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WWW.GSCENE.COM HOW TO HAVE SEX WHILE MANAGING THE RISK OF COVID-19 - SEX GUIDELINES RELEASED BY THT ) Sexual health charity Terrence Higgins Trust (THT) has released new guidance on having sex while social distancing and managing the risk of Covid-19.
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Research by THT in partnership with sexual health clinic 56 Dean Street in June found that 84% of people hadn’t had sex with someone outside of their immediate household since lockdown began. But, as restrictions continue into a sixth month and are starting to be lifted, THT says asking everyone to refrain from sex entirely is no longer realistic.
DR MICHAEL BRADY
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Dr Michael Brady, medical director at THT, said: “Sex is a very important part of life and asking people to avoid sex indefinitely isn’t realistic. That’s why, as the Covid19 pandemic continues, we all need to find ways to balance our need for sex and intimacy with the risks of the spread of Covid-19.
) Move Donate Nominate, a fundraising challenge to #TackleHIV, get the nation moving, support people living with HIV and raise awareness to make positive change is aiming to raise £5,000 for Terrence Higgins Trust (THT). To get involved, simply choose an activity that gets your body moving, donate to support THT and nominate your friends and family to do the same on social media. MOVE: Get moving by taking on an activity of your choice. From walking, cycling, running, to taking on an exercise class, swimming, going for a kick about, or having a dance. Don’t forget to take a photo or video. DONATE: Donate £5 (or more) to support the work of THT and those affected by HIV. NOMINATE: Share a photo or video of yourself moving on social media and nominate up to five people to do the same, using the hashtag #TackleHIV and tag @THTorguk. All proceeds go to THT, whose mission is to empower and support people living with HIV, amplify their voices to eradicate stigma and end the transmission of HIV in the UK. £5 could pay for 20 packs of condoms for Outreach teams to provide to the public, along with advice, support and education around HIV. £15 could cover the cost of one HIV self-test kit. The sooner people know their status, the quicker they can get access to medication and support to live full and healthy lives. £150 could provide training and development for one new Positive Voices speaker - a community project where people living with HIV share their stories to raise awareness and stop stigma. £500 could pay for 50 calls to the helpline THT Direct, a valuable lifeline that helps nearly 20,000 vulnerable people each year. £5,000 could pay for 211 one-hour online counselling sessions to support people living with or affected by HIV. You can also text MOVE to 70085 to donate £5. Texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message and you’ll be opting in to hear more about THT’s work and fundraising via telephone and SMS. If you’d like to give £5 but do not wish to receive marketing communications, text MOVENOINFO to 70085. Move Donate Nominate is a fundraising challenge in support of Tackle HIV's charity partner, THT. To donate, visit: www.justgiving.com/campaign/movedonatenominate D For more info on THT, visit: www.tht.org.uk
While stating that you or someone in your household is the best choice of sexual partner, the new guidance includes practical advice such as sticking with one partner or as few partners as possible. It is also clear that if either person is feeling unwell, they shouldn’t have sex. Other tips include avoiding kissing, wearing a face mask and favouring positions where you’re not face-toface, as well as using condoms or dams for oral sex and rimming. There is also information on the importance of thinking about sexual health before starting to have sex again. That includes the strong recommendation of getting tested for sexually transmitted infections.
“We’re clear that abstaining from sex is the best way to protect yourself from coronavirus. But we hope by issuing this advice we will help people to manage the risks of Covid-19 while also being able to have and enjoy sex.” D The guidance is available by visiting www.tht.org.uk/news/howhave-sex-while-managing-riskcovid-19 and the free, confidential helpline THT Direct is available for any additional questions about sex and managing the risk of Covid-19. D To order a free HIV postal home test kit, visit https://test.tht.org.uk/breakthechain D For more info, visit: www.tht.org.uk
