Covid-19 could actually cause an increase in population

Living in the time of COVID-19 includes daily reminders from authorities that we should work from home, remain indoors and avoid even small groups of people. While some may be holed up alone, countless others will find themselves in close quarters with family, in particular, their romantic partner. This new reality is creating conditions for an increase in childbirths much like the increase that occurs in Canada in the winter months.

Every year, there is an increase in conceptions in the late fall and early winter months. According to Statistics Canada, more than 33 thousand babies were born in July and August of 2018, compare this to March and April when there were 30 to 31 thousand childbirths, respectively. Count backwards nine months and you’ll land in a time of year when many find themselves spending extra hours indoors with their loved ones — the holiday months of November and December.

In addition to certain biological and evolutionary reasons why the end of the calendar year proves to be particularly fertile, since social distancing and isolation look to be new normal for the foreseeable future, we expect that lovers in close-quarters will behave in March and April like they do in November and December.

What’s more, the threats posed by a global pandemic and the existential dread that derives therefrom could also amp up our chances of procreation.

The Institute of Family Studies (IFS) has recently detailed how crises of a wide-spread nature impact fertility. While natural disasters like floods and famine tend to be associated with a decrease in childbirth nine months post, existential threats producing acute or sustained fear often have an inverse effect. This has been documented in the United States following the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Oklahoma City Bombings and, though less conclusive, the 9/11 attacks.

So whether it’s fear of nuclear holocaust or domestic and international terrorism, there appears to be a relationship between hunkering down in fear and an increase in copulation leading to childbirth.

But in the face of an especially virulent, infectious, ailment — one that has caused governments across the globe to encourage social distancing and even complete isolation — is sex an appropriate way to pass the time?

The short answer is that in the absence of COVID-19 symptoms — and if both parties feel well — there is likely no additional risk in engaging in sexual activity with the person you live with. As the BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) states in its FAQ section: “most people became ill from being in close contact with someone who showed symptoms such as coughing or sneezing”. Best practice would also be to take extra precaution in washing hands before and after engaging in sexual activity for at least 20 seconds.

But even if people can safely engage in sex, are they really in the mood for sex in times of extreme stress and anxiety like the ones we’re living in?

Sex can be an effective reliever of stress thanks to the endorphins released during sexual activity. However, if you or your partner has lost their job, has a loved one who has contracted COVID-19, or is at higher risk of doing so, getting in an intimate mood can be challenging. While stress affects everyone differently, men can have a particularly difficult time performing sexually under duress. This could take many forms, including erectile dysfunction.

Taking steps to limit stress from the outside world with the help of a loving partner can go a long way in dealing with male performance issues. Some easy at-home strategies to combat erectile dysfunction include walking and other forms of exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining a healthy weight. If natural remedies aren’t working, the use of erectile dysfunction medication under the supervision of a physician and a pharmacist is an option.

Whether it’s to procreate or simply pass the time, living through the coronavirus and all the precautions associated with it appears to be creating a situation where we can expect a baby-boom in December — the very month when, in normal times, people would be getting down to baby-making business.

UPGUYS’ website offers more information related to erectile dysfunction.