One of the most curious questions among the general population is whether the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus is transmitted through sexual intercourse, like other viral pathogens, such as Ebola or Zika. During the confinement season, in which many cohabiting couples may have symptoms that make them suspect a possible contagion, questions arise. How does the coronavirus affect affective-sexual life? Can it be spread through sexual intercourse?
The first, and most obvious, that we must contemplate are the kisses. We know that the coronavirus is transmitted through microscopic droplets of saliva, which we expel when we cough, or even when we speak. Therefore, it is very likely that two people who live together and who are used to being intimate can infect each other with the coronavirus. That is why, if one of the members of the couple suspects that they may have COVID-19, it is best to remain isolated in a room until the symptoms disappear or a test can be performed.
But what about the rest of sexual practices? Is the coronavirus transmitted through fluids such as semen or fluids from the vagina? Everything indicates that no.
A team of scientists at the University of Utah Health has published a study in the journal Fertility & Sterility in which they collected semen samples from 34 Chinese men a month after they were diagnosed with mild to moderate cases of COVID-19. Laboratory tests did not detect SARS-CoV-2 in any of the semen samples. The conclusion of the scientists is that it is unlikely that semen could be a vehicle for contagion of the coronavirus. The mucous membranes of the vagina do not seem to be either, although no study has yet been carried out with a sample of patients to determine this firmly.
Dr. Carla Pohlink, in a statement from the social network for adults Joy Club, considers that saliva is the only unsafe fluid, and does not stop recommending the condom as a generic recommendation to prevent other types of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs or ETS): “Although the general recommendation is to always use a condom, regardless of the coronavirus, the truth is that it is not found in men’s sperm or the mucous membranes of the vagina. In this case, saliva would be the first vector of contagion and it must be avoided in case of suspicion of being a carrier ”.
As for other types of practices, such as anal sex or oral sex, Dr. Pohlink recommends increasing hygiene measures.
Anal sex and coronavirus
As for other types of practices, such as anal sex, Dr. Pohlink recommends increasing hygiene measures and, of course, the use of condoms. On the other hand, Dr. Marta Gurrea, in the book 123 questions about coronavirus, by Boticaria García and Arantxa Castaño, affirms that “there is no evidence, until now, that the virus is transmitted through sexual fluids.” But he adds: “However, the contagion of sexual practice could occur in certain cases, for example, by oral-fecal transmission or by direct contact from saliva, such as kisses.”
Regarding fecal material, the virus has been detected in the feces of sick people, but “transmission through feces is a hypothesis for which there is no evidence for this pandemic,” as García and Castaño also publish in their book.
Oral sex and coronavirus
If any of the members of the couple suspect that they are infected, Dr. Pohlink recommends avoiding sexual practices in which saliva plays a large role , such as cunnilingus or fellatio.
On the other hand, sweat does not appear to be a fluid capable of acting as a vehicle for contagion.
Safe practices
Sweat, vaginal mucosa, sperm or clean fingers are not vectors of contagion, so they are safe elements that can be part of the safe sexual game in these days of quarantine. We remember that the coronavirus cannot ‘pass through the skin’, but the skin can act as a contaminated surface if we put our fingers in our mouth or near our face, without prior hygiene.
The writer, sexologist and therapist Valérie Tasso recommends masturbation, alone or with a partner, as a central sexual practice during the days of quarantine.
In addition, other harmless games, such as sexting , or audiosexting (sending text messages or risque audio) are a very stimulating and recommended game to put into practice these days, both for couples who live apart and for those who they share a home these days.
