For many people who don't have a partner, the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has prevented them from having new intimate relationships.
That said, a local entrepreneur says there's a safe, non-conventional way to enjoy a sexual experience without putting your health at risk--and he says some people prefer it to the "real" thing.
Sex dolls made headlines in Vancouver in 2018 when a local company called Bella Dolls announced it would be out renting dolls in the Lower Mainland. Following its closure, another Canadian company called Natrl Dolls started a sex doll delivery service in January 2020. However, the website has since been taken down.
That's where Aura S Dolls comes in; a new "premium" doll rental service in Vancouver.
Launched in October by a Vancouver man who wishes to remain nameless, the sex doll start-up has already had several bookings.
The owner tells Vancouver Is Awesome in a phone interview that he thought this was the ideal time to launch the business, due to the pandemic. While all of "the other Vancouver businesses are shut down," he says it was the perfect time to start the delivery service, since the dolls cannot transmit the virus.
Since opening, the owner says he's had several people request dolls, so he's hired a driver and a cleaner. The dolls are delivered in a discrete case to a safe address that you provide upon booking.
With only one doll in the initial rotation, the company has seen nearly 20 customers each month.
There's been some interest from couples, but the majority of customers are men.
Healthy sex alternatives
But it wasn't just the pandemic that inspired the Vancouverite to start the service. He says a friend of his hadn't been intimate with a woman since his wife passed away, and using the dolls is an outlet he feels comfortable with.
"The healthy amount of sex people should have in a week is three to four times," he adds. "I think people don't have that due to various reasons like insecurities or physical disabilities."
The owner adds that many men don't want to cheat on their wives or girlfriends, and the dolls offer a viable alternative--one they feel less "guilty" about.
And people are willing to pay a pretty penny for their fantasies.
"People are willing to be a lifetime customer if I can make a face that is a replica of a celebrity--like Ariana Grande," he explains.
But each of the dolls costs approximately $5,000 to $10,000 to make, which is why the owner started the venture off with a single doll. However, he plans on purchasing the blonde and redhead dolls that are featured on the Aura S Dolls on Instagram next.
Down the road, the owner hopes to expand his business throughout the Lower Mainland. In addition to a delivery service, he'd also like to have a place where people could come and use the dolls.
Currently, the lone doll to rent, "Ariana," costs $250 for one night and $350 for two nights, both including tax.
Safe sex during the pandemic
Back in July, the BC Centre for Disease Control released a number of safe sex tips for the COVID-19 pandemic, and it included some rather surprising suggestions.
For one, the Centre noted that positions best suited for sex during the pandemic are those with "minimal face-to-face contact." They also note that it is best to use barriers when possible.
And what exactly constitutes a barrier?
Walls, such as glory holes, that allow for sexual contact but prevent close face-to-face contact.
That said, both Canada's top doctor and the BCCDC say the safest sexual activity is performed solo.
Of course, if you choose to engage in an in-person sexual encounter with someone outside of your household or close contacts bubble, Dr. Theresa Tam noted that there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
The most important step is to establish a trusting relationship with your sexual partner. When engaging in sexual activity you can reduce your risk by:
- Monitoring yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 and not having sex if you or your partner is experiencing symptoms;
- Limiting your use of alcohol and other substances so you and your partner(s) are able to make safe decisions;
- Skipping kissing and avoiding face-to-face contact or closeness;
- consider using a mask that covers the nose and mouth;
- Being aware if you or your partner may be at higher risk for more severe outcomes of COVID-19. This includes:
- people of any age with underlying medical conditions;
- people with compromised immune systems; and
- people living with obesity.
- As usual, engaging in safer sex practices, including using condoms, knowing your own STI status and the status of your partner.
Find out more information here.
