It’s no surprise that the lockdown has caused adverse effects onto numerous aspects of our lives. Be it the lack of socializing, ‘mask-ne’, weight gain/ weight loss and a boat load of other things that would probably take until the end of the pandemic to list.
But today, let’s take a drive down a more intimate road and see the effects that the pandemic has had on sex drive.
For some arguably, the lockdown was looked at from a ‘half glass full’ perspective, with thoughts of using the time indoors to potentially re-kindle a spark lost due to the pre-COVID-19 intense workload, and schedules that ensured that your partner and yourself never had more than a few minutes together.
However, for some, being indoors has only amplified the struggles of having a low sex drive.
According to the Irish Times, a research conducted by the Kinsey Institute at Indiana University reported that, nearly half of those who had responded reported a decline in the frequency of sexual behaviour, including masturbation.
Although, the research also stated that, one in five people have tried something new in their sex life, such as different positions or sexting (guess some really took the time locked indoors to experiment in activities other than dance sequences on TikTok 😏 😏).
Whilst it is proven that engaging in sex for pleasure helps to burn off tension and anxiety, an article by Healthline states that, ‘survival stress can have a negative effect on your body’s ability or interest in reproducing’, and that means, if you’re worried about factors such as your job and/or finances for example, you’re bound to experience a low libido.
The article by Healthline also states that a primary reason behind the drop in libido is stress and anxiety. These are, after all, tense and nerve-wrecking times we’re living in, and a lot of the stress right now revolves around the need to survive in these unprecedented times.
But stress may not be the only thing that’s stopping you from putting out at night (or day 😉). You have probably 'lost the excitement' of seeing your partner all through the day. Gone are those moments when you’d blush during your lecture whilst sexting, or kissing your boo before work whilst spending the entire day waiting for them to get back in the evening, or seeing each other for a date on weekends….now you’re literally looking at each other 24/7.
Add in responsibilities of housework, or children who are also locked in with you, and your lockdown libido may have only exacerbated.
Whilst these are just a few of the effects that lockdown has had on the sex drive of some, it may be safe to say that it’s not permanent.
It’s normal for your body to respond in unfavourable ways when stressed and, let’s face it, right now there’s arguably nothing that creates more anxiety than living through a 21st century pandemic.
According to the article by Healthline, Lyndsey Harper, an OB-GYN and the founder and CEO of Rosy, an app for women with decreased sexual desire says: “Your libido may be the first thing to go when you’re dealing with a pandemic, but it will likely also be one of the first things to return post-pandemic.”
So, I guess, your libido is going to have to wait for quite some time😬.
Edited by Madeleine Gill