Remaining Healthy: While Open

The world is no longer a place of black and white. In fact there are many shades of grey in this ever-changing world. Folks are no longer ashamed to discuss tattooed subjects. Women are no longer afraid to push the boundary regarding relationships. The days of being passive and submissive have long gone. No one is a silent observer anymore. Relationships have changed and continue to do so. Those who are married are always seeking new ways and means of adding spice to their marriages; of course in many instances the spices they add end up scorching or even burning them. There seems to be a selfish preoccupation concerning the self. Many persons in relationships are foremost attuned to what makes them happy and satisfied; the satisfaction of the other party comes in at a distant second. Recently, there have been a plethora of television-based reality shows for audiences to salivate over while viewing the colourful and complicated lives of social media influencers. It is safe to say too many of us have too much leisure time on our hands and as such the allure of reality telvevision becomes attractive. Then again, perhaps not, watching television can be viewed as a way to distract ourselves from the stresses of life. In more liberal societies the subject of polyandrous is not an issue. When the husbands in a polyandrous marriage are brothers or are said to be brothers, the institution is called adelphic, or fraternal, polyandry. Given that men are territorial and competitive by nature it takes a special male to enter such an arrangement. Correspondingly, it takes a very brave woman to suggest such a conformation. The practice of polyandrous is however illegal in most jurisdictions. There is a new and interesting American reality series on The Learning Channel (TLC) channel named Seeking Brother Husband. Those who are fans of TLC are aware that this series is a spin off to Seeking Sister Wife. The new TLC series features polyandrous couples and trios as they navigate their interesting relationship by adding additional husbands into family life and everything that happens in between as couples. The series chronicles four polyandrous relationships at various stages on their journey to find love and fulfillment. Sexual Wellness. The World Health Organization (WHO) comments that sexual health is fundamental to the overall health and well-being of individuals, couples and families, and to the social and economic development of communities and countries. Sexual health, when viewed affirmatively, requires a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships, as well as the possibility of having pleasurable and safe sexual experiences, free of coercion, discrimination and violence. The WHO adds that sexual health-related issues are wide-ranging, and encompass sexual orientation and gender identity, sexual expression, relationships, and pleasure. Polyamory is becoming more common in the United States of America. Researchers at the Kinsey Institute In 2021 states that one in nine Americans said they have been in polyamorous relationships, and one in six said they wanted to try it according to Ian Kerner, PhD, a psychotherapist and sex therapist in New York City. “As polyamorous systems are still on the outskirts of the mainstream, some doctors may have implicit biases or explicit judgments, especially if they are lacking in experience. It is already challenging to manage one relationship. It is there more challenging for those in polyamorous relationships to balance the intricacies that come with each relationship. But some folks are always up for an adventure. People who practice polyamory face unique health issues. These include a potentially higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from having multiple sexual partners, and anxiety or depression stemming from managing multiple relationships. Polyamory is having or desiring multiple intimate relationships at the same time with the full knowledge and consent of all parties involved. Polyamory is considered by some practitioners to be a core part of their sexual identity but is not itself a sexual orientation. People of all genders and sexual orientations may engage in polyamory. Oftentimes there is needless confusion about sexual orientation and gender identity. In fact many folks are of the belief that to entertain such discussion is almost demonic. However, it makes sense to get familiar with what is happening around us especially if you have children. Sex education is not what it was in the 1960’s. Sexual orientation is primarily who you are attracted to and who you feel drawn to romantically, emotionally, and sexually. According to the American Psychological Association sexual orientation refers to an individual’s sense of personal and social identity based on those attractions, related behaviors, and membership in a community of others who share those attractions and behaviors. On the other hand gender identity is the gender a person feels they are. Discrimination, intolerance and stigma are often characteristics in many Judeo Christian societies once you are deemed as being different. Polyamorous people often have trouble seeking out health care because they fear being judged by their doctor, healthcare provider or other clinicians who do not understand or respect their lifestyle choices. It can be argued that monogamy is our default setting; as a result individuals tend not to be forthright to speak about issues contrary to this gender identity. Cheruba Prabakar, MD, the CEO of Lamorinda Gynecology and Surgery, says sexual health and safety is at the forefront for her patients in polyamorous relationships because they are engaging with multiple partners. She recommends anyone who has multiple partners use condoms and dental dams for the prevention of STIs, like herpes and gonorrhea, in addition to receiving regular screening tests for the diseases. Mental Health. Many of us are already challenged as it relates to our mental state of being. Regardless of the relationship; relationships come with emotional issues. Many persons cannot deal with the myriad of issues associated with relationships. By refusing to address these issues this can have a negative impact on one’s mental health? David Helfand, PsyD, a therapist, is of the opinion that couples in a polyamorous relationship oftentimes are not fully aware of the emotional response they might have to their partner being with another person. Dr. Helfand added, the first time your spouse goes on a date with another person, or you hear them in the bedroom with someone else, it can create an intense emotion that you might not know how to process or have been prepared for. As individuals continue to search for pleasure it is very likely that the envelope surrounding human sexuality will be pushed even further. For those who are still dating it is important to ponder the many variations concerning relationships and gender identities. Perhaps you might be on the fence, nonetheless knowledge is power. Whether you attend church or not, identify as a Christian or not we all need to be cognizant of the ever-changing environment as it relates to human sexuality. Remain healthy and see you next time. Wayne Campbell is an educator and social commentator with an interest in development policies as they affect culture and or gender issues. waykam@yahoo.com @WayneCamo © #polyamory #polyamorous #humansexuality