Safe sex without physical contact with your sex partner (COVID-19)

As we in another blog have described, it is not exactly easy to have sex in a safe way with the current corona measures. Fortunately, there are also a lot of alternatives that allow you to enjoy sex without being physically intimate with your sexual partner. The first option is obvious, but it is certainly worth mentioning: masturbate!

Masturbate

Feel free to indulge yourself in these harsh times, because sex with yourself is corona-proof and can provide just the relaxation you needed. You can also masturbate with another person 1.5 meters away, but keep in mind that is not a guarantee to prevent transmission of the coronavirus.

Let's go digital

Since the start of the coronavirus, there has been a fairly clear increase in the number of people who engage in digital sex. Think of sexting or telephone sex, for example via apps, videos or audio. That can be a lot of fun - and in that regard, corona may even offer a great opportunity to discover this - but keep in mind that you should only do this in consultation and with the consent of the recipient. In line with Soa Aids Nederland, we recommend not to make video recordings or, if you would like to, never share those images with others (and therefore not to post them on the internet). Another tip: make sure that your face and other (spatially) recognizable things that you can be recognized are not visible on the images. Check? Then feel free to turn on that webcam! And are you a fan of group sex? Then Skype, Zoom or Teams might offer a solution ...

Comeback

You may not be able to imagine it, but there is a reasonable chance that your grandfather or grandmother has already had some form of sexting. Namely with pen and paper! Go crazy and put your fantasies on paper. You can share this with someone else (of course in consultation and with permission) or do it for yourself so that you can use your creations again at a later time.

Teamwork

Do you have a sex buddy but are you currently taking it easy because of the corona virus? Then you can still keep it exciting from a distance by experimenting with remote-controlled sex toys, for example. Consider, for example, a vibrator that can be inserted and controlled by your partner from a distance with an app. Do you not have this equipment at home and your student has not yet arrived? Then you can go for the free version and give each other spicy assignments to keep it exciting. And if you really can't stand it anymore, you can go in this blog read tips on how to be intimate safely during the corona crisis. In addition to the measures regarding corona, of course also take into account STDs and take a test if you think you have an STD.

How can you limit the risks of the coronavirus (COVID-19) during sex?

Sex is an important part of life for many people and we understand that completely. The coronavirus can significantly affect your sex life (and intimacy and relationships in itself), and with it your mental health. In a previous blog we have already explained whether you can still have sex in times of corona. In this article, we will take a closer look at how to reduce the risks of corona while having sex.

Sex with your partner from the same household

Let's start with that you can still 'just' have sex with a partner you live with, unless you or your partner have minor complaints that may indicate infection with the corona virus. In that case, it is advisable to keep as much distance as possible and to have yourself tested for the corona virus. As soon as you both test negative and have no more complaints for 24 hours, you can go home with peace of mind.

Sex with partner (s) outside your household

As you know by now, the guideline is to keep a distance of 1.5 meters. That makes sex through physical contact impossible, of course, but fortunately there are many nice alternatives to still be intimate in a safe way. You can read more about that this blog. However, we are well aware that abstaining from sex can be difficult for you in the long and short term and can even have a pretty negative impact on your mental health. That is why we have put together some tips that you can take into account if you are going to have sex with partners outside your household.

1. Try to be intimate with only one person you already know and trust that he or she will adhere to corona measures. That way you limit your physical contacts and the risks of spreading the virus. It is important to discuss the risks, because you or your partner can have corona without realizing it.
2. Before you see each other, ask your partner if he / she is experiencing any symptoms that could indicate infection with the coronavirus. If that is the case, even if the complaints are mild or mild, then it is wiser not to meet up. And while you're at it, ask right away if your sex partner isn't STD has 😉
3. Wash both your hands thoroughly with soap before and after sex (or do this immediately after entering if you visit someone). You should also wash your body, but keep in mind that you only wash your genitals with water and not with soap. In addition, try to avoid public transport as a means of transport to your sex partner.
4. Ask for each other's phone number or other contact information. This way you can warn each other if you turn out to be infected with the corona virus around the period that you have been intimate. It also helps the GGD to conduct better contact investigations.
5. Use a mouth cap if you both don't mind. It may not be ideal, but it decreases the chance of infecting each other. You can also use a dental dam or condom for oral sex.
6. Do not use saliva as a lubricant.
7. Consider not sleeping together (in bed) so that you are not around each other unnecessarily.
8. Last but not least: clean everything well and air the areas where you have been. So wash the bedding, open the windows for a long time (also during sex) and clean any sex toys with water and neutral soap.

