Harvard Study Suggests Low-Risk Ways For Sex In Pandemic, Such As Wearing Masks
Image via Shutterstock
Couples are encouraged to wear face masks while engaging in sexual activity.
The advice comes from Harvard University researchers, who have released a guide on sexual health in the COVID-19 era, published in a guide titled Annals of Internal Medicine.
The guide establishes that couples in the US who are not quarantined together, but remain sexually active, should consider wearing face masks during sexual intercourse to prevent spreading the virus.
The researchers also provided guidance on different sexual activities that are safe to be carried out during the pandemic. Abstinence, masturbation, and sexual activity on digital platforms, all carry low risks for infection of COVID-19.
The study also explains that there is minimal risk involved for partners who are isolating together to get intimate, and that there is increased risk of catching the virus if people sleep with others outside of their household. Clinicians should counsel people who fall in this latter category on risk-reduction techniques, which include “minimizing the number of sexual partners,” staying away from partners who have developed COVID-19-like symptoms, and avoiding kissing or engaging in activities that involve sexual fluids.
People should also wear masks, shower before and after sex, and sanitize the area well, the research suggests.
The study’s lead researcher Dr Jack Turban, acknowledges that “complete abstinence from in-person sexual activity is no an achievable goal.” Therefore, getting intimate with a partner who is quarantining with you is the “safest approach.”
[via Independent, opening image via Shutterstock]
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