Safer Sex during COVID-19
Consensual sex can be a way of dealing with anxiety or fulfilling and expressing our needs for
intimacy. A safe and pleasurable sex life is an important part of mental health and wellbeing.
But is it safe to have sex during COVID-19?
Can I get COVID-19 from having sex?
Safer sexual practices may prevent unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs),
but it will not prevent infection from COVID-19. COVID-19 spreads through direct contact with
respiratory droplets (spit) of someone who is infected with the virus when they cough, sneeze or talk.
These droplets can spread up to two metres or six feet. The virus has also been found in semen
(cum) and feces (poop). It is not yet know if the virus can be found in blood or vaginal fluids. It may
also be possible for a person to get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it
and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
How to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and still enjoy sex
Your safest sex partner during the COVID-19 pandemic is yourself. Solo sex, also known as
masturbation, does not spread COVID-19.
Your next safest partner is someone you live with.
If you usually meet sex partners online, are polyamorous with people who you don't live with, or
make a living having sex, consider video dates, virtual sex, sexting or chat rooms instead of
meeting people in person.
Protect yourself and your partners when having sex
Talk to your partner about COVID-19 risk factors and how to protect yourselves.
Skip having sex if you or your partner are feeling unwell, have symptoms of COVID-19 or if either
of you have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19.
Consider downloading Health Canada's COVID Alert app so you can be notified directly if you
have been in close contact with someone who was contagious with COVID-19.
Wash your hands before and after having sex, whether alone or with a partner.
Be creative and find ways to include using masks during sex, especially with a partner you do not
live with.
Avoid or limit kissing and saliva exchange and do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth with
unwashed hands.
Consider sexual positions that avoid being face-to-face.
During oral or anal sex, use condoms, gloves or other barriers to reduce contact with saliva and
other fluids.
Use condoms to protect yourself from STIs.
Clean sex toys and consider covering them with a condom. Do not share sex toys with others.
Avoid having sex if one partner has a health condition that can lead to more severe illness from
COVID-19.
Prevent unplanned pregnancy
Continue to use your regular birth control methods to avoid unintended pregnancy. Several Sexual
Health Clinics in Toronto can assist with prescriptions for birth control. Contact the clinic before
visiting, as service hours may have changed.
If you are unable to access your usual birth control methods, consider condoms and lubricant, and, as
needed, emergency contraceptive pills, which are available at stores without a prescription.
Abortion clinics remain open in Toronto, but pre-procedure counselling may need to be done over the
telephone before the appointment. Many clinics are not allowing support people to come to
appointments during this time. For abortion services visit: choiceconnect.ca.
More information
Visit our website at toronto.ca/COVID19 or call us at 416-338-7600 for more information.
https://www.toronto.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/976c-Safer_sex_during_COVID-19.pdf