The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the sex lives of healthcare workers in Turkey, suggests a recent study in the International Journal of Impotence Research.

Researchers found that hospital employees were having sex less often and for shorter lengths of time. Decreased sexual desire and fewer face-to-face sexual positions were also reported.

The study’s 185 respondents (89 women and 96 men) worked in a pandemic hospital in Istanbul. Their average age was 31 years, and all had been either married or in a sexual relationship for at least six months. Four of the respondents had been diagnosed with COVID-19.

The survey was completed between May 2 and May 26, 2020, when the Turkish government had enacted restrictions, including weekend lockdowns.

The survey included questions on sexual practices before and during the pandemic. Participants reported on how frequently they had sex, how much time they spent on foreplay and intercourse, the sexual positions they used, and methods of protection.

Male respondents completed the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and women completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). All participants were assessed for anxiety and depression.

Since the pandemic began, respondents were feeling less sexual desire and had intercourse less often. The time spent on intercourse and foreplay had also decreased. For example, before COVID-19, the average times spent on foreplay and intercourse were 16.38 minutes and 24.65 minutes, respectively. During the pandemic, the average foreplay and intercourse times dropped to 12.02 and 19.38 minutes, respectively.

The average number of sexual encounters (intercourse or masturbation) decreased from 2.53 times per week before the pandemic to 1.32 times per week during the pandemic.

Respondents reported having oral sex and anal sex less frequently during COVID-19. They used face-to-face sexual positions less often.

For almost half the respondents, COVID-19 prompted concerns about sex. In this group, 59% said they worried about infecting their sexual partner. About 22% were concerned about contracting the virus from their sexual partner. And 19% were anxious that the virus would be spread to more people.

About half of the participants believed that COVID-19 could be transmitted sexually. [Note: At the time of the survey, it was not clear whether this was possible. Since then, SARS-CoV-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19) has been detected in semen samples. The ISSM communication committee has also addressed the possibility of indirect transmission of the virus during sexual activity and offered tips for safer sex during the pandemic.]

When asked about protection, over a quarter of the respondents said they had less intercourse. About 13% said they spent less time on foreplay or didn’t have foreplay at all. Condoms (male and female) were the most common contraception method used. Washing hands before and after intercourse was also recommended.

Sexual dysfunction was diagnosed in 41 participants – 3 women and 38 men. Sexual problems were more common in men and alcohol users, the authors said. In addition, respondents with sexual dysfunction had worse scores on anxiety assessments. Depression scores were also worse for those with sexual dysfunction, but the finding was not significant.

The authors encouraged further study in other at-risk groups, including teachers and supermarket workers.

Resources

• International Journal of Impotence Research via Nature.com - “Sexual attitudes of healthcare professionals during the COVID-19 outbreak”
  Culha, Mehmet Gokhan, et al.
  (Full-text. Published: December 11, 2020)
  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41443-020-00381-9