Consensual nonmonogamy has gained cultural visibility, but challenges remain in providing affirming, informed care.
Clinical Assistant Professor of Obstetrics/Gynecology and Family Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, New York Genevieve comes in with a rash. She has been open with her medical team about her two long-term partners. Her doctor orders repeated tests for sexually transmitted infections , which are negative. Genevieve says at each visit,"I really don’t think this is an STI ; we’ve all been tested, we use barriers, and no one else has symptoms." Her symptoms persist.
Barriers to healthcare delivery to these patients stem from biases favoring monogamy and a medical focus on risk. Many clinicians offer advice that being monogamous is a way to prevent disease. Nonmonogamy is frequently viewed as inherently risky by healthcare professionals, who may assume that the practice is associated with higher rates of STIs and disease. Stigma Undermines Care
Other patients in this study described withholding important health information or avoiding needed healthcare altogether due to fear of being judged, which also can severely undermine health outcomes. Some said they experienced an emotional toll from the need to"educate" their doctors about nonmonogamous relationships.
As awareness and acceptance of consensual nonmonogamy grows, we must adapt to meet the needs of this population. By doing so, we can create a more inclusive healthcare landscape where all patients feel safe, supported, and empowered to share important information about their lives and relationships.
SDOH Social Determinants Of Health (SDOH) Sexually Transmitted Disease STD STI Sexually Transmitted Infection Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD) Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Cancer Malignant Neoplasia Carcinoma Malignant Neoplasm Primary Care Sexuality HIV Infection HIV Disease HIV New York Influenza Flu Patient Safety Stigma Fellowship
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