So, can sex with your partner give you covid-19? We’ll let this doctor answer that for you

I can! I can’t! I can! I can’t, really? 

In these 21 days of lockdown – screw you covid-19 – we all are stuck in our homes. And today we are calling out to all those couples who are sharing a roof and wondering, is having sex safe? In short, coronavirus has reached our bedrooms too. 

While the importance of social distancing has been preached about enough, here’s one thing that hasn’t been addressed: how this might be affecting the intimacy level amongst couples.   

By now we know that the covid-19 virus doesn’t show symptoms for a while. So, if you or your partner are carriers, you might not get to know for upto five days at least, which scientists say is the average incubation time for the virus. And if you happen to get cosy during this time, then well… it can leave a lot of room for uncertainty. 

While we are yet to hear from health agencies on the issue, we decided to bring an expert on board to sort this matter out for you by answering the most frequently asked questions on the matter. Here is what Dr Gowri Kulkarni, family medicine specialist and head of medical operations at DocsApp, has to say: 

Can I get covid-19 if I have sex with my partner?
“First of all, we need to understand that coronavirus is a droplet infection and there is no proof that it spreads via sexual intercourse,” suggests Dr Kulkarni. 

But one thing is for sure that when you indulge in sex, the proximity between you and your partner- and there are high chances that the virus transfer can take place if either partner is infection. Which is why, she recommends abstaining from having sex during this time.

Also, if your partner is showing symptoms like coughing or sneezing, it’s better to maintain the distance and not indulge in any physical contact.

What if I kiss my partner?
If your partner is showing symptoms like coughing and/or sneezing, you should definitely refrain from kissing them. In fact, they should be quarantined immediately. “Remember social distancing? It also applies to your partner,” quips Dr Kulkarni. 

What about oral sex? Is that safe?
Since there is no proof that coronavirus spreads through sexual intercourse, anal or oral sex does not matter. “It doesn’t spread through semen. The only concern here is the proximity between you and your partner,” reiterates Dr Kulkarni. 

That said, if your partner is showing the symptoms then even oral sex can land you in trouble.

Can I use a face mask while having sex to avoid covid-19?
First, break up with whoever suggested this! “I won’t suggest using a mask while having sex to prevent covid-19,” says Dr Kulkarni. “There are high chances that you’ll get infected in this case. I recommend staying away from your partner and staying safe.”

What precautions should I take in the bedroom to prevent covid-19?
Before stepping into your bedroom, change your clothes, slippers, and sanitize yourself, properly. Take a bath and keep your clothes outside for at least 24 hours. If your partner is showing any symptoms of coronavirus then wear a mask 24 x 7 and avoid touching things that are there in his room. 

So guys, that was Dr Kulkarni and she has said it all. The bottom line is that it’s better that you keep distance with your partner for a while for the sake of protecting yourself covid-19.