Posts
University of Michigan (UM)
researchers found lower condom use and higher drug and alcohol use among people
who reported being sexually unfaithful while in a committed monogamous
relationship.
In a study of 1,647 people who
responded to an online ad, 801 said they had had sex with someone other than
their primary partner. Of these individuals, 493 said this sex had occurred
while they were in a negotiated non-monogamous relationship, while 308 said
they had been unfaithful while in a committed monogamous relationship. Reported
condom use for vaginal and anal sex was 27 percent and 35 percent lower,
respectively, and drug and alcohol use was 64 percent higher among the latter
group.
“Our research suggests that people
who are unfaithful to their monogamous romantic partners pose a greater risk
for STIs than those who actively negotiate non-monogamy in their relationship,”
said lead author Dr. Terri D. Conley, of UM’s Department of Psychology.
“Monogamy can be an effective method
for preventing the spread of STIs, but only if couples test negative for STIs
at the start of the relationship and remain faithful while they are together,”
Conley said. “If people do not find monogamy appealing or feasible, they
clearly need to think about the risk this poses to their partner and consider
whether an open relationship would suit their needs better, and better protect
their relationship partners.”
“This research is of particular
interest because it reveals that monogamous relationships are not always
monogamous, which can have resultant sexual health implications,” said Irwin
Goldstein, editor-in-chief of the Journal of Sexual Medicine.
[PNU editor’s note: The study,
“Unfaithful Individuals Are Less Likely to Practice Safer Sex than Openly
Non-monogamous Individuals,” was published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine
(2012;9(6):1559-1565).]
The Friends of AIDS Foundation is
dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for HIV positive individuals and
empowering people to make healthy choices to prevent the spread of the HIV
virus. To learn more about The Friends of AIDS Foundation, please visit: http://www.friendsofaids.org.
TOGETHER WE REMAIN STRONG!
