How to reduce risk of coronavirus during sex according to health charity

The Terrence Higgins Trust, a charity which promotes sexual health and safe sex, has conducted research in partnership with sexual health clinic 56 Dean Street.

It found that 84% of people have not had sex with someone outside their household since lockdown began. But with restrictions easing, the charity says it is 'no longer realistic' to expect people to continue to abstain.

The charity says that the best ways to stay as safe as possible during sex in terms of mitigating coronavirus risk include avoiding kissing, wearing a face mask and adopting positions where you are not face to face.

Condoms should also be worn throughout.

A spokesman for the charity said; "While stating that you or someone in your household is the best choice of sexual partner, the new guidance includes practical advice like sticking with one partner or as few partners as possible. It's also clear that if either person is feeling unwell, then they shouldn’t have sex.

"There's also information about the importance of thinking about sexual health before starting to have sex again. That includes the strong recommendation of getting tested for sexually transmitted infections before starting to have sex again.

"Free HIV postal test kits are available to order online and do at home."

Dr. Michael Brady, Medical Director at Terrence Higgins Trust, said: “Sex is a very important part of life and asking people to avoid sex indefinitely isn’t realistic. That’s why, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, we all need to find ways to balance our need for sex and intimacy with the risks of the spread of COVID-19.

“We’re clear that abstaining from sex is the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus. But we hope by issuing this advice we will help people to manage the risks of COVID-19 while also being able to have and enjoy sex.”