Mutual monogamy

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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]

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References

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  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.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  11. "Error".
  12. "Syphilis". Health and Human Services. 17 August 2016.PD-icon.svg This article incorporates text from this source, which is in the public domain .
  13. "Chlamydia". Health and Human Services. 17 August 2016.PD-icon.svg 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.