Sexual health: Is it safe to have multiple sexual partners?

Having multiple sexual partners means having more than one sexual partner at once or over a period. This may mean having one sexual partner and then another, or having more than one sexual partner in the same time frame.

According to the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA), as long as there is consent and no danger to anyone involved, there is no right or wrong way to attain sexual pleasure. This includes having multiple sexual partners.


For a satisfying sex life, ASHA adds that it is important for an individual to have an understanding of their own sexual needs and responsibilities along with an acknowledgement of the needs and responsibilities of their partner(s).

Having unprotected sex with multiple people in a short time span can increase your risk of HPV. HPV is the most common STI, according to the US CDC. This is because many people with HPV don't develop any symptoms but can still infect others through sexual contact. Another cause of worry is that HPV can cause cancer. Health experts advise people to use a condom every single time they engage in sexual activity.

People with multiple sexual partners may also have a higher risk of HIV exposure or transmission.


According to a 2015 study published in the journal PLoS One, having unprotected sex with multiple sexual partners (MSP) is the greatest risk factor for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among youths.

Apart from physical health factors, experts note that if you are engaging in sexual activity with multiple partners to feel good about yourself or to make someone else happy, then it’s not healthy for anyone.

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For safer sex with multiple partners, it is important to use a condom or a dental dam every time. If using sex toys, make sure to wash them before and after each use and use a condom on them. Further, you should regularly get tested for STIs.


According to a study published in JAMA Network Open in 2018, the risk of a sexually transmitted infection (STI) significantly decreases for serially monogamous individuals when the time between partners increases to longer than 4 months for women and longer than 6 months for men.

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