How long after diagnosis can I have sex? How to deal with "unbearable loneliness" at home? Experts answer: "Do it yourself" is the safest!
Is the diagnosis likely to cause “sexual dysfunction”? Study points out: “Long COVID-19” affects testosterone and hormones
Currently, Taiwan has entered the stage of “coexistence with the new coronavirus”, and many men are worried about whether the infection will have an impact on the “sexual well-being” of the lower body. The sexual medicine journal “Sexual Medicine” has published research indicating that after infection with COVID-19, the virus may affect the “endothelial cells” in the microvessels of the penis, causing capillary incapacity and contraction; and systemic inflammation caused by the virus can also cause erectile dysfunction. risk factors. Research results show that the risk of erectile dysfunction in people infected with the epidemic is 20% higher than that in healthy people.
Even if there are no abnormalities in erectile function after being infected with the epidemic, the sequelae of “COVID-19” may still affect the human body and cause sexual dysfunction. “Sexual Medicine Review” shows that the sequelae of COVID-19 may cause a certain degree of damage to sexual function, and the impact is not differentiated between men and women. Studies have shown that the virus reduces male testosterone and increases the risk of female hormonal disorders, which may lead to a worsening of the sexual health of married couples.
However, compared with men, the new coronavirus has a smaller impact on women’s sexual health. The authoritative journal “Nature” stated that psychological problems after women’s diagnosis, such as anxiety, depression or loneliness, are the main causes of female sexual dysfunction. The number of sexual apathy and solitary sex is on the rise compared with before the epidemic. Whether it is a physical or psychological problem, active treatment is needed after recovery from the epidemic to alleviate sexual dysfunction.
Can you “have sex right away” after being infected with COVID-19? Expert answer: at least 10 days apart!
Many people are also curious about whether they can have sex with their partners during the period of diagnosis. Dr. Carolyn Barber of Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in the United States said that the probability of COVID-19 being transmitted through body fluids such as prostatic fluid, semen, and vaginal secretions is “extremely low.” But taking Omicron virus as an example, the virus transmission rate is still about 5% after 7 days of diagnosis. There is still a risk of spreading the virus when having sex with a partner.
“On the 3rd to 6th day after diagnosis, the human body’s viral load reaches its highest level. Moderate masturbation at this time can help relieve the stress caused by the epidemic. On average, the human body’s viral load can reach its lowest level only 10 days after diagnosis. Therefore, you need to allow at least 10 days after being infected before having sexual intercourse with your partner. “If your partner’s symptoms still persist (such as cough, fever, etc.), you should seek medical treatment in advance and avoid any form of contact.
In addition, guidelines released by Yale University in the United States also indicate that the use of sex toys, masturbation and other measures during the epidemic are still the safest sexual behaviors. Even if your partner’s rapid screening test results are negative, it does not mean that there is no virus in the body or that he is not infected. Therefore, feasible preventive measures are to perform quick screening every day 3-5 days before having sex, avoid kissing, excessive physical contact, and anal sex during sex (the virus may be hidden in the feces of the confirmed person), and keep the environment Ventilate; shower and wash your body immediately after sex.
Kissing, oral sex, and anal sex can all spread the virus! 8 things to do first if you “want to have sex” during the epidemic
The authoritative American medical media “Mayo Clinic” issued a special article urging that in addition to sexual behavior, virtual dating, video dating and other measures can also be used to maintain close relationships during the epidemic. At present, countries generally tend to coexist with the virus. Therefore, if you feel that your body is fine after being infected with the epidemic, and both partners have received more than 2 doses of the vaccine, sexual intercourse is allowed and safe.
However, “Mayo Clinic” still recommends that the following precautions should be considered before engaging in sexual activity with people who live in the same household or with sexual partners to help minimize the risk of virus transmission:
Minimize the number of sexual partners.
Avoid contact with sexual partners who have symptoms of COVID-19.
Avoid kissing.
Avoid fecal-oral transmission, or sexual contact with semen or urine.
Avoid oral or anal sex. For oral and anal sex, condoms and mouth protectors should be used.
Wash your hands and shower before and after sex.
Please clean sex toys before and after use.
Use alcohol to clean areas where sex occurs.
Finally, Dr. Barber also called on the public to rethink what a “happy sex life” is when coexisting with the virus. During the epidemic, both partners may have different sexual desires, so constant communication and consensus are more important than sex itself. “Living together does not mean that you can force your partner to have sex. Having sex while respecting each other and complying with epidemic prevention regulations is the most effective and safe way.”
Source:
sex and coronavirus -Mayo Clinic
When Is It Safe to Have Sex after COVID?
Influence of COVID-19 pandemic on sexuality: a cross-sectional study among couples in Turkey
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