As if things couldn’t be scarier in the world right now, COVID-19 (aka coronavirus) has now been found in semen. That’s right, now our sex lives are at risk, too.
Recently, traces of the coronavirus have been found in the semen of some severely infected men. This raises the possibility that the virus could potentially be sexually transmitted as well as airborne.
Now, it is important to say that it has not been confirmed yet if COVID-19 can be spread through sperm. So this may just be another stat that doesn’t affect people. But if it can spread this way, it means we need to be extra cautious while having sex.
A recent study out of China showed that out of 38 men who are currently being treated for the novel coronavirus, 19 of them showed evidence of SARS Co-V2 (otherwise known as the genetic material that causes COVID-19 in their semen). Of those six tested, four were still infected and two were recovering from the virus when their sample was taken.
Because of the vast similarities of COVID-19 and SARS Co-V2 and the lack of research performed on this particular study, scientists are urging people to take extra caution. It’s also important to note that SARS Co-V2 is the virus that causes the COVID-19 illness.
Scientists from the study performed in China do believe that the primary mode of transmission is through bodily fluids such as saliva. To put it simply, you’re more at risk to become infected through nose/mouth germs transmitted by sneezing or coughing.
Obviously, that indicates you can get it through kissing.
As it’s recently been confirmed, COVID-19 can be found in stool (aka your poop), and bodily fluids such as blood, urine, and spinal fluid. Luckily, it’s harder to contract the virus from some of those listed, like urine. So, the idea of potentially contracting it through sex can be a tad frightening since it is way easier.
Because there is no confirmed answer yet, we do not actually know if COVID-19 can be sexually transmitted. So it is extremely important to take caution when engaging in “the nasty”.
As for oral sex, there are potential implications. Depending on if the sperm enters the mouth or comes near the mouth or nasal area, you are at risk of contracting it too. Although that chance is very slim, it should still be taken into consideration.
As for the accuracy of this test, it’s pretty 50/50 when compared to other deadly viruses. Ebola had been found in the semen of recovered patients but there was never any evidence that it could spread through sex. Whereas Zika had been found in semen and was proven to be transmitted through sex even after someone’s symptoms subsided.
Now, you are probably at a higher risk of contracting an STI through sexual activity than COVID-19. But during these times, we really need to be extra cautious. Continue to use condoms, avoid kissing as much as possible even if you live with that person, and stay six feet apart from anybody unless they live with you.
Hopefully, we’ll get more information soon. Until then, stay safe.
Featured image via Pexels
