COVID-19 and sex

Sex with someone you live with 

If you live with your sexual partner and you both have no COVID-19 symptoms, you can continue having sex.  

If you or your partner test positive or have symptoms of COVID-19, follow the self-isolation guidelines in your country. Don’t have sex during this time and continue to avoid sex or physical intimacy until your symptoms go. 

Sex with someone you don’t live with 

If you are having sex with someone you don’t live with and don’t know if they have COVID-19: 

• avoid kissing, exchanging saliva or licking around the anus (rimming) 

• use condoms or dental dams 

• wash your hands and body with soap and water before and after sex 

• if you use sex toys, wash them with soap and water and do not share them 

• consider sexual activities that don’t involve physical contact – like ‘dirty’ talking or masturbating at a distance 

• explore ways to have sex without meeting up, like phone or webcam sex. If you do this, be aware of what you are sharing and only do what feels right  

• avoid having sex or being intimate if you or your partner feels unwell 

• if you are a sex worker, consider sexting or using videos and chat rooms. 

Masturbation has no COVID-19 risk and is one of the best ways to keep enjoying sex if you are worried.  

It’s a good idea to be extra careful. You may want to stop in-person sex or only have sex with a partner who lives with you and is also being careful. 

COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. They do not affect your sex life and you do not need to abstain from sex.  

Even if you’ve had the vaccine, it’s important to keep following measures to avoid passing on COVID-19, like handwashing.  

If you do have sex, you’ll need to use a condom to prevent HIV, sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. It’s also a good idea to check if there are any COVID-19 restrictions in your area before meeting anyone you don’t live with for sex.