How many sexual partners is safer?

It makes sense: the more sexual partners we have, the more possible exposure we have to sexually transmitted infections (STIs). But that doesn't guarantee us that having one partner protects us against STIs or that having more that one partner automatically means that you're going to become infected. Someone can have unsafe sex with one infected partner and become infected, while someone else can always practice safer sex with multiple partners and NOT become infected. Whether or not we practice safer sex with our partner(s), no matter how many we choose to have, is a very important factor.

 

It can be safer to have one partner . . .

  • if you have both been tested to make sure you don't have sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • if neither of you have ever had sex with anyone before
  • if neither of you have shared intravenous (IV) needles before
  • if either you or your partner has tested positive for an STI (e.g. HIV or herpes) and you practice safer sex all the time
  • if you are sure that you are in a monogamous relationship (i.e. you are only having sex with your partner and that partner is only having sex with you)
  • if you both agree that if either one of you has sex with someone outside your relationship, that you will practice safer sex and tell each other

Remember: Lots of people think they are in a monogamous relationship when they are not. Also, remember that partners aren't always honest with us (e.g. they may say that they've never had sex with anyone before when they have), for different reasons. Or they might not know that they have an STI because they might not have any symptoms (that's why testing is important).

 

It can be safer to have multiple partners . . .

  • if you practice safer sex with all your partners.
  • if you get tested for STIs regularly.

 

Obstacles to Practicing Safer Sex:

  • Being drunk or high on drugs.
  • Feeling bad about yourself.
  • Feeling ashamed or guilty about sex.
  • Not knowing enough about safer sex.
  • Not feeling safe to talk to your partner about safer sex.
  • Not being able to talk to your partner about safer sex.