Swinger lifestyle info: STD facts and safety

Swinging, also known as partner swapping, is a sexual practice in which committed partners agree to engage in sexual activities with other people as a couple. Swinging usually takes the form of mate swapping, group sex, or visiting sex clubs for couples.

Are swingers sex addicts?
Swinging is largely considered a risky sexual behavior, and can be associated with sex addiction. Having multiple partners alone is one sign of sex addiction. Emotional complications such as deteriorating intimacy, jealousy or even power or control issues are all signals of unhealthy sex. Also characteristic of sex addiction are sexual behaviors that lead to feelings emptiness and craving for more, both of while are highly possible while swinging. And although swingers claim that swapping partners strengthens a relationship bond, the practice lends itself to repetition and a cycle of addiction.

Swinging lifestyle and public health
On the whole, swingers are starting to look like a new demographic in health care, especially those over 45. In fact, swinging is thought to be relatively widespread. In a Dutch study published in June of this year, swingers were found to have some of the highest rates of sexually transmitted infections, along with young people and gay men, making them a potential bridge for spreading STDs to others. Appropriate health care services and public health campaigns might help younger swingers from getting infected in the future.

Safe sex while swinging
Although public health programs push the use of condoms, chastity, or monogamy, there are many different options to help prevent STDs. In particular, swingers can take the following steps to help prevent STDs:

• Avoid dental flossing before oral sex
• Avoid intoxication
• Be discriminatory in choosing sexual partners
• Buy condoms in advance
• Get vaccinated for Hep A and B
• Get tested and treated for STDs and other ano-genital conditions
• Insist that your sex partners be tested
• Recognize signs of STDs and get treated early
• Reduce partner numbers

Why the stats for over 45 year olds?
Perhaps swingers over 45 are more likely to have STDs because during the decades when they were young, STD awareness was non-existent. Perhaps it’s because it’s hard to learn new behaviors. Or perhaps swingers over 45 engage in more risky sexual behavior such as anal sex, multiple partners or having sex while intoxicated. What do you think?  Comments welcomed here.

Reference sources: Strategies used before or instead of sex to avoid STDs
Older and swinging

About the author

Lee Weber

Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.