Your Guide to Maintaining Positive Sexual Health Amidst COVID-19 Restrictions
Your Guide to Maintaining Positive Sexual Health Amidst COVID-19 Restrictions
As a result of the social-distancing requirements necessitated by the COVID-19 pandemic, many people have reduced their number of sexual partners. The subsequent closure of many social spaces may also mean that one-night stands and casual hook-ups are less frequent. This physically-distanced era that we’re living in may make us think that our sexual health is not as pressing of an issue as usual. Other areas of our lives and overall health are understandably commanding our focus at the moment, however it is important not to neglect our sexual health - especially as certain aspects of it have been complicated by the pandemic and restrictions.
Contents
· Maintaining sexual health in a virtual world
· Dealing with sexual violence
· Managing pregnancy (planned and unplanned) during COVID-19
1. Practising safer sex
There is no evidence that COVID-19 can be transmitted sexually. However, it can be passed on during sexual intercourse through close physical contact, such as kissing. In keeping with guidelines, physical intimacy should be limited to people who are living together, and who do not display symptoms of COVID-19. Wash your hands, and sex toys if used, before and after intercourse.
If you do continue to engage in sexual intercourse with partner(s) from other households, try to limit your contact to as few people as possible. If you or your partner has a medical condition (such as cancer, diabetes, lung disease etc.) that puts them at higher risk for COVID-19, the guidelines advise to avoid sexual contact altogether. (Source)
Whether you are having sex with one or multiple partners, it is important to use contraception to prevent unplanned pregnancy and/or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many services around Ireland provide free condoms; spunout.ie has a list of some of them here. Here at the Sexual Health Centre, we are providing a free condom postal service – contact us for more information.
Other types of contraception, such as the pill, are still available from pharmacies. Emergency contraception, i.e. the morning-after pill, are also still being supplied. Visit sexualwellbeing.ie for more information.
For more guidelines about safe sex in the current climate, check out our SafeR Sex campaign here.
2. Sexual health in a virtual world
As a result of social distancing restrictions, many people are turning to virtual platforms to connect with others. For some people, this will include sexual activity.
This is an effective barrier against the spread of coronavirus and STIs, but even though virtual encounters do not require any physical contact, there are a number of other implications that we should consider.
As with any sexual activity, don’t do anything you don’t feel comfortable with. Consent, which is a clear and freely-given affirmation, must be provided by all parties. Sending or receiving intimate images or videos is illegal for those under the age of 18, even if the pictures are of yourself. There are also potentially negative consequences to sharing such images online, even if it is done legally and with consent. Check out our blog post on online safety for more information on this topic.
3. Getting tested
Contracting an STI is still possible even if you take preventative measures, such as limiting your contact to one fellow household member or using barrier methods of contraception. If you are experiencing symptoms of an STI, or think you may have one, it is crucial to get tested as early as possible. STI testing has been deemed an essential service during the current lockdown, and many services are still operating, albeit at reduced capacity.
In Cork, the STI/GUM Clinic in the South Infirmary continues to operate, as does the Youth Health Service (note that YHS only offers services to those under 23 and under). The Sexual Health Centre is providing free rapid HIV tests by appointment; contact us for more info. If you’re located outside of Cork, you can find a list of HSE-funded STI testing services around Ireland here.
4. Dealing with sexual violence
According to unwomen.org, the issue of domestic and sexual violence has ‘intensified’ since the beginning of the pandemic, due to factors including increased financial-, security-, and health-related stress, being isolated in a household with abusers, and vacant public spaces. Services such as helplines and shelters are also forced to operate at limited capacity, further exacerbating the challenge for many people in accessing care.
It is important to remember, however, that you can still reach out for help at this time. In Cork, the Sexual Violence Centre are running a helpline and text service. If you have been sexually assaulted, The Rape Crisis Centre have a 24-hour helpline available, and can provide information on the steps you can take next. Your nearest Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (find yours here) will offer a safe environment in which you will be offered a forensic exam, a health check, and any medication you may need. The Bright Sky app allows you to enter your address or Eircode to find your nearest support centre.
If you feel that you are in immediate danger, contact the emergency services by dialling 112 or 999.
You can also visit nwci.ie for more information this topic, and a comprehensive list of resources and supports available nationwide.
5. COVID-19 and pregnancy
The pandemic brings particular stresses and challenges for people who are pregnant – whether that pregnancy is planned or not. There are several services available to support you in considering all of your options regarding your pregnancy.
If you are experiencing a pregnancy, you can contact the My Options helpline for information and support. Whether over web chat or on the phone, this service can discuss your options, listen to your concerns, or provide counselling.
