Study Highly Suggests Wearing Masks During Sex, Part Of 'New Normal'

Harvard University researchers say that sexual protection during the coronavirus pandemic must include the wearing of face masks when having intercourse. This is to minimize the risk of transmission in case one of the couples is infected with COVID-19.

Face Mask During Sex

According to researchers, hooking up with a partner carries the risk of virus transmission in case either one has COVID-19. To minimize the risk, partners should wear face masks while doing it. The new study was published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.

In the study, researchers ranked situations based on the likelihood of one partner getting infected with the coronavirus while performing sexual intercourse. They suggested that both partners should wear masks, particularly for the riskiest sexual situation, which is having intercourse with others aside from those with whom a partner is quarantined.

Observing Hygienic Practices

Harvard University researchers wrote in their study that if someone has an out-of-house crush, it is a must to avoid kissing or performing any oral-to-anal act. They also recommend avoidance of any act that would involve semen or urine. Showering before and after sexual intercourse, as well as cleaning the space where the act was done with soap or alcohol wipes, is also a good hygienic practice that could help prevent the spread of the virus.

While having sex with someone that a person is quarantined with may be safer, there is still a risk of infection, researchers say. For example, if one partner goes out of the house to do an errand and comes in contact with the virus, they can transmit it to their partner. Even if such a person is classified as an asymptomatic carrier, there is still the possibility of virus transmission.

Abstinence Is The Best Approach

The best approach to dealing with such risk, according to scientists, is to abstain from having any sex. While this may not be feasible for many, abstinence completely lowers to zero the risk of virus transmission due to sexual intercourse. Another option is to masturbate, researchers added.

Since the coronavirus outbreak in the United States, various recommendations have been put forward as regards having safe sex amid the crisis. Some of these recommendations even included graphical illustrations to further make the lessons clear. Examples of such lessons are the sex guides released by the Oregon Health Authority and the NYC Department of Health.