Sexual Health During COVID-19: A Scoping Review

Abstract

Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic impacted profoundly on the wellbeing and social interactions of the world population, and all dimensions of sexual health were potentially affected by globally implemented preventive measures. Objectives The scoping review aimed to compile existing research investigating possible effects of COVID-19 lockdowns on adult sexual health, that is, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction. Further, studies on the interplay between mental health and sexual well-being during the pandemic were reviewed. Methods The review was conducted in accordance with guidelines established by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Checklist. On October 11–12, 2021, PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, Cinahl, Cochrane, Sociological Abstracts and Scopus were systematically searched for relevant peer-reviewed papers employing quantitative methodology. Additionally, unpublished (“grey”) research studies on the subject were retrieved. The screening, data extraction, and analysis of evidence were conducted by 4 independent reviewers using an iterative approach. Results Based on 107 studies included, the scoping review showed that the pandemic had had a wide impact on all dimensions of sexual health. Except for solo sex activities, mainly negative COVID-19 implications were identified, although findings were, in sum, characterized by complexity and unpredictability. Thus, sexual behavior, functioning, and satisfaction during the pandemic appeared to be mitigated by a broad range of sociodemographic and contextual factors. Finally, sexual health seemed deeply entwined with overall mental health. Conclusion The scoping review revealed a broad range of COVID-19-related effects on sexual health, including an overall decline in partnered sex and a concurrent increase in solo sex activities. It also emphasized a need for future research to shed light on possible long-term consequences of the pandemic in various population groups and on all aspects of sexual health.

Sexual and reproductive health in Britain during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional population survey (Natsal-COVID-Wave 2) and national surveillance data

“…Most of these earlier studies focused on MSM, finding a reduction in the number of casual partners and unprotected anal intercourse. 8 These findings are intuitively plausible because lockdowns restricted physical and social interactions. 9 11 Overall differences observed between Natsal-COVID-2 and Natsal-3 in chlamydia testing were also found in younger participants, who are targeted by the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (which, until June 2021, targeted opportunistic chlamydia testing to sexually active people under 25 years), and in those reporting at least one new partner in the past year, who are recommended to test by the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH) guidelines.…”

“…Thus, early reviews have called for longer-term evidence. 8 The Natsal COVID-19 study was conducted in two waves. Natsal-COVID-1 (first wave) was conducted 4 months after the first UK lockdown (July-August 2020) and provided population-level evidence on behaviour and service use in the initial months.…”

impact of premarital sexual behavior on adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…Research conducted by Pangcheng Tu et al explained that sexual activity and contraceptive methods before and during COVID-19 decreased. Research conducted by Tyrel J et al also explained that the use of cannabis use decreased drastically before and during the pandemic from 45.7% to 34.5%, the use of illegal drugs also decreased from 22.9% before the pandemic to 11.0 % during the pandemic (Mberu & White, 2011;Salih et al, 2015;Toldam et al, 2022;Rosramadhana et al, 2021).…”

How the COVID-19 pandemic and the health system's response reduced HIV testing and increased late diagnoses in Mexico

“…These measures significantly affected HIV testing behaviors because people had limited access to public health services [5]. Although these measures may have also inadvertently reduced HIV risk behaviors, such as sexual activities and the number of sexual partners [6], it is unclear whether these behavior changes were related to the observed reduction in HIV testing and diagnoses. On the other hand, reduced access to testing without a significant reduction in sexual risk behavior could lead to higher rates of late diagnoses and advanced disease.…”