Sex and COVID-19 Safety
Making love with your partner is a way to show love. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, many people wonder if it’s safe to have sex.
Even before COVID-19, we were advised to take precautions during sex to avoid sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and unwanted pregnancy. This is still important today.
How to Have Safer Sex During COVID-19
- Masturbation – This is the safest option. Make sure to wash your hands and any sex toys before and after.
- Sex with your household partner – Safer if you live together. But if you or your partner feel sick or show COVID-19 symptoms, avoid physical contact and self-isolate for 14 days.
- Sex outside your household – Limit partners as much as possible. Wash hands before and after sex since COVID-19 can stay on surfaces for hours.
- Be creative – Try new ways to be intimate while reducing risk, like phone sex, sexting, or watching erotic movies together.
What is Safer Sex?
- Safer sex means taking precautions to reduce the risk of STDs and unwanted pregnancy.
- No method is 100% safe, but being prepared and careful can make sex healthier and safer.
- If you want maximum safety, abstaining from sex is the only 100% risk-free option.
Extra Tips During the Pandemic
- Avoid kissing strangers – Kissing can spread COVID-19.
- Wear a mask – Masks can help reduce virus spread during close contact.
- Be creative with positions – Try sexual positions that avoid close face-to-face contact.
- Masturbate together – This allows intimacy while keeping some distance.
Buying Sex Toys Safely
- Buying online is safer than in-store to reduce contact with others.
- Consider if the purchase is a need or just a want.
- Workers in warehouses may be at higher risk, so think about the safety of everyone involved.
For related product details, readers can review the Medical Emergency Kit information page. This link is for educational product information only; personal treatment choices should be discussed with a licensed clinician or pharmacist.
For additional general safety context, readers can review NIDDK erectile dysfunction overview. This external reference is informational and does not replace guidance from a licensed clinician or pharmacist.