IMPACT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC ON SEXUALITY
REVIEW
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.35919/rbsh.v34.1072Keywords:
COVID-19, Sexual behaviour, Family MedicineAbstract
Introduction: The outbreak of COVID-19 Pandemic forced the adoption of measures of confinement and social isolation around the world. These measures posed a threat to the physical and mental health of the population and little is known about the impact of this new reality on the quality of sexual life of the population. The aim of this work is to review the literature concerning the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sexuality of men and women. Methods: A literature search was conducted in the Pubmed database, using the MESH terms "COVID-19" AND "sexual behaviour". All articles published in Portuguese language or English language from January 1, 2020 to April 17, 2021 were searched. A total of 147 articles were found and 21 were included. Results: Several studies revealed an increase in sexual desire during periods of confinement and social isolation, but a decrease in intimacy, frequency of sexual intercourse and quality of sexual life. Masturbation and pornography increased globally during the periods under review. Discussion: The studies included in this review showed changes in the sexual life habits of the men and women surveyed, in different aspects. Globally, since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic there has been a negative impact on the quality of the population's sexual health Conclusion: A change in sexual life quality constitutes a threat to the population's mental health. The Family Physician must be aware of these possible changes which are often not addressed spontaneously in the context of a consultation.
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