The BCCDC has some glorious suggestions on how to have safe sex during a pandemic

If you thought discussing the birds and the bees with your parents as a teenager was awkward, the BC Centre for Disease Control is doing its best to make you relive that.

As one of the leading sources for public health information in the province, the BCCDC has released a guide of sorts for having safe sex during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The BCCDC says that if you’re feeling sick at all, do not engage in intercourse, but recognizes that sex and the release that comes with it is important for mental, social and physical well-being.

However, the less contact with others that comes with that sex is best, which means things like masturbating or virtual sex are the most advisable options at this time.

“You are your safest sex partner,” says the BCCDC. “Masturbating by yourself (solo sex) will not spread COVID-19.”

“If you masturbate with a partner(s), physical distancing will lower your chance of getting COVID-19.”

If you choose to have sex with a partner(s), having fewer or regular sex partner(s) obviously lowers your chance of being exposed to COVID-19.

However you decide to engage in sexual activities, here are some tips from the BCCDC on how to stay the safest while doing so:

• Wear a face covering or mask. Heavy breathing during sex can create more droplets that may transmit COVID-19.
• Avoid or limit kissing and saliva exchange.
• Choose sexual positions that limit face-to-face contact.
• Use barriers, like walls (e.g., glory holes), that allow for sexual contact but prevent close face-to-face contact.
• Using condoms, lubricant, and dental dams may help to further reduce the risk by minimizing contact with saliva, semen and feces during oral and anal sex.

The BCCDC also advises people to continue seeking sexual health services if needed, such as testing for HIV and STIs or for contraception.

For more information on the BCCDC's suggestions for safe sex during the pandemic, click this link.