How Sexuality Has Changed Post-Pandemic

The pandemic has gone down in history as an era when the world turned upside down, and with it, many people’s sex lives.

Sex is something to be enjoyed and savored, but the pandemic brought with it so much stress and fear of being near other people that sex became a worrisome afterthought for many.

The pandemic had a significant impact on both sexual behaviors and relationships.

1. Increase in online dating: With many people stuck at home and scared to be in the physical presence of another, germ-laden human, there has been a marked rise in the use of dating apps and online platforms to connect with potential partners.
2. Decrease in sexual activity: The pandemic brought with it increased stress, anxiety and other negative emotions, which can have a big impact on sexual desire. Social distancing and lockdowns made it more difficult for many people to have in-person sexual encounters.
3. Changes in the way people have sex: With the need for social distancing, many have turned to sexting, video calls and other forms of virtual sex to keep their sex life going.
4. Increase in domestic violence: This has been a horrifying change we’ve seen in society during and since the pandemic. There has been a stark increase in incidents of domestic violence, which can obviously affect an individual’s physical well-being, but also their mental health, making them less likely to engage or want to engage in consensual sexual activity.
5. Disruption of sexual health services: Many sexual health clinics and counseling services had to close or limit their services, making it more difficult to access information and support related to sexual health.

Did you notice or experience any of these yourself? While these changes have been seen widely across society during and since the pandemic, people have been affected differently.

It’s good to remember that sexual behaviors are personal and can be affected by many different factors, not just the pandemic. Being in quarantine or choosing not to interact or interact in a limited way with society doesn’t necessarily mean loss of sexual experiences. As we’ve seen, people have adapted to the situation by using other means to keep connected with their partners.

And, as the pandemic slowly eases into the rearview mirror and life settles into ‘the new normal’, we will probably see other sexual patterns emerge as people will have different experiences and adapt in different ways.

If you’re struggling to figure out your sex life since the pandemic, reach out for help today from Willamette Wellness Center. Our caring counselors have the skills, tools and empathy to help you explore and restore your sex life to where you want it to be.

Be Well,