Study investigates sexual activity in lockdown

sex
Credit: CC0 Public Domain

New research indicates that only four in 10 UK adults have been sexually active during the COVID-19 lockdown—a finding that could have important physical and mental health implications.

The study, published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine and led by Dr. Lee Smith of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and Professor Mark Tully of Ulster University, is the first to investigate levels of sexual activity during social distancing and self-isolation.

Only 39.9% of the 868 British adults surveyed for the research had taken part in any form of sexual activity during the previous seven days. The study found that being younger, male, married and a consumer of alcohol was associated with greater sexual activity.

Previous research has shown an association between sexual activity and , including helping to protect older adults against cardiovascular events. Frequent sexual activity has also been associated with various mental health benefits and improved cognitive function.

The findings of this new study suggest that the UK Government's messaging around COVID-19 self-isolation and social distancing could include promoting sexual activity as a way of maintaining physical and mental health.

Dr. Lee Smith, Reader in Physical Activity and Public Health at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), said: "When starting this research we expected there to be a high level of sexual activity while social isolating at home, but interestingly we found a very low level.

"This low level of sexual activity could be explained by people currently feeling anxious and stressed owing to the pandemic and not being in the mood to engage in the act. Moreover, those who are not married or cohabiting may not currently be able to meet up with their and similarly those who use online apps to facilitate casual sex will currently not be able to do this.

"A lot of my previous research has shown that a frequent and trouble-free sex life is important for higher levels of enjoyment of life and general mental health, and this is particularly true for older adults. However, this study showed that were less likely than younger adults to engage in ."

More information: Louis Jacob et al, COVID-19 social distancing and sexual activity in a sample of the British Public, The Journal of Sexual Medicine (2020). DOI: 10.1016/j.jsxm.2020.05.001

Journal information: Journal of Sexual Medicine
Citation: Study investigates sexual activity in lockdown (2020, May 26) retrieved 18 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-05-sexual-lockdown.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Intimacy: The elusive fountain of youth?

43 shares

Feedback to editors