Are People Really Having So Much More Sex There’ll Be A Lockdown Baby Boom?

With many households on lockdown across the UK, the online community is speculating about a baby boom. The idea goes that because everybody now has a lot more time at home, couples are going to fill that time getting friskier, meaning a generation of so-called ‘Coronials’ will arrive in nine months time. But are people really having more sex in isolation?

‘I refuse to have sex with my boyfriend who I'm isolating with,’ says Sarah, 27, explaining that she is worried about potentially catching coronavirus from him. ‘He doesn't have any symptoms - but we're not even kissing. I’m not taking any chances!' Claudia, 33, is also not in the mood. ‘I am feeling anxious 99% of the time at the moment, so sex is the last thing on my mind.'

According to data analysed from Natural Cycles - a birth-control app with 1.5 million users - there has actually been a 2% reduction in users opting to plan a pregnancy. The macrocosmic uncertainty which has ensued because of Covid-19 may be a reason for this.

‘For some people in times of uncertainty, the thought of having a baby is the last thing they want to do,' says sex psychologist Ari Tuckman. ‘Then the external stress in terms of health and economic concerns might also suppress their sex drive. Equally spending a lot of time together can also create more stress within the relationship.'

On the other hand, some people, Ari adds, will utilise the extra time to ‘turn towards each other.' He says: ‘There is so much about the situation that we can't control. But there are some things we can. Some people will take advantage of the forced opportunity to spend some time together and connect and be supportive of each other.'

Sex, Ari explains, can be ‘a really important respite. That brief time of an intense experience or just a loving connection takes us away from the rest of our life and demands of the world.’

Sasha, 28, tells Grazia that she is certainly capitalising on that time. ‘My boyfriend and I are definitely having more sex. Without the ability to go out and socialise there isn't much else to do; there's only so much Netflix one can watch,' she explains.

Others are clearly on Sasha's wavelength, as data from sex toy brand womaniser has found a 13% increase in sales from January to February, with Italy trending at 60% above forecast sales.

‘With the prospect of long periods at home either alone or with your partner, people are exploring new ways to make the best of the time available,' says Joanna Reef of Womaniser. Sasha is among those: ‘We recently went on a walk in central London and as it’s pretty much just pharmacies and stuff open we picked a cock ring and some tingly lube. The lockdown feels like a time to experiment sexually, or take up online yoga, and only one of those sounds fun!'

*Names have been changed.

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