Changes in sexuality and couple relationship during the COVID-19 lockdown in Portugal: findings from an online survey

Abstract

AbstractIn this work we aim to investigate how the COVID-19 pandemic measures influenced frequency of intercourse, auto-erotic behaviors, sexual desire and satisfaction and quality of couple relationships of the Portuguese Population. We also aimed to address if these changes were different across gender, relationship and work status (home-based; in-office work). This was an observational cross-sectional study, performed through an online survey. We included 316 participants. About half of the participants who were in a relationship revealed no relationship impact. The mean impact was more positive in home-based participants (1,96 vs 1,81). Half of the participants had a decrease in frequency of sexual intercourse, with in-office workers reporting a greater reduction. Mean increases in masturbation were higher in men (p < 0,001) and home-based participants (p = 0,012). Pornography consumption was higher in single (p = 0,044) and home-based participants (p = 0,04). Sexual desire was higher in single (p = 0,047) and home-based participants (p = 0,014). Sexual satisfaction was lower in single (p < 0,001) and in-office workers (p = 0,282). Home-based participants had a more positive mean impact in most variables, which was significant for participants who were in a relationship and home-based.Lay SummaryThe COVID-19 lockdown measures gave us an unprecedented look at the relationship between social isolation, romantic relationships, and human sexuality. Our work provides a portrait of the Portuguese population, pointing to the possibility that couples who spent more time at home during this period had less negative sexual and relational outcomes.Keywords: Sexual behaviorcouple relationshipsCOVID-19lockdownPortugal AcknowledgmentsThere are no acknowledgments to report.Authors’ contributionsAll authors contributed equally to the development of the manuscript.Disclosure statementThere is no conflict of interest to report.Ethical considerationsThe protocol for this study was reviewed and approved by the ethics committee of Centro Hospitalar Psiquiátrico de Lisboa. All participants gave their online informed consent to the use of their data prior to answering the survey.Statement of consentAll authors consent the publication of the article.