Intimacy in the Midst of COVID-19
Coronavirus has upended our world for the past two years. This global pandemic changed the way we live our lives in every aspect, including sex and intimacy. Since, sex is many people's favorite pastime, social interaction, and stress reliever, people have been itching for ways to combat angst and loneliness in a society where social distancing and self-isolation are the norms and in some cases a necessity for survival. Now, with Covid-19 vaccinations, people are ready to get back on the dating scene and experience intimacy. Therefore, Lala wants to ensure that we are re-connecting and experiencing intimacy in the safest ways possible for ourselves and our communities.
Self-Pleasure During COVID-19
With the global pandemic still running rampant and no end in sight, the safest person to have sex with is yourself! Masturbation is the safest sex there is because there is no risk of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or no transmission or infection of COVID-19. Your stress might be heightened during a pandemic and masturbation is a great and safe way to relax and relieve anxiousness. To spice up your self-pleasure, consider using sex toys, listening to sexy music, reading erotica, and watching porn. Remember to clean yourself before masturbation, wash your hands for the recommended twenty seconds, and wash your sex toys with soap and warm water for at least twenty seconds before and after pleasuring yourself to prevent any infections. Masturbation is not only a great way to find sexual release in a safe environment, but also a way to explore what you enjoy. You can share this information with an intimate partner once you feel safe and comfortable rejoining the sex and dating scenes.
Seek Out Intimacy Virtually During COVID-19
Covid-19 has made people miss intimate connections, more than ever before! If you and your partner aren’t quarantining together, you’re single, or you or your partner aren’t vaccinated, seeking sex and intimacy virtually is a recommended way to combat loneliness and stay connected with intimate partners. Rely on technology to find fun, pleasurable virtual dates and hookups. . Use dating apps to virtually meet people and make a connection through video chats and meetups. If you're someone that enjoys sex clubs, group sex, and sex parties then attend sexy Zoom parties and chatrooms to satisfy your sexual needs. Also, if you and a significant other aren't quarantining together the best way to connect is through sexting, phone sex, and video sex. While virtual sex is COVID-19 safe, it's not always socially safe. Be sure that you're having virtual and phone sex with consenting and trustworthy partner(s). Here are a few tips to get creative with virtual dating and sex:
Watch movies together over Skype or Zoom
Play video games together
Video Chat over a coffee date or a delicious meal
Create sexy and mood-setting playlists for one another
Read romance and erotic novels together
Write and mail each other love letters
Safest Sex & Dating Practices During Covid-19
Based on Healthline.com, safe sex is no longer defined as sex where those involved proactively work to reduce the risk of potential sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or sexually transmitted infections (STIs), but it includes COVID-19 transmission, as well. Covid-19 is not a sexually transmitted infection (STI), but there is still little knowledge of whether COVID-19 can be transferred through sexual intercourse since the virus has been found in the feces and semen of infected people. It's best to utilize condoms and dental dams for vaginal or anal penetration and oral sex to prevent the transmission of coronavirus. Medical professionals also caution people against rimming during this pandemic because the virus can be transferred through feces. Just like STI screenings, COVID-19 testing or screenings is another precaution you should take during this pandemic to help stop the spread of unwanted illnesses through sexual encounters.
COVID-19 vaccinations have made it acceptable for people to safely engage in relationships, dating, and sexual activity. Therefore, the best way to reduce the risk of infection or spreading COVID-19 during sexual activities is to get vaccinated and limit your sexual partners to only those that have been vaccinated, as well. Since, COVID-19 vaccinations are free and easily accessible, medical professionals give the green light for those who are fully vaccinated to date or engage in sexual intercourse without taking COVID-19 precautions, such as, wearing masks or face coverings, or socially distancing.
