Sex parties are canceled. The bars, restaurants, and fitness studios where you’d usually find someone to bang are closed.
The dating app Tinder even put out a precaution about dating and mating in the time of coronavirus.
And yet, the internet’s spewing predictions about all the babies that are going to get made during this pandemic. These to-be-made babies even have a cute nickname: “Coronials.”
So, it makes sense if you’re wondering: Is it safe to go to Pound Town during a pandemic or not?
What we do and don’t know about the novel coronavirus and bodily fluids
There’s a reason COVID-19’s virus is known as a “novel” one: It’s brand spankin’ new. Before November 2019, it had never been seen before.
Because it’s still new, and because there has not yet been sufficient research, there’s a scarcity of information at this time.
So, what do we know?
It’s spread through respiratory droplets (and fecal matter)
Coronavirus is a respiratory virus, which means it’s spread through respiratory droplets.
What is a respiratory droplet, exactly? Sneeze snot, cough residue, and saliva. Basically, anything that could spray out of your mouth or nose qualifies.
A Gynecologist’s Lifeline to Naturally Restore Your Rhythms, Hormones, and Happiness, adds that recent research suggests the novel coronavirus can also be shed in the feces of folks who an infection.
Coronavirus ≠ sexually transmitted infection
Coronavirus doesn’t appear to be sexually transmitted.
However, that there’s been zero research about what sexual acts can and cannot spread the virus.
That said, you *can* contract it by having sex
The intercourse itself isn’t what’s spreading the virus,” It’s the fact that your bodies are so close together.
The current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendationTrusted Source is that folks — even those who aren’t currently experiencing symptoms — avoid being within 6 feet (1.83 meters) of one another.
The reality is that you can’t have intercourse that far away from each other. Fair!
There is reason to believe that someone can have the virus but be completely asymptomatic and spread it to other folks. Meaning, even if your partner isn’t experiencing symptoms, they could have the virus and spread it to you if you have IRL sex.
If this scares you, consider this: This is true for most viral infections.
“If you had the flu — which is widely known not to be a sexually transmitted infection — and had sex with someone, they’d probably get the flu, too,” Mizuno says.
So, is sex off-limits for everyone?
It’s complicated.
It’s different to have sex with a live-in partner or someone you’re self-quarantining with than it is to have sex with someone who you don’t know very well and who has to travel to get to you.”
Having sex with your live-in boo is probably OK
“For couples who already share a bed, the possibility is incredibly high that if one person gets coronavirus, the other person will, too.
These couples need to determine whether the additional transfer risk that comes with having sex is worth it for them.
And for some couples, the risk may be worth it.
But for couples where one or both people are immunocompromised — and the dangers associated with getting the virus are high — it probably isn’t.
Having sex with someone new probably isn’t OK
Doing so is basically the exact opposite of social distancing.
This person could be carrying the virus and transmit it to you. Or vice versa.
If you’re going to get it on IRL with another person, be careful
Yep, even for live-in duos, there are more and less careful ways to be boning right now. Here are some doctor-recommended sex tips to keep in mind.
Cut back on kissing
The virus can be spread through saliva, so that means it can be spread during kissing.
Proceed cautiously.
Avoid anal play
“We know that coronavirus can be spread through fecal matter ; And because anal play is more likely to put you in contact with fecal matter than any other kind of play, my advice is to leave it out for now.
So, press pause on the rimming, anal fingering, penetrative anal sex, and anal toy play.
Or simply scrub your backdoor reallyyyy well — which TBH is good advice, pandemic or not.
But if you’re still going to have anal sex, be sure to do it safely: Wear condoms, use lube, etc. You know the drill ; Opt for positions where you’re facing away from each other
“The less face-to-face contact, the better.
Rather than getting it on missionary style, try:
standing doggy style
lap dance
reverse rider on top
wheelbarrow
Miss the intimacy of eye contact? Have sex in front of a mirror so you can still gaze lovingly into each other’s eyes. Romantic!
If you and your boo(s) don’t live together, embrace technology
Just because you can’t be in the same room or house doesn’t mean you can’t get each other off.
“The distance that a text or phone puts between you and a lover can also give you the chance to try some stuff out that you might be too shy to explore IRL.
Have phone sex
Cue Soulja Boy, ’cause it’s time to kiss your boo through the phone.
Just because you can’t see each other, doesn’t mean you can’t get off together. Her top tip? Use sound to your advantage.
“Really make use of dirty talk, moans, vibrators, smacking, bed squeaking, heavy breathing, and more.
Enjoy a FaceTime romp
If you’re a visual “learner,” invite your partner to have video sex.
“If you both let your guard down a little, it can be really fun.
Her tips for making it even hotter:
Be bossy! Tell your partner what to do to themselves.
Read the steamiest part of your favorite sex story out loud.
Answer the call as your sexy alter ego, and indulge in a fantasy that your everyday self might not.
Show them how you touch yourself and what feels good on your body. Ask them to do the same for you.
Sexy texts
Dirty texting can go way beyond a well-placed eggplant emoji.
“If your partner is down to dirty text, tell them what you want to do when you are together again, “Be as specific as possible.”
Other options:
Remind them of some super hot sex you two had in the past. Type it up in vivid detail.
Ask them to tell you a sexual secret or fantasy — and be open-minded about it.
On the flip side, tell them something you’ve never told anyone else about your sex life or fantasies.
If your partner consents, you might even send a full or partial nude.
“Make a game of it,” Take a photo of a sexy body part you like, then crop the image close and see if they can guess. Keep taking further-away crops until the full image is revealed.”
Bring an app-controlled sex toy into the mix
Want to really feel like your partner’s right there with you?
FYI: You don’t need to do anything special to clean your sex toy during a pandemic. Warm water and fragrance-free soap or sex toy cleaner are just fine.
Partnered or not, masturbate while you isolate
There’s no risk to masturbating, In fact, orgasming is an incredibly healthy thing to do while self-quarantined or isolated.
Experts agree that masturbation can:
reduce stress
help you sleep better
strengthen your immune system
boost your confidence
“Use the time to explore new ways to self-pleasure.
“Try standing, touching yourself on all fours, on your back, side, and stomach,
The bottom line
The new coronavirus isn’t sexually transmitted, but with all the spit-swapping, face-to-face contact, and general body closeness of IRL partnered sex, the risk of transmitting the virus is high.
That’s why “It’s a big sacrifice, sure, but the best bet for your long-term health is to abstain from partnered sex for the time being.”
Solo sex, however, is completely on the table… and the bed… and in the shower. On your marks, get set, get off!