The pandemic seems to have put a strain on our sex lives.
In a sense, Covid-19 has been shown to be toxic to sexuality. Why ? Also, could the damage be lasting?
Initially, the pandemic-related standoff forced many couples to slow down a hectic and over-scheduled lifestyle, and this had positive effects: a general slowdown, more time for intimate moments together, the possibility of greater connection… As time went on, however, there was, and studies that have been carried out somewhat around the world agree on this, a General decline in sexual desire.
That is, the pandemic has begun to “take over” intimate relationships.
The pandemic has created an atmosphere of uncertainty and fear; unprecedented health-related anxiety, financial insecurity, and other significant life changes.
The significant decline in sex life is believed to have been caused by these factors as well as problems resulting from spending too much time with another person in an enclosed, cramped space.
There is a link between stress, depression and sexual desire. At the beginning of the pandemic, stressors had not yet “triggered depression.” But as stressors have been prolonged over time, personal resources have become scarcer, people more stressed, and energy decreases.
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under these conditions that disillusionment and depression began to arise, and we know how depression negatively affects sexual desire.
In addition, the great threat of the virus, the worldwide increase in death and hospitalization rates have certainly contributed to lowering the mood of couples, thus to a decrease in desire and difficulty with arousal.
Then being together too much, what is called the“overexposure effect,” whereby small habits of the partner begin to get on the nerves, seems to have made the relationship climate difficult.
Finally, the loss of social and professional life may have contributed for many to a loss of self-confidence and thus also to their sexual appeal. Especially for women, the pandemic has been an overload of tasks, from household chores to childcare to DAD.
Will we be able to take back our sex life after the pandemic stress has dissipated or our relationships have suffered irreversible damage?
Sex is not necessarily condemned.
One specific behavior to improve couples’ sex lives is to pursue new avenues. Something new in bed helps revive desire and intimacy.
Clearly this is not mechanically and automatically valid for everyone.
If stressors (job loss, financial insecurity, relationship difficulties, health scares, etc.) persist, the effects on relationship quality and sex life will continue to be felt.
But, for many, there is hope. The more people get vaccinated, the more businesses reopen, the more workers return to their jobs, the more positive effects there will be.
Any kind of return to “normalcy” is a good indicator.
