COVID-19 or no COVID-19, we need to be taking care of our sexual health.
In a COVID-19 world, there’s no better time for a little self love. Samantha Strange, a certified sexual health educator from Mission, hosted a virtual sexual health workshop on Sept. 17, diving into a plethora of topics relating to hook-ups, masturbation, sexual health, and how to effectively communicate with partners. The workshop was pre-recorded and did not include an interactive portion.
Modern dating relies heavily on the use of apps, meaning many prospective partners were meeting online long before the pandemic took hold. As Strange pointed out, the pandemic offers a renewed opportunity to focus more on the courting process; it’s a chance to improve communication and navigate boundaries from a safe distance.
While some couples are social distancing apart, dating has morphed into its own virtual realm. Sites like Watch2Gether and Togethr allow users to stream Netflix shows at the same time, and it includes the ability to pause for bathroom or “chill” breaks. For those wanting a romantic, virtual dinner date, Strange suggests purchasing the same ingredients to cook separately in order to emulate a romantic dinner for two. Thanks to apps like FaceTime or Facebook Messenger, it doesn’t have to feel distant.
As things progress to a sexual nature, consider the risks that derive from sharing videos or photos online. Strange recommends that partners avoid sending any material with distinguishing features (like faces, tattoos, or birthmarks) and to keep in mind that no platform is completely secure.
“[Make] sure that all parties are well aware of the necessity to keep things private,” Strange said, emphasizing that it’s both a matter of respect and legality.
Masturbation is weighed down by a heavy stigma, but that’s partly because students don’t always receive reliable sex education from school or at home. While it’s understandable to prefer physical touch from a partner, masturbation is the safest form of sexual activity while the pandemic continues. You can use toys, keep it digital (as in fingers), involve your partner through a phone or video call, or exchange photos.
“We can certainly find ways to expand our knowledge around pleasure, to understand our anatomy, to understand what’s going on with our bodies and explore [them],” Strange said.
If partners are comfortable meeting in person, there are still ways to reduce exposure to COVID-19 or STIs. Barriers (condoms, dental dams, internal condoms) can prevent fluid transmissions, and birth control (such as hormonal pills, IUDs, NuvaRing, patches, or shots) can deter unwanted pregnancy. Avoid kissing and face-to-face contact by using positions that allow for appropriate distance, and remember to keep up to date on your sexual health by going for STI screenings at least once a year or whenever you’re changing partners.
Strange’s workshop comes at a time where COVID-19 cases are rising amongst youth. Whether this is because of careless hook-ups, partying, or general fraternizing is uncertain, but B.C.’s provincial guidelines and Strange’s tips coincide. The virus hasn’t officially been identified as sexually transmissible, but we know it spreads through bodily fluids including respiratory droplets, saliva, and feces. This is why the use of barriers is imperative if you’re going to be engaging in any physical sexual activity with someone outside of your living residence.
Ultimately, Strange advocates that communication is the most effective tool to figure out your own and your partner’s wants. Everyone’s living situations, health concerns, and comfort levels are going to look different, but removing the complication of the unknown will make navigating sex simpler. Establish your comfort with risk and decide what works best for you.