The first step in intimacy during a global pandemic is fully understanding how the virus is transmitted amongst individuals. The COVID-19 virus spreads through contaminated saliva, mucus, and respiratory particles being inhaled or entering one's nose, eyes, and mouth. Sexual activity is an easy way to spread the virus because sexual encounters include heavy breathing, kissing or swapping of saliva, and contact with bodily fluids. Before hooking up or going on dates, it's important to discuss your COVID-19 vaccine status and any COVID-19 safety measures you would like to engage in while dating or during sexual activity. Medical professionals encourage people to get tested before dates or sexual activity, even if they are vaccinated. If a coronavirus screening is ever positive, don't date or have sexual relations. Instead, self-isolate and avoid contact with others, including intimate partners, to reduce the spread of this deadly virus. It's highly encouraged to choose open and well-ventilated indoor spaces or outdoor outings for dates. Do not go to any sex clubs or parties. Lastly, even if you are vaccinated, it is best to have sex with a consistent sexual partner, if possible, to lower the risk of catching and transmitting COVID-19 during this unprecedented time.
Roughly, half of the American population is still unvaccinated, and people are going to be sexually active regardless of the pandemic. Therefore, it's advised to wear a mask or face covering during sexual intercourse if you aren't vaccinated. And once again, get tested before and after dates and sexual intercourse as a safety precaution for yourself and others. A mask may seem a little awkward during sex but try quirky sexual activities that limit face-to-face contact to make things a little more interesting. Additionally, If you or your partner aren't vaccinated, focus your intimacy on other avenues outside of kissing and sexual intercourse. For example, you can fulfill your need for affection through erotic & sensual massages, spooning, and mutual masturbation. Mutual masturbation is ideal for sex while socially distancing. Watching each other pleasure oneself from a safe distance in face coverings can satiate sexual desires.
Whether you are vaccinated or not, listed below are the key factors to having the safest sex and intimacy during a global pandemic:
ALWAYS ask for consent every time you want to engage in any kind of sexual or intimate encounter. Even if you've had sex before, are in a committed relationship, live together, or are EVEN married, it's important to respect your partner's wishes not to engage in sexual intercourse for fear of COVID-19.
Bring and use hand sanitizer, wear face coverings, and avoid kissing when on a date with someone new.
Practice good hygiene before and after sexual intercourse by showering, washing hands, thoroughly cleaning sex toys used by one another, and disinfecting keyboards and touch screens shared amongst others.
Try to only engage in romantic and intimate activities, such as, kissing or sex if both parties are feeling well. Do NOT engage in sexual activity with anyone experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or who has tested positive for the virus.
Don't put your sexual health on the back burner due to a global pandemic! Sexual health services are still available virtually, like other healthcare services.
Preventing HIV, STIs, and unintended pregnancies is still of the essence during the COVID-19 pandemic. So, make sure you are adequately stocked up on condoms, birth control, and PrEP, for at least 30 days.
Even during a global pandemic, we want to ensure that we have the safest sex and intimacy possible to continue being the healthiest versions of ourselves. Want more sexual health information? Subscribe to Lala’s Bedtime Tales Newsletter and follow @LalasBedtimeTales on social media to never miss out on any sexual education! Also, check out Lala's Bedtime Tales Podcast and Lala's Oh So Exclusive Patreon for even more content! If you’re browsing for sexy pleasure products or cute giftable items, then check out Lala’s Pleasure Shop.
For More Information & Helpful Resources:
New York City Covid Sex Guidance: https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/doh/downloads/pdf/imm/covid-sex-guidance.pdf
Coronavirus and Sex Dos & Don’ts During Social Distancing:
https://theconversation.com/coronavirus-and-sex-dos-and-donts-during-social-distancing-134007
Sex During the Coronavirus Pandemic:
https://www.health.com/condition/infectious-diseases/coronavirus/sex-during-coronavirus-pandemic
Safer Sex During Covid-19:
https://yalehealth.yale.edu/safer-sex-during-covid-19
American Sexual Health Association: Sex in the Time of Covid-19:
https://www.ashasexualhealth.org/sex-in-the-time-of-covid-19/
Planned Parenthood’s Covid-19 and Your Sexual Health:
Healthline.com Safer Sext Tips During Covid-19:
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/safer-sex-tips-positions-during-covid-19#covid-19-tips
COVID-19 Sex:
https://www.avert.org/coronavirus/covid19-sexC
For those who are taking PrEP and want more information on how to use it during a pandemic: https://prepster.info/covid/stopping-and-starting-PrEP/
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