Imagine – it’s almost lunchtime and your wife is working at her desk in a cozy but sexy outfit. You both decide to take a little break to have a quickie. No, it’s not another fantasy. This is the reality of many couples staying in lockdown.
COVID-19 quarantines may not be easy, but there are definitely some perks for those isolated at home with their lovers. It’s no wonder the sex industry is booming. Sales of porn, sex toys, and Viagra are on the rise. Why are people turning to carnal pleasures in such insecure times?
Porn Use on the Rise during Coronavirus Pandemic
PornHub, one of the most popular websites showing X-rated films, saw a rapid increase in traffic after announcing it would offer free access to anyone pledging to stay at home during the pandemic.
Some VR (Virtual Reality) porn sites have also noticed higher interest in their productions. It shouldn’t come as a surprise – it offers an attractive option for single people seeking a more lifelike experience.
The pandemic has inspired erotic filmmakers to make Corona-Porn. Independent director Erika Lust put together a documentary “Sex and Love in the Time of Quarantine”. All scenes were shot in performers’ own homes and edited by Lust and her team.
Why do people turn to porn in times like this? For some, it’s a distraction, a way to pass the time. For others, it’s a way to handle stress. Couples may explore erotic movies to make their sex lives more interesting or to get inspired.
Could growing popularity of pornography be a bad thing? Will we all leave our quarantines addicted?Psychologist and porn use researcher Joshua B. Grubbs remains optimistic. He says consumption will most likely return to prior levels once the lockdowns are lifted.
COVID-19 Brings Spike in Sex Toy Sales
When making the most out of the lockdowns, why not try some new gadgets? It seems many singles and couples alike have had the same idea. There’s more interest in sex toys since the start of the pandemic.
One company noted a 345% rise in sales since the beginning of security measures. Well-known makers of vibrators, such as Lelo and Ann Summers, are also seeing increased demand.
People could be buying more gadgets simply out of boredom. Many of us have more time on our hands and spend it browsing the web, adding purchases to cart. The monotony of home isolation may also push people to look for ways to have fun while staying indoors. Toys are a great option, particularly for those who lack a partner and want to engage in solo play.
Viagra Sales Up during the Pandemic
With all that extra sex going on during this time, men are turning to ED medications to keep up. In the United Kingdom, where Viagra is available over the counter, sales have been on the rise.
Why are men buying more ED medication in times of the pandemic? First, they may be having more sex (what else is there to do if you are quarantined with your partner for weeks on end, right?).
But the pandemic may also leave men feeling more anxious and stressed out than usual. Mood swings and disorders have been linked to erectile difficulties.
And the final reason? Panic buying. It’s not just canned food and toilet paper that we’ve been hoarding these past few weeks. Some men may worry that quarantine will last for months and they would have nothing to help them on date nights or romantic evenings.
Whatever your situation, always make sure to order your medication from trustworthy online pharmacies. And before first use, make sure to consult a doctor or pharmacist. Click here to see for what ED medication is currently available and ask a health professional if that particular drug is safe for you.
It’s difficult to say if things will ever go back to normal after COVID-19. The rise in sex-related products and services clearly shows humans yearn for intimacy in times of crisis. Let’s not forget to nurture our relationships when this is all over.
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.