Will there be a baby boom after COVID-19? Experts say it’s possible. In times of crisis, people long for normalcy and intimacy. After World War II, America’s birth rates exploded. At its peak, babies were born every 7 seconds in the U.S.
The current Coronavirus pandemic has impacted lives on an unprecedented scale. Couples who are quarantined at home for weeks on end are now turning to the bedroom for fun and for stress release, but many of those couples want to avoid pregnancy. Even those who have been trying to conceive are now postponing because there is still so much that is not known about the novel virus and how it affects pregnant women and babies in utero.
This article discusses implications of couples spending more time in the bedroom, like potential shortages of Viagra and condoms.
UK Doctor Appeals to Patients Not to Stockpile Viagra
To make access to ED medication easier and reduce the strain on the healthcare system, countries like Switzerland have allowed Viagra sales to be over-the-counter. In the UK, ED pills have been available without prescription for some time now.
Increases in sexual activity lead to a higher demand of condoms and other contraceptives, as well as ED medication like Viagra. Some doctors, like Dr. Diana Gall from the United Kingdom, have appealed to patients not to stockpile these products. Dr. Gall says she noticed a “dramatic” rise in demand for Viagra. This is concerning, as stockpiling will lead to some customers being unable to get the medication.
Should you stockpile on Viagra now?
So, should you worry about a Viagra shortage and start stockpiling? Definitely not! What you can do is make sure you have enough medication to get you through the next few weeks. Depending on where you are in the world, you may be facing another month or two of stay-at-home recommendations. Estimate how much sex you have on average and ask your doctor or pharmacist for an appropriate amount of pills.
Worldwide Condom Shortage Expected Due to COVID-19
And what about condoms? Experts warn we may see a worldwide shortage soon. According to The Guardian, Karex, the biggest producer of condoms, had to stop production for a week and is now only allowed to continue at 50% capacity.
This trend is especially worrying as condoms are the only means of preventing HIV infections via sexual contact. Further, in the context of COVID-19, we don’t have enough information on the various means of transmission. As a result, it’s going to be wise to use condoms long after the social distancing measures are lifted.
How Many Condoms Should you Buy?
Should you stockpile on condoms, then? The same rule as with Viagra applies. Determine how often you have sex and buy enough supplies to get you through the next few weeks.
A final word of warning: if temporary shortages do occur, don’t be tempted to buy super cheap Viagra or condoms from unreliable sources. In the best case scenario, you may get some expensive sugar pills. At worst, the pills may deadly and the condoms damaged. Use trusted online drugstores and pharmacies, especially the ones that offer consultations with licensed physicians. Check here if you’re looking for a reliable source for ED medication online.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.