COVID-19, quarantine and sexual life: a cross-sectional online survey of Brazilian individuals

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 outbreak was responsible for a high number of deaths worldwide. Not only the physical health was affected by COVID-19. Thus, to avoid the infection spreading, social distancing and quarantine have been adopted, bringing rupture to previous habits, economic losses, and isolation. Objective: To study the sexual life during the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazilian individuals. Methods: This cross-sectional study using an internet survey was conducted from June 10th to July 30th, 2020 with epidemiological questions, questions on fatigue and depression, and the sexual quotient scale (SQS). Results: The survey was answered by 2,131 individuals: 325 males, median age 25 years (IQR=22.0-33.5 years), range between 18 to 69 years and 1,806 females with median age 25 years (IQR=22-31 years), range between 18 to 67 years. In 49% of males and 29% of females (29%), there were no changes in sexual life. In 43.7% of females and 32.1% of males, some deterioration was observed while in 26.3% of females and 18.1% some improvement was noted. Despite this, 90.8% of males and 85% of females scored as having good sexual performance according to SQS. Sexual performance was negatively influenced by fatigue, state of mind in males and females; having a fixed partner and staying at home impaired male performance. Conclusion: Despite the pandemic, the studied sample showed good sexual performance in the studied period.

Keywords

• Sexuality
• pandemic
• COVID-19
• depression
• mental health