With coronavirus panic sweeping the globe, supermarkets are selling out of hand santisier, toilet paper and other essential items. But it would seem it's not just survival people are thinking of.
Some people are making sure they will enjoy their time in quarantine, should it be enforced upon us.
New Zealand sex retailer Adult Toy Megastore has reported a surge of sales in lubricant, vibrators and batteries in the wake of the pandemic.
Owner and operator Nicola Relph says the spike can only be attributed to the COVID-19 pandemic.
"We're hearing from our customers that they're stockpiling batteries and lubrication in case they're stuck inside due to self-isolation," Nicola says.
"Our customers have told us they're avoiding crowds and they want something to do while they’re stuck at home. They're also not on Tinder or going on dates because they're worried about COVID-19."
And as it turns out, these stockpilers have the right idea.
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Studies show masturbation boosts your immune system and raises your white blood cell count. According to Dr Jennifer Landa, masturbation can be just what you need to ward off illness.
"Masturbation can produce the right environment for a strengthened immune system," she told Men's Health.
Her views are backed up by a study from the Department of Medical Psychology at the University Clinic of Essen which looked at the effects of orgasm through masturbation on the white blood cell count.
A group of 11 volunteers were asked to participate in a study and the results confirmed that sexual arousal and orgasm increased the number of white blood cells.
"It has been known for a long time that orgasms help you relax your body and calm your mind, meaning a better sleep, which in turn means more time for your body to rest," says Relph.
"Rest is crucial in maintaining a high-functioning immune system. And when you climax your body gets that rush of dopamine, serotonin and oxytocin - all of those feel-good hormones."
This rush re-balances your levels of cortisol, also known as the stress hormone, which in turn helps boost your immune system to get it functioning well.
"We care about the safety of our clients so we're pleased they're doing everything they can to look after their immune systems," says Relph.
