What Does Post-Lockdown Sex Actually Mean?

Are social bubbles still a thing? Can we meet people off dating sites? Is rimming pretty much passé? Is COVID sexually transmitted? With the gentle easing of lockdown come the pertinent questions around our sex lives: from the casual to the committed, we’re hearing that plenty of people are still feeling left in the dark about what’s allowed and what definitely isn’t. (Spoiler alert: if it’s black and lacy, it absolutely shouldn't be worn anywhere near an airport lounge.) Sexual health charity, Terrence Higgins Trust has published advice suggesting that people avoid kissing, wear a face covering and choose positions that aren't face-to-face during sex.

Horny AF? 👿  You might wanna hold tight

They recommend we “balance our need for sex and intimacy with the risks of the spread of COVID-19.” Basically, are you gonna get some and if you do, is it worth it?

Grab that lube 💦 

The Trust says the best sexual partner during the pandemic is yourself or someone you live with. Masturbation, using sex toys or participating in phone, sexting, or online sex (do ya thing, Facetime) are all recommended as the safest options. Missing the intimacy? If you’re going to be getting it on with someone, it should ideally be with people who are part of your household. This one goes out to the live-in lovers!

This is your friendly reminder to keep social distancing ✋ 

As the Terrence Higgins Trust acknowledges, after months of lockdown it’s unrealistic to expect people to stop having sex and/or refrain from mutual sexual activity indefinitely. If you’re having sex with people outside of your household, you better whittle down the number of partners you’re engaging with as the fewer the people you come into contact with, the better. Be wary of COVID-19 symptoms to look out for (you can refresh yourself here) and if you or your partners have or start to show these symptoms, please isolate. If you’re meeting someone new be it via an app or in a socially distanced beer garden, make sure to ask if they or anyone in their household have had symptoms or tested positive. According to the Trust, "lockdown has meant that most people have had fewer sexual partners, if any at all, and now is the perfect time to be sure you don't have an STI and to know what your HIV status is.” If you change your sexual partner regularly, it’s wise to get tested every three months, and once a year if not. Plan in a trip to your local sexual health clinic, GP, or explore online services if you’re not about that waiting room life.

Does the COVID-19 virus spread through sex? 🦠 

Well, the virus can spread through saliva, mucus or the breath of those who have it, along with contact with hard surfaces. "If you are going to touch each other's genitals it's likely that you will potentially be kissing at the same time - and we know the virus is passed through saliva," - Dr Alex George for Radio 1 Newsbeat. "Any possibility of transfer of coronavirus - from your mouth to your hands, to genitals, to someone else's nose or mouth." 

Clean up 🧼 

The Terrence Higgins Trust recommends not kissing, wearing a face mask during sex and favouring positions where you're not face-to-face, adding that the virus has been found in semen and poo (🙃), another reason to use condoms to minimise risks. Going down? Reach for a dam to use during oral sex. Now that we’re all handwashing champs, don’t forget to wash those paws before and after sexual contact or even use hand sanitiser. Medical fetishists, get on it. 

Okay, so we’re not exactly sure what post-lockdown sex will look like but whatever you’re into, be safe, work that hand hygiene, get tested regularly and use protection. For more information on HIV and sexual health, head to the Terrence Higgins Trust here.