The “Dirty” Stigma Around Non-Monogamy
There is a stigma about people in non-monogamy being “dirtier” than those who are in monogamous relationships. The “dirt” I am referring to, is the perception that this community has a higher prevalence of STI’s. I use the word perception, because that is what non-monogamous people are often up against, rather than facts, science, or anything else. And as a result this is one of the major barriers that people experience when “opening up” both internally and externally. So, let us talk about the risks of contracting a sexual infection in non-monogamy both internally, externally, and more.
Internal Risks
In monogamy, many sexual assumptions made. One of the major ones is that an agreement of monogamy will go hand in hand with removing some or all of the STI transmission barriers. In essence, the aim (for most), is to become fluid bonded and say goodbye to those pesky condoms and dental dams forever. Until the couple’s bond ends (death, divorce, infidelity) there is no reason to ever have the safe sex talk again. It is like unlocking a monogamous achievement.
Of course, non-monogamy is for most, opening a can of worms that many are not prepared for. It almost feels like you have to give that achievement back when you decide to have sex with more than your spouse. And yes, with that, you are re-inviting risk into your…
