Private MD News

Unfaithful partners represent major STD risk

Category: Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Having multiple sexual partners is considered a major risk factor for receiving a positive STD test. However, new evidence suggests that the risk goes up even higher if a person is having sex outside of a relationship without their long-term partner's knowledge.

Researchers reported in the latest issue of the Journal of Sexual Medicine that condom use was 27 percent lower when a person was sexually unfaithful than when individuals had sex outside of a long-term relationship with their partners' consent. Additionally, cheaters had increased rates of drug and alcohol use.

The findings are based on a survey of nearly 1,700 people, 801 of whom reported to having sex with someone other than their primary partner.

"Monogamy can be an effective method for preventing the spread of STIs, but only if couples test negative for STIs at the start of the relationship and remain faithful while they are together," said lead researcher Terry Conley. "If people do not find monogamy appealing or feasible, they clearly need to think about the risk this poses to their partner."

He recommended that partners negotiate with each other the terms of their relationship if monogamy is not feasible.