The COVID-19 pandemic raised questions about daily activities and their risks, including intimate relationships. Many wondered about SARS-CoV-2 transmission during sex. Understanding how the virus spreads is important for informed decisions about personal health. This article clarifies the risks of sexual activity during COVID-19.
COVID-19 and Sexual Transmission: Is it an STI?
SARS-CoV-2, the virus causing COVID-19, is not considered a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Research indicates it is not primarily transmitted through sexual fluids. While the virus’s genetic material (RNA) has been detected in semen and vaginal secretions, its presence is rare.
While SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been detected in semen and vaginal secretions, infectious virus is primarily found in saliva and feces, not in sexual fluids. This suggests the likelihood of direct transmission through these fluids during sexual activity is low. SARS-CoV-2 can persist in sperm, but this does not confirm sexual transmission.
Close Contact and Intimacy: The Primary Risk
The primary way COVID-19 can spread during sexual activity is through close physical proximity and respiratory transmission. The virus primarily spreads from person to person via respiratory droplets and aerosols released when an infected individual breathes, talks, coughs, or sneezes. Intimate encounters inherently involve actions like kissing, close talking, and heavy breathing, which facilitate the direct inhalation of these virus-laden particles.
Even individuals who do not show symptoms can transmit the virus during close contact. Droplets can also land on surfaces and be transferred to a partner’s mouth, nose, or eyes. The risk of transmission is higher the longer and closer the contact. Sexual activity creates an environment conducive to respiratory transmission of SARS-CoV-2.
Reducing Risk During Intimate Encounters
Open communication with partners about health status and risk tolerance is important for minimizing COVID-19 transmission. Discussing recent exposures, symptoms, and vaccination status helps individuals make informed decisions. Avoid sexual activity if either partner has COVID-19 symptoms or recent exposure. Staying apart until symptoms resolve or a negative test is confirmed prevents spread.
Vaccination reduces the risk of contracting COVID-19 and illness severity. Regular testing before intimate contact can provide a snapshot of infection status, though a negative result does not guarantee absence of the virus. Other precautions include:
Washing hands before and after sexual activity.
Considering masks during sex to reduce droplet spread.
Limiting kissing.
Choosing non-face-to-face sexual positions to reduce respiratory transmission.