Having a thriving sex life during a global pandemic may seem impossible, especially when you are single. However, there are a few suggestions on how to have a healthy sex life in the time of COVID-19. First things first, #KnowYourHealthStatus-this includes making sure you get your yearly physical exam with bloodwork, which provides for STD testing. Knowing your health status is paramount! If you are hypertensive, diabetic, anemic, or have abnormal thyroid hormone levels, these conditions can affect your sexual performance. Most STDs are transmitted because a person doesn’t know their status. The more common STDs (HIV, Trichomoniasis, Chlamydia, Gonorrhea) can be asymptomatic with no symptoms, so always remember health is wealth! 

Single and ready to mingle during COVID-19

The safest way not to contract the virus is abstinence. If you are not having sex, don’t worry because there are other options for you! If it’s not against your religion or personal views, go ahead and explore yourself. There is nothing like exploring your body with various toys or techniques to elicit an orgasm. Phone sex, sexting, or virtual sex are other ideas that can assist as well. 

Having an orgasm increases the happy hormones in the body! Orgasms can help you sleep, decrease stress, relieve pain, and improve one’s overall mood. If it makes you HAPPY, try to ensure you experience it more! I have patients that come into the office and don’t know the number of moles they have in the genital area. On the other hand, I have patients who know what their vaginal secretions taste, smell and look like. I’m not telling you to taste your vaginal juices, but the moral of the story is not to shy away from exploring yourself. 

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The Benefits of Sex

Sexual intercourse has several benefits. Sex promotes physical activity and releases endorphins that can make a person feel better mentally and physically. With health being a central concern during this pandemic, sexual activities boost those endorphins and relieve stress. Sex can also improve communication and personal connection with your partner. Speaking of communication, in my opinion, nobody should have a bad sexual encounter. Communicating with each other, the dos and don’ts help promote an amazing sexual experience. Just because a past partner used to like things a certain way doesn’t mean your current partner enjoys it the same. It all comes down to communication is key. 

Healthy Sex Tips

With the increased amount of sex you may have and depending on the sexual level with your partner, the more semen may be introduced in the vagina. Because of this, the pH levels may be altered, which can cause vaginal infections. If you and your partner are highly sexually active, have them ejaculate other places instead of inside your vaginal walls, such as your mouth, face, or other body areas, based on your level of comfortability. 

Also, you may be having sex back to back because you are home with each other more often, and it is not uncommon for some people to dry out due to the length of each session. Using lubrication versus spit (saliva) is highly recommended. Saliva can introduce bacteria and yeast to enter into the vagina, causing frequent vaginal infections. Lastly, if you are engaging in anal sex regularly, please get an anal pap smear. HPV can cause anal/rectal cancer if not detected early.

For more helpful tips and sex-positivity from Dr. Katina, please visit her website and follow her on social media.