Termination services are still being offered; however it may not be possible to have face-to-face consultations. Pre- and post-termination consultations may take place over phone or video call instead. (Source). For a step-by-step guide to abortion services currently provided, click here.
At the Sexual Health Centre, our counsellors provide a non-judgmental, professional, and non-directive service to people and their partners dealing with a pregnancy. This service is currently being provided virtually. Contact us for more information and to book an appointment. We understand that this is a very different time for many who are experiencing a pregnancy and we are here to help navigate this situation.
If you are seeking guidance on how to ensure a healthy pregnancy and birth you can refer to the HSE’s resource on COVID-19 and pregnancy for guidance on protecting your health at this time.
6. Living with HIV
The Sexual Health Centre is running free rapid HIV testing on site - more information here.
Undetectable equals untransmittable (U = U), which means that an individual who is on effective treatment for HIV cannot pass it on to sexual partners. Antiretroviral drug treatments called PrEP and PEP are used to reduce the chance of contracting HIV. PEP is an emergency course of medication that can be taken up to 72 hours after exposure. If you believe you have recently been exposed to HIV, contact your local A&E or sexual health clinic, who can discuss this medication with you. However, bear in mind that these services are likely experiencing an increase in demand coupled with a requirement to restrict capacity, so it may be more difficult, or take longer to access them (Source). PrEP is taken by HIV negative people to reduce the chance of contracting HIV from activities that expose them to the virus, such as having sex without a condom with someone who is not on effective treatment. Some PrEP clinics are restricted or closed; find a guide to services across the country that provide PrEP here. Depending on the service, you may still be allowed to attend a PrEP appointment, or your prescription may be mailed to you.
If you are living with HIV and not on effective treatment, you may be at increased risk if you contract COVID-19. Click here for more information on this subject.
7. Safety in relation to sex work
Faced with increased financial insecurity, some individuals who engage in sex work have continued to conduct in-person meetings. With this in mind, we have compiled a set of guidelines for people engaging in outdoor or street-based sex work during COVID-19, which you can view here. This resource was created in collaboration with street-based sex workers, Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI), and Gender, Orientation, Sexual Health, HIV (GOSHH). We have also launched our SafeR Sex Work campaign to provide general guidance to those engaging in sex work during the pandemic.
If you are engaged in sex work, you may also avail of the Sexual Health Centre’s free condom delivery service. You do not have to identify yourself as a sex worker, and you can simply request ‘the bag’ by phone, email or by placing an online order. We do not keep any information on those who partake of this service. SWAI are running a helpline for sex workers, whereby you can speak to their case worker. More info is available on their Facebook and Twitter.
😁 TODAY 😁
— Sex Workers Alliance Ireland (SWAI) (@SWAIIreland) January 6, 2021
On Wednesdays from 1-3pm our caseworker Becky is on call if you need her. This service is available for any sex worker who needs it.
Call us on 085 824 9305! pic.twitter.com/7poZFJvBGJ
If you’ve moved your work online this year, you can also refer to our online safety blog – while not specifically related to sex work, there may be parts of it that you find useful.
8. We may be physically isolated, but we’re not alone – seeking counselling during COVID-19 restrictions
With most of our attention currently placed on our physical health, we may neglect to afford the deserved level of care to our emotional wellbeing. Challenges that would have made our lives difficult pre-pandemic are now compounded by the added stress of our ‘new normal’.
However, social distancing doesn’t have to mean emotional distancing. There are several services offering a variety of virtual supports, such as counselling via video call, phone call, or text.
The Sexual Health Centre is offering LGBTI+ support from our dedicated advisor on a wide range of matters such as healthy relationships, sexuality, sexual dysfunction, gender and sexual identity. We also run free one-to-one counselling for anybody dealing with a crisis pregnancy. As mentioned, SWAI are running a helpline for sex workers, and there are a number of counselling options available for those experiencing crisis pregnancy, as listed above.
Samaritans and mymind.org are nationwide services that offer free counselling and support on a range of issues. The HSE-run online counselling platform Turn2Me is also available nationally, and provides free counselling from accredited professionals. Your GP can also advise you as to what services are available.
Accessing appropriate care may seem even more difficult and daunting currently, but we still have multiple resources at our disposal that will help us to look after our sexual health. Services will differ around the country, so if you cannot find a suitable service in this article, search for or contact those in your locality for more information.
Contact the Sexual Health Centre on 021 427 6676 or info@sexualhealthcentre.com for further information about our services.
