Consensual non-monogamy is a surprisingly popular relationship style. Some research from North America suggests as many as may be in a polyamorous, swinging or open relationship—with one in five saying they'd like to try it. Although multiple potentially brings increased exposure to sexually transmitted infections, research has shown that consensually non-monogamous people are very good at practicing .
They're more likely to with their multiple partners. And, they at significantly higher rates than monogamous people do. Being able to access sexual health care is of great importance for consensually non-monogamous people.
But many continue to when accessing , as our has shown. In line with , we found stereotypes, myths and a general about consensual non-monogamy all act as potential barriers to health care. For instance, when they go to their GP or clinic for testing, it's not unusual for them to be met by doctors and nurses who either don't understand their relationships or who actively stigmatize them.
Approximately a third of our participants either never, or only sometimes, revealed their style to medical professionals. Assumptions might be made about their relationship, with one participant saying: "I was not asked 'Do you have multiple partners?' but 'do you have a boyfriend?', which was a confusing question full of assumptions." Or they might be treated with outright hostility, with another participant sharing, "One [doctor] considered it a form of cheating and intima.