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:
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avoid kissing, exchanging saliva or licking around the anus (rimming)
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use condoms or dental dams
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wash your hands and body with soap and water before and after sex
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if you use sex toys, wash them with soap and water and do not share them
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consider sexual activities that don’t involve physical contact – like ‘dirty’ talking or masturbating at a distance
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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
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avoid having sex or being intimate if you or your partner feels unwell
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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.