Experts say that awareness on sexual well-being and intimacy is the need of the hour during the pandemic situation due to COVID-19.
Experts say that awareness on sexual well-being and intimacy is the need of the hour during the pandemic situation due to COVID-19.
Dr. M. Dinesh Periasamy, Consultant Pediatrician, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Practitioner, Adolescent Counsellor Life Coach said, "Sex is a fundamental right and an essential one such as food, water, air and shelter. Just like all the other sectors, the COVID-19 outbreak has made a big impact on sexual well being and intimacy also. If one does not take care of it well, the consequences will be much worse."
He pointed out that “some of the setbacks include increasing number of unprotected sex among minors and married couples. This would lead to unwanted pregnancies and an increase in the number of DNCs that need to be performed.”
He also said, "Sexually transmitted diseases will also be witnessed more and more. Creating awareness is the need of the hour. This is the only solution to this problem."
Citing an article published by the Indian Journal of Psychiatry written by Debanjan Banerjee, Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru and TS. Sathyanarayana Rao, Department of Psychiatry, JSS Medical College, JSS Academy of Higher Education and Research, Mysore, he said that it has been considered as an eye opener for all.
Issues that are highlighted in the article are, fear, panic, stress, financial crisis, unemployment, health anxiety, uncertainty, confusion, depression, loss of sleep, etc., are some of the mental health issues caused by the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak.
The article further says that long term issues of this pandemic is Post Traumatic stress. For example, he says the grief of COVID-19 will continue even when the outbreak ends. Social interaction and intimacy will act as coping factors for the affected people to come out of their problems during the crisis.
The quarantine has resulted in loneliness which affects the mental health of coping up with the pandemic is affected. People are more worried about loneliness than the virus. Sexual relationships also come under social interaction and social intimacy. Husband and wife sexual relationship is heavily affected during this pandemic.
The main reason touted is the fear and anxiety which prevails among them. Many also worry if viral infection could be transferred during sexual intercourse. Many housewives especially have this fear and are doubtful about their husbands who go out for work everyday.
This has worsened the situation in the families where the husband and wife already lack proper understanding. This situation has been witnessed during every plague, the Spanish flu and various other pandemic outbreaks the world has witnessed. During such times, there was a constant reminder that said, 'You are your safest sex partner'.
Many might wonder if SEX is as important an issue during a pandemic. This is a wrong perception. Sex should be seen as form of love and intimacy. There are several harmful effects of not having sex for a prolonged period. Studies have shown that during the pandemic outbreak in the past have revealed many issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation and marital discord. However, above all, people worry if they will perform well during sexual intercourse and if they will be satisfied after a very long gap. Due to these factors the stigma related to sex continues to prevail.
Sexual well being offers positivity. It gives hope, increases confidence and above all helps in improving overall health. But still many think sexual intercourse is something to be ashamed of. While masturbation will not give complete satisfaction, real satisfaction can be obtained only when you have sexual intercourse with a partner who involves in it wholeheartedly with love.
Being devoid of sex for a long time may also result in getting addicted to alcohol, gambling etc., he warned.
What are the solutions?
Stress about SEX during a pandemic outbreak is normal. There is nothing to worry and an open conversation between husbands and wives is very important. There are possibilities for having issues even post pandemic. Both safety and intimacy are equally important. Sort out a way to balance both. Couples should openly converse both on phone and in person. Husbands shouldn't shun wife's request for intimacy and intercourse.
The article also pointed out that digital sex is increasing rapidly. This is totally different from pornography and masturbation. This will give more pleasure, since the partner on the other side of the phone will pose nude for one person. But there are safety concerns as there is a high chance of cyber crime issues.
Sexual intercourse is related to fundamental rights. When people start to look at it this way the stigma will totally change. The article states very relevant information that is much needed for the current situation. Hence creating awareness about the importance, need and frequency of sex is very important.