From the article: Serial Monogamy
Does the label "monogamy" give people a false impression of their level of sexual safety when they're engaging in a series of short term relationships, one after the other? If so, what happens when people are openly in non-exclusive relationships?
When you're in a relationship where you know that either you or your partner is having sex with someone else - whether that means friends with benefits, consensual non-monogamy, or casual sex - does it make you more likely to get regular STD screening and practice safe sex? What do you think? Could something that seems to increase people's risk actually make them safer? Discuss Your Experiences
Babes in the woods
- I think this is a big problem with women in their mid 40's and up. They think they're safe and too old to get pregnant so have unprotected sex. You don't know anyone's sexual history and if your partner is 40's or older he may have had many partners. You then expose yourself to all sorts of nasty things. My best friend was appalled to get herpes after she had a short relationship just after her divorce. She didn't give STD's a thought as she and her ex-husband were virginal teenagers when they got together. These women also often feel uncomfortable raising this subject or asking their partner to use a condom. She'll have outbreaks of herpes for the rest of her life. I don't think its worth the headaches. An early night with a cup of tea is my preference. I think the answer to your Q is Yes, but the risk is the same if you don't know your new partner's sexual and medical history and sadly, there is still no test for HPV for men. (something urgently needed)
- —Guest Mandy
With intent
- I think the non-exclusivity/safer sex correlation depends on intent. If I'm in a non-exclusive relationship that has been set up to be non-exclusive then I will have negotiated safer sex practices as part of setting up the relationship. People who believe that they are in an exclusive relationship where fluid bonding is assumed would likely have a harder time negotiating barrier use following one or more of the partners becoming non-exclusive. Especially if that non exclusivity was a surprise to the other partner(s).
- —Guest Jessica
