Staying healthy and safe in the lifestyle

Decline/Limit Risky Behavior

The best way to minimize risk is to just avoid risk. Many swingers opt to only engage in soft swap swinging. Staying away from penetrative play puts you at a much smaller risk for STIs and accidental pregnancy. Even if you prefer full swap playing, you should always talk with your partner or partners about boundaries and limits. There are many ways to pick and choose your play guidelines that lessen the risk of your health and safety and communication is key.

Condoms

Over the last few years there have been a multitude of advances in better feeling condoms. It goes without saying that the use of condoms greatly reduces risk while engaging in penetrative sex. Playing safe is not only sexy, it shows that you're responsible with your sexual health. Condoms are an inexpensive, quick way to protect yourself and your partner/s from not only pregnancy but a whole gambit of STIs.

Regular Testing

No matter how you choose to control the risks involved with your sexual experiences, you should include regular STD testing. Even if you have no symptoms, regular testing can help you get treatment before any symptoms get out of hand or even show up. Regular testing helps protect more than just you and your partners. It protects your reputation as a trusted sex partner.

Honesty

The best defense against STIs is honesty and trust. You should be honest with your play partners and expect the same from them. Honesty is expected within the swinger community for this reason. If you ever suspect a partner is not being 100% honest, you should decline to play. Trust your gut and do not take chances

Another precaution that does not get enough attention is personal safety.

When meeting new people or couples, especially if you meet them online, stay cautious. Take your time and have fun getting to know them before you actually engage in swinging activities.

First time meet ups are always best in a public place like a local coffee shop. There you can talk about what you and your partner, if applicable, want to get out of the experience.

Developing a personal relationship with potential play partners builds trust and mutual respect. It's much safer to have a select few couples/people who you can trust than frequently swapping with strangers.

While the swingers lifestyle does come with its health and safety risks, being responsible and taking precautions will help you stay safe while embracing the lifestyle at your own pace.

Just remember to use common sense and think with your actual head. It can be too easy to get caught up in the heat of the moment and expose yourself to a risk. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s a no. Period. There will always be other opportunities in the future – but that's only if you keep yourself safe and healthy!

BY STOEHR