In a world that is defining and redefining relationships and sexuality, having multiple sexual partners has become more mainstream. Should you have multiple sexual partners? If you’re young, it may seem liberating to have multiple sexual partners, but it’s important to consider sexual health, boundaries, and your emotional well-being.
Consider Your Own Personal Boundaries and Values
If you’re thinking about having multiple sexual partners, it’s important to take a step back and ask yourself a few questions. What initiated this idea of having multiple sexual partners? Was this your own idea or the idea of a current trend?
Knowing your wants and needs is vital when engaging in any relationship. You should never make decisions about your sexual health based on societal norms or pressure from a significant other. If you are engaging in a three-way relationship or inviting other sexual partners into a relationship to please someone else or keep someone around, you may want to end the relationship. Your feelings may be an indicator of understanding your own boundaries. If you aren’t feeling like you or are feeling insecure, it probably means you aren’t comfortable with this type of relationship.
According to a study conducted to assess the relationship between sexual regret and sexual behaviors of college-aged students, 71.9% reported experiencing regret over engaging in sexual activity at least once. The most common reason for this regret, cited by 37% of students, was that their sexual decisions conflicted with their personal morals.
If you are feeling pressure of any kind from a partner to do something, it may be a sign you are in an abusive relationship.
Prioritizing Sexual Health and Safety
While you are always at risk for STDs when you are sexually active, increasing the number of partners you have will increase the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease. A study done at the University of Michigan shows that women with 5 or more partners are 8 times more likely to contract an STD than those with only one partner. No matter how many sexual partners you have, you must protect yourself from any sexually transmitted disease or illnesses. Condoms are estimated to be 98% effective at preventing most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when used correctly, and abstinence is 100% effective at preventing them.
Many STDs and STIs can go unnoticed, so it’s important to have open conversations regarding your sexual health with every partner you have. Protection is especially important for women, as diseases like HPV go undetected in men but can cause serious complications for women if left untreated, including cervical cancer. According to some studies, about 60% of people with STDs show no symptoms.
If you’ve already been sexually active but haven’t been to the doctor, we recommend getting tested for STDs just to be safe and aware.
Do “Throuples” Really Work?
Firstly, what is a throuple? No, it’s not a love triangle in your favorite movie like Twilight. Unlike traditional relationships, a throuple involves three individuals in a romantic or intimate partnership.
Throuples often fall under the broader category of polyamory, which involves engaging in multiple romantic or sexual relationships simultaneously with the consent of all parties. Polyamorous relationships and throuples have gained popularity recently, with celebrities like Billie Eilish, Bella Thorne, and Willow Smith being open about their relationships. Popular new movies like Zendaya’s “Challengers” have also brought up conversations about a three-way relationship. It’s important to note that polyamorous relationships do not have a great success rate. Relationship experts say that open marriages have a 92% failure rate.
Ultimately, the decision to have multiple sexual partners is a very personal decision that should be made with careful consideration for your own sexual and emotional health.
Navigating Relationships with Respect for Everyone, Including Yourself
When it comes to navigating relationships and sexual partners, always respect yourself first. Don’t let anyone else’s expectations or pressures sway your choices about your sexual health and relationships.
Keep yourself safe by getting tested regularly and using protection consistently. As for throuples and polyamory, it’s important to consider your own sexual and emotional health when entering any relationship.
Stay safe and stay informed when learning about healthy and fulfilling connections! Have more questions about sexual health and relationships? Check out our 24/7 chatbot.
