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Polyamorous relationships, where individuals engage in consensual romantic or sexual connections with multiple partners, come with their unique dynamics and challenges.
One of the significant concerns in such relationships is the potential risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). With multiple partners, the chances of infections spreading from one individual to another increase, even between people who may never have direct contact.
In a recent conversation with TV actor Chhavi Hussein on her podcast Being Woman With Chhavi, Dr Agni Bose, a venereologist, sheds light on the precautions people in polyamorous relationships should take to safeguard their health. “As doctors, we always assume that the patient is infected with all the viruses. That’s why we wear gloves… we use proper precautions.”
Stating this as an example, he asserts, “If you’re polyamorous, you should imagine that all your partners are infected unless proven otherwise. Guilty until proven innocent.” He emphasised the unique risks in polyamorous dynamics, noting that with multiple partners involved, STDs can spread within the network, even to individuals who haven’t directly interacted with the source.
“The only precaution which prevents STDs is a barrier.” He said these include condoms, diaphragm, female condoms, etc.
Indianexpress.com spoke to an expert to delve into this further.
“In individuals with multiple partners, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, genital herpes, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), human papillomavirus (HPV), and trichomoniasis are among the most frequently encountered STIs,” says Dr Jagadish Hiremath, a public health intellectual.
Many STIs are asymptomatic in their early stages, he states which underscores the importance of regular screening. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sexually active individuals with multiple partners should undergo annual screenings for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV,” he adds.
Dr Hiremath highlights that barrier methods are highly effective but not foolproof.
Male Condoms: When used correctly, condoms reduce the transmission risk of most STIs, including HIV, by approximately 98%. However, they provide less protection against infections transmitted via skin-to-skin contact, such as genital herpes and HPV.
Female Condoms: These offer similar levels of protection as male condoms and cover a larger area of the vulva, providing additional protection against skin-to-skin transmitted infections.
Diaphragms: While effective for pregnancy prevention, diaphragms are less effective at STI prevention and should be combined with condoms for maximum protection.
Some lesser-known barriers according to Dr Hiremath are:
Dental Dams: Thin sheets of latex used during oral sex to prevent the transmission of herpes, syphilis, and gonorrhoea.
Internal Condoms: Similar to female condoms, these can be inserted into the anus or vagina.
Antiviral Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP): Specifically for HIV prevention, PrEP reduces the risk of transmission by up to 99% when taken consistently.
For individuals in polyamorous relationships, Dr Hiremath says, regular screenings are critical due to the increased risk of exposure
Baseline Screening: Initial tests for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, gonorrhoea, and hepatitis B and C before engaging in new relationships.
Quarterly Check-Ups: For high-risk individuals, including those with multiple or anonymous partners, a three-month screening interval is recommended.
Pap Smear and HPV Testing: Women should undergo routine cervical screenings to detect HPV-related abnormalities.
Comprehensive Testing: For those engaging in anal sex, additional rectal and throat swabs for gonorrhoea and chlamydia are advised.
DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.