Let's start with the coronavirus (COVID-19) no sexually transmitted infection (STD) is. Chances are that you already knew that. However, you can catch the coronavirus while having sex. That will probably not surprise you, since the most important measure to limit the spread of the corona virus is keeping 1.5 meters away. That makes having sex a bit complicated, of course. In this blog, we will answer some questions you may have regarding the coronavirus and sex for you. read here what tips we have for you to still enjoy sex in the safest possible way during the current corona crisis.

Can I still have sex now that the corona virus plays such a big role in daily life?

Technically you can of course still have as much sex as you want, but whether it is wise (or in line with current regulations) depends on the situation. In principle you can (continue to) have sex with your partner who lives in your house. If you experience or your partner experiences symptoms that indicate a corona infection, it is wise to keep your distance and stay indoors as much as possible. And that means that it is also better not to have sex and that you should get tested for the corona virus. If that result is negative and you have no complaints for more than 24 hours, love can be made again with peace of mind.

If you do not live with your (potential) partner, then according to the guidelines it is better not to have sex. Because yes, keeping a distance of 1.5 meters remains the norm. But we also understand that in reality it will sometimes be different and that's why we have one blog written with tips for anyone who wants to have sex despite COVID-19.

Can I get the coronavirus from jerking off, fingering, sucking, or eating pussy?

Yes, you can get the coronavirus after oral sex, jerking off or fingering. As we stated earlier, the coronavirus is not an STD and there is no direct evidence that you can get or pass on the virus through semen, pre-cum or moisture from the vagina. But it doesn't really matter what you do, if you are close to someone who is infected with the corona virus, you can also contract the virus yourself. Just as is the case with a simple cold.

Are you more or less likely to get the corona virus with anal sex?

The coronavirus has been detected in faeces. However, there is no reason to assume that you have more or less chance of contracting corona with anal sex than with vaginal sex, for example.

Is it strange that my partner or I have less sex drive?

No, that is not surprising. The coronavirus has caused a lot of change in a short time and has turned out to be quite drastic for many people. Everyone deals with this differently. You may feel more stressed or worried, which may reduce your sex drive. However, it can also be the other way around: some people have more sex (or want to do so) because, for example, they have more time, are more together with their partner or have more stress, which makes them more interested in sex. This all depends on who you are and how you respond to the changes that the coronavirus brings.

Can I still get tested for an STD at the doctor or GGD?

Yes, you can still go to your doctor or GGD to request an STD test. Keep in mind that some GGDs and STI clinics have less space for STD consultation hours because of the crowds that the corona virus entails. This can also mean that you sometimes have to wait a little longer for the results of your STD test. The GGD expects to be able to offer regular STD care again from 1 September. For the most recent information, visit your website GGD.

Would you rather not go to the doctor or the GGD for an STD test, for example because you want to be helped quickly and anonymously? Then you can here also order an STD test from us.

Can I still work as a sex worker now?

As of 1 July, sex workers are allowed to practice their profession again. Be aware of the risks that this can entail and adhere to the guidelines. Read up www.prostitutie.nl more about the measures you can take to protect yourself and others. And apart from that: of course get yourself tested for STDs regularly.

Is it true that the pill is less reliable for vomiting or diarrhea?

That's right, indeed. The pill may be less reliable for complaints such as vomiting and diarrhea. It may then be wise to take the pill again. It is advisable to discuss these matters with your doctor.

Are you more likely to contract the coronavirus if you have HIV?

According to STI AIDS Netherlands there is currently no reason to assume that people with HIV are more likely to contract corona than people without HIV. It is also expected that in principle the corona virus does not have to proceed differently if you have HIV. You are more likely to get the coronavirus if you have HIV and:

• have low immunity (less than 200 CD4)
• also have other complaints or illnesses (for example COPD, heart complaints and diabetes)
• are older
• are overweight
• smokes

If you have HIV and are not treated for it, you will have a weaker immune system. This increases the chance that you will become sicker in those cases. Do you think there is a chance that you have contracted HIV? Then get tested and talk to a professional, such as your doctor.