Mutual monogamy

Mutual monogamy is a form of monogamy that exists when two partners agree to be sexually active with only one another. Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship reduces the risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection (STI).[1] It is one of the most reliable ways to avoid STIs.[2][3][4] Those who choose mutual monogamy can be tested before the sexual relationship to be certain they are not infected. This strategy for the prevention of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection requires that each partner remain faithful and does not engage in sexual activity with another partner.[5]

Mutual monogamy differs from serial monogamy which is a current monogamous relationship that has not been established in the past and may not continue into the future. Serial monogamy may not result in the reduced risk of contracting a sexually transmitted infection because the past sexual exposures to infection are brought into the new relationship, even though it may be exclusive of other sexual partners. The risk of acquiring a sexually transmitted infection while in a serial monogamous relationship is the same as the risk of those who have concurrent partners.[6] Those with a greater ability to communicate about their commitment are likely to sustain the relationship.[7] When individuals are mutually monogamous, and are free from STIs/HIV when they enter the relationship, the risk for being infected with STI/HIV acquisition from sexual intercourse is very low.[8] A mutually monogamous relationship lowers the risk of HIV, cervicitis, and other sexually transmitted infections.[9]

A mutual monogamous sexual relationship often includes a pledge to stay with the partner and includes the desire for the relationship to last, a psychological attachment and the lack of being able to find another partner. If these conditions remain a priority for both, the "couple is likely committed and mutually monogamous."[8]

Being in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with a partner who has been tested and has negative STI test lowers the chance of acquiring gonorrhea.[10] It is also effective for lowering the risk of syphilis, chlamydia and pubic lice.[11][12][13][14]

The lack of a more precise definition of mutual monogamy in the literature confounds the ability to statistically assess its effectiveness.[15]

References

  1. "Girlfriends' Health". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 22 April 2017.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  2. "Final Evidence Review: Gonorrhea: Screening - US Preventive Services Task Force". www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org.
  3. "Evidence Synthesis Number 114, Behavioral Sexual Risk Reduction Counseling in Primary Care to Prevent Sexually Transmitted Infections: An Updated Systematic Evidence Review for the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force". U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. September 2014. Retrieved 13 December 2017.
  4. "Pelvic Inflammatory Disease - CDC Fact Sheet". www.cdc.gov. 2017-10-04. Retrieved 2018-01-06.
  5. "Many Men Choose Monogamy To Prevent Sexually Transmitted Diseases". Guttmacher. 22 September 2005.
  6. Norman, Robert A. (25 June 2010). Preventive Dermatology. Springer Science & Business Media. ISBN 9781849960212 via Google Books.
  7. Warren, Jocelyn T.; Harvey, S. Marie; Agnew, Christopher R. (13 December 2017). "One love: explicit monogamy agreements among heterosexual young adult couples at increased risk of sexually transmitted infections". Journal of Sex Research. 49 (2–3): 282–289. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.1015.1725. doi:10.1080/00224499.2010.541952. PMID 21191869. S2CID 2543497.
  8. 1 2 Towner, Senna L.; Dolcini, M. Margaret; Harper, Gary W. (1 May 2015). "Romantic Relationship Dynamics of Urban African American Adolescents: Patterns of Monogamy, Commitment, and Trust". Youth & Society. 47 (3): 343–373. doi:10.1177/0044118X12462591. PMC 4681523. PMID 26691404.
  9. "Cervicitis". New York City Health Department.
  10. "Gonorrhea". Health and Human Services. 17 August 2016.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  11. "Error".
  12. "Syphilis". Health and Human Services. 17 August 2016.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  13. "Chlamydia". Health and Human Services. 17 August 2016.Public Domain This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain.
  14. "Crabs - IDPH". www.dph.illinois.gov. Illinois Department of Health.
  15. Calsyn, Donald A.; Campbell, Aimee N.; Tross, Susan; Hatch-Maillette, Mary A. (1 September 2011). "Is monogamy or committed relationship status a marker for low sexual risk among men in substance abuse treatment? Clinical and methodological considerations". The American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. 37 (5): 294–300. doi:10.3109/00952990.2011.596874. PMC 3238678. PMID 21854271.
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