With the world on lock-down, the ongoing threat of catching coronavirus and new measures the government have recently announced: to stay home and save lives, you may be wondering what Covid-19 means for your sex life. In these extraordinary and unprecedented times, we have been told to self-isolate and avoid any unnecessary travel, which means many of us will have to find our sexual pleasures in other ways.

So, if you’re not already living with your partner, this will mean you may need to find new and creative ways to be intimate with each other. If you’re not dating at the moment, you may want to explore our solo sex tips, and for those of you living together, what does this mean for you? 

Here’s everything you need to know about sex and coronavirus.

Is it safe to have sex during the coronavirus outbreak?

UK-based charity Avert says that 'based on current evidence, coronavirus – the virus that causes COVID-19 illness – is not present in the sexual fluids of someone with the virus'. This was also confirmed by Dr Sara Kayat, while answering questions about Sex and Coronavirus on This Morning. However, as the virus is transferred through saliva or physical contact (and sex does involve kissing), this does pose a risk if one of you is infected. 

Can I have sex during the Corona outbreak if my partner and I live together? 

Sex is an important part of everyday life and is vital for maintaining intimacy in a relationship. If you are living together, if neither of you are displaying symptoms and you've both been in isolation for 14 days then continuing to have regular sex is fine. With all this free time, you may find you are having sex more often so make sure you have plenty of contraception available and continue to practice safer sex to minimise risks. This could be the perfect time to find new sex positions, sex toys or Pasante condoms that offer new pleasures and sensations. 

Remember: if one of you starts to display symptoms of Covid-19, it’s vital to self-isolate from each other for seven days and all forms of sex are off-limits.

Should we start using condoms?

To prevent pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections and HIV, it’s always a good idea to wear a condom. At this moment, having an STI test or access to treatment may prove more difficult, so we recommend wearing a condom to protect yourself and your partner. Unsure which Pasante condom is the right one for you? Read our handy blog to find out more...

Can I catch coronavirus through touching my partner's genitals or through oral sex?

Avert.org have confirmed there is no evidence to suggest that coronavirus is present in the sexual fluids of an infected person. However, there is evidence to show that the virus is presented in the faeces of an infected person, so anal play, for instance including licking around the anus may also be a way for the virus to be transferred. To minimise any risk of spreading the virus, ensure you wash your hands before and after sexual contact and we recommend wearing a condom for oral sex. With plenty of choice and flavours to choose from with Pasante condoms, you’ll be spoilt for choice. 

Sex advice for isolation if we don’t live together

At a recent press conference, Dr Jenny Harries, Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England, said this is the perfect time to test a relationship by ‘moving in together’ during the coronavirus outbreak. Obviously we cannot do this now with isolation, so if you have a partner and are not currently living together, try these sexy tips to maintain the romance. 

• Use technology. Phone-sex used to be the ‘thing’ to do when you couldn’t be with your partner, but with new technology available, it’s opened up the world to new and creative ways to have sex. Why don’t you schedule in Facetime-sex sessions? You could talk dirty to each other, watch each other have solo sex or send some naughty texts.  It’ll make you feel closer to each other while you can’t be together. 
• Write each other erotic letters. This could be a good way of expressing to one another what turns you on and your sexual fantasies. When you eventually see each other again, sex will be an enhanced experience. 

Solo sex advice if I’m single

Advice from the government states that we are only allowed out for basic food necessities, key work, doctors appointments and one form of exercise per day (and no, that doesn’t mean to have sex). This means if you’re currently single, there'll be no hook-ups or dating for a while. At the moment, having solo sex is going to be the safest way forward for you and for those around you. This then poses the question; how can I still enjoy a sex life when I’m single and isolated? 

The safest way to have orgasms at the moment is through masturbating. If you are new to masturbating, this can be a good way to get to know your body and find what feels right for you. As you are unable to contract coronavirus through masturbating, try experimenting with sex-toys (just be sure to wash your hands and toys with warm water and soap for 20 seconds, before and after sex) or use your fingers/hands paired with our Tingling Mint Lube.

Am I more at risk of catching coronavirus if I have HIV?

Dr Michael Brady, Medical Director of the Terrence Higgins Trust, has confirmed that those who have HIV run no additional risk of contracting coronavirus, provided they are taking their regular medication, have a good CD4 count as well as an undetectable viral load. For further advice, head to Dr Michael Brady’s HIV and Coronavirus blog at the Terrence Higgins Trust.

Information correct at the time of publishing.