (faeces) during anal sex, and arse licking (rimming)
Though it would appear it can be passed during sex, COVID-19 is NOT in itself a sexually transmitted infection (like HIV, or herpes)
The more people you are in close intimate contact with, the more likely you’ll be exposed to COVID-19 if it's present

Which guidance, take your pick, or try them all ...

We've taken a shine to HIV Scotland and there's the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH)
If you're looking for something a little spicier try Prepster
If you're looking for more traditional try Avert which is rather good, and the LGBT Foundation
Bring up the rear (so to speak) is the Terrence Higgins Trust though we had to read twice the sex tip about no kissing, face masks, condoms and favouring positions where you’re not face-to-face. Reassuring guidance for some, it just took us a bit by surprise!*

Guidance

Sex, COVID-19 and physical distancing | HIV Scotland
How to have sex these days: navigating COVID when horny | Prepster
Sex and coronavirus (COVID-19) | Avert
How to have sex while managing the risk of COVID-19 | Terrence Higgins Trust
Sex during the COVID-19 pandemic | LGBT Foundation
Social distancing: what you need to do | NHS

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