ABSTRACT
Despite consensually non-monogamous people being a minority population with specific healthcare needs, research on this group is minimal, especially in relation to sexual healthcare. This study explores the motivations behind consensually non-monogamous individuals' choices of sexual healthcare service options. Qualitative survey data was collected from 67 consensual non-monogamists and analysed using thematic analysis. Two key themes captured participants' perspectives on the selection of sexual healthcare services. 'Feeling Comfortable' highlighted preferences for sexually inclusive clinics and LGBT+- focused services due to perceived better quality of care and comfort. 'Practicalities' emphasised convenience, proximity and the availability of STI testing options as critical factors influencing service selection. Accordingly, this research provides insight into the specific sexual healthcare service needs, desires and motivations of those who are consensually non-monogamous. Suggestions are made for increased training and awareness when working with relationship diverse patients.
ABSTRACT
This study examines the practice of and attitudes toward anal sexual stimulation among 30 heterosexual undergraduate men attending a UK university. While scientific and popular belief throughout the twentieth century has considered anal pleasure to be only for gay or gender non-conforming men, we find participants discuss such pleasure openly, and some have explored physically receiving anal pleasure. Participants did not stigmatise sexual pleasure derived from anal play, challenging cultural narratives that conflate anal receptivity with being gay. We document how ignorance around the best practices for anal sex may impede pleasure and the further exploration of sexual pleasure and highlight areas where sexual health and education interventions may be beneficial.
Subject(s)
Heterosexuality/psychology , Homosexuality, Male/psychology , Masculinity , Pleasure , Sexual Behavior/psychology , Sexual Partners/psychology , Adult , Attitude to Health , Humans , Male , Men/psychology , Risk-TakingABSTRACT
Drawing on findings from interviews with 28 men and women, this study explores experiences related to communication and jealousy in mixed-sex threesomes. Findings suggest that those in relationships often experience feelings of exclusion when engaging in threesomes, although open communication is a method by which the negative effects may be mitigated. Some couples agree on particular rules during their threesomes, symbolically demonstrating the specialness of the relationship as well as protecting it from further progression into non-monogamy. Although communication appeared less important for those having threesomes when not in a relationship, it still played a role in determining participants' use of contraception whether the threesome occurred while in a relationship or not. Study findings are contextualised using the concept of monogamism, with it being suggested that threesomes involving romantic couples can serve to help maintain institutional monogamy, rather than trouble it.
Subject(s)
Communication , Interpersonal Relations , Jealousy , Sexual Partners/psychology , Adult , Female , Humans , Male , Sexual BehaviorABSTRACT
Recent years have seen considerable interest in consensual non-monogamy from both public and academic perspectives. At least 5% of the North American population is currently in a consensually non-monogamous relationship of some form and there is little difference in measures of relationship quality compared to monogamous relationships. Despite increasing levels of understanding and engagement many practitioners of consensual non-monogamy still experience stigma (and minority stress) which is exacerbated by context (e.g. parenting, healthcare settings), type of consensual non-monogamy (e.g. polyamory vs swinging) and intersects with other identities (e.g. race, sexuality). This review outlines what is currently understood about consensual non-monogamy and argues that relationship diversity has a place alongside gender and sexuality when studying sexual behaviours, romantic relationships, and well-being.