During the COVID-19 pandemic, sexual frequency and satisfaction decreased for young men and women in China, according to new research.
The COVID-19 situation has had a serious impact on Chinese society and around the world. During February and March 2020, much of the Chinese population was restricted from most social activities. Families, friends, and partners were separated, and most schools and workplaces were closed.
How did these changes affect sexuality?
In March, a team of researchers surveyed 1,200 people to learn more about the effects of COVID-19 on sexual behavior.
Responses from 459 participants (270 men and 189 women) between the ages of 18 and 45 were included in final analyses. All of the respondents had a history of sexual activity. Just over half were married and 72% lived with their parents. None had medical conditions that would influence their sexual function, and they reported no alcohol or drug abuse. Homosexual and bisexual people, as well as pregnant and lactating women, were excluded from the study.
The survey asked for information on demographics, employment, finances, lifestyles, and sexual activity. Respondents also indicated whether they planned to increase their number of partners or risky sexual behaviors after the pandemic. (Risky behaviors were defined as “inconsistent condom use, ‘casual’ sexual partnerships, or multiple sexual partnerships.”)
The survey revealed the following:
- About 44% of the respondents said they had had fewer sexual partners since the pandemic began. Of this group, 53% were men and 30% were women.
- About a quarter of the respondents said their levels of sexual desire had decreased.
- Approximately 37% reported having sex less often.
- Almost a third of the men and 39% of the women were less sexually satisfied during the pandemic.
Risky Behaviors
Almost 20% of the participants said they had engaged in risky sexual behaviors. Most of this subgroup said these behaviors had decreased. The authors noted that these individuals may be under great stress and that the “strict physical restrictions” made it difficult to have new partners or engage in risky sexual behaviors.
Still, 32% of the men and 18% of the women said they would probably increase their number of sexual partners or engagement in risky sexual behaviors after the pandemic was over.
Married Participants
The researchers also examined data from a subgroup of married participants. They found that 49% of married men and 29% of married women had had fewer sexual partners during the pandemic. In addition, 36% of married men and 28% of married women had sex less frequently.
The authors acknowledged limitations to their research, pointing out that race and ethnic culture could have influenced the results. For example, it is more common for young people in China to live with their parents, as almost three-quarters of the study participants did. This tradition, which might affect sexual behavior, is not so widespread in other countries or cultures.
For more information on the effects of COVID-19 on sexuality, please see these articles:
Is it safe to have sex during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic?
COVID-19: Only 40% of UK Adults Sexually Active While Social Distancing
Resources
The Journal of Sexual Medicine
Li, Weiran, PhD, et al.
“Changes in Sexual Behaviors of Young Women and Men During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak: A Convenience Sample From the Epidemic Area”
(Full-text. Published online: April 28, 2020)
https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30597-X/fulltext