Is promiscuous sexual behavior healthy?

[Quintessence]

I recently got chewed out on an atheist blog for a comment where I suggested that "slutty" behavior isn't healthy, normal, and praiseworthy. Any thoughts? Should I be more sexually enlightened?

No, you shouldn't. You should establish your own boundaries as you feel comfortable and not let others coerce you otherwise. It might also not be such a bad idea to be cautious when speaking criticisms about other people's sexual preferences, however. Each to their own.

 

[Alex_G]

I guess my attitude stems from a sort of pre-contraceptive stance. I feel the world has enough b@st@rds as it is. Plus 'slutty' behavior spreads STD's.

I think in general, a reasonable stance on such issues of health involves defining something as a problem when its seen to negatively impact someone’s life.

 

[Kerr]

I recently got chewed out on an atheist blog for a comment where I suggested that "slutty" behavior isn't healthy, normal, and praiseworthy. Any thoughts? Should I be more sexually enlightened?

I dont think its healthy or praiseworthy. The health aspect is rather obvious to me (STDs are always a risk, even if that risk can be reduced with the proper protection). The praise aspect is just because of my personal values regarding sexuality, so they are by no means something objective. That said, being slutty is not the worst thing in the world either. Would not call it inheritly immoral.

Couldnt care less if its normal or not, though .

 

[Amechania]

Of the women I've known who would generally be considered promiscuous not many said they really enjoyed sex that much, so maybe it isn't too healthy. Of course, it depends on your definition of promiscuous.

 

[Alceste]

Of the women I've known who would generally be considered promiscuous not many said they really enjoyed sex that much, so maybe it isn't too healthy. Of course, it depends on your definition of promiscuous.

I'd blame the men they slept with.

Seriously, I was pretty promiscuous when I wasn't in a long term relationship. I enjoyed some of it very much, and some of it not so much.

 

[Amechania]

True, just because men don't seem to have the same problem.
I'd probably be promiscuous right now, if one thing didn't stop me: my mirror.:cover:

 

[Shadow Wolf]

It can be. If you have unprotected sex on a regular basis, or have sex with anyone you meet, you do have a higher chance of contracting an STI. But if you use caution, protection, and get to know people before you have sex with them the risk level declines.

Better question IMO is "is promiscuity right or wrong for me?" Because you really shouldn't have much say-so in regards to others on this one.

That is, without doubt, the best way to approach such a question. Some people have large sexual appetites that need lots of sex to satisfy, but there are some people that have smaller appetites and the thought of having sex with alot of people isn't appealing to them.

 

[Vinayaka]

I recently got chewed out on an atheist blog for a comment where I suggested that "slutty" behavior isn't healthy, normal, and praiseworthy. Any thoughts? Should I be more sexually enlightened?

I agree with you, for what its wort, but we're most likely in the minority. I have mystical reasons.

 

[Sunstone]

It's morally suspect to travel in your life. You may encounter strange diseases. Best to stay close to home, not have too many experiences.

 

[ChristineES]

I must be terribly old-fashioned, I think sex should be reserved for those who are in love preferably married.

 

[MysticSang'ha]

I must be terribly old-fashioned, I think sex should be reserved for those who are in love preferably married.

Does it work for you? Then don't feel bad. More power to you.

Monogamy was never, ever, ever for me. Telling me that I must only have sex with one person for the rest of my life was like a death sentence.

I hope you don't suggest that monogamy should be for everybody. If you are, I'm up for a lively debate.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I must be terribly old-fashioned, I think sex should be reserved for those who are in love preferably married.

Why feel old fashioned about it? The way humans have evolved have put us in the middle between being designed for monogamy and polygamy. And for some people monogamy works just fine for them, and polygamy doesn't seem right, and for others polygamy works just and monogamy doesn't seem right. It's really no different than a preference in music, entertainment, or food. I could eat so much Thai cuisine that I could pop from eating too much, but some people find the spiciness to be too much.

 

[katielou]

I think that you need to look at the question of the "health" of promiscuity in a number of ways. Putting religious beliefs aside one needs to look at what is psychologically and physically healthy for them personally. From a psychological point of view being promiscuous can damage self-esteem. In regards to health one must consiter STDs such as AIDS and pregnancy. Even with protection pregnancies can happen as can the spreading of STDs.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

From a psychological point of view being promiscuous can damage self-esteem.

For some, but for others, including at least a few here, it is not damaging.

 

[Zoe Doidge]

I recently got chewed out on an atheist blog for a comment where I suggested that "slutty" behavior isn't healthy,

Obviously there is an increased risk here. But that risk is for the people involved to manage.

normal,

This aspect of it never bothered me.

and praiseworthy

Those involved obviously approve, or they wouldn’t do it. Other people’s opinions on it are of interest, but no more than that.

Any thoughts? Should I be more sexually enlightened?

It’s your body so treat sex however you wish. There’s nothing to say it has to be only one thing though. As a few posters have said it can be a beautiful experience as a means of expressing love. It can also simply be fun!

Each individual experience can vary depending on who you’re with and your mood at the time.

 

[Alceste]

I think that you need to look at the question of the "health" of promiscuity in a number of ways. Putting religious beliefs aside one needs to look at what is psychologically and physically healthy for them personally. From a psychological point of view being promiscuous can damage self-esteem. In regards to health one must consiter STDs such as AIDS and pregnancy. Even with protection pregnancies can happen as can the spreading of STDs.

Sure didn't hurt my self-esteem to have my pick of the menfolk (and some of the lady folk) when I was younger. Kind of the opposite, actually.

 

[ChristineES]

Does it work for you? Then don't feel bad. More power to you.

Monogamy was never, ever, ever for me. Telling me that I must only have sex with one person for the rest of my life was like a death sentence.

I hope you don't suggest that monogamy should be for everybody. If you are, I'm up for a lively debate.

Trust me, I am not your mom- I would never assume to tell you what you should do. It did work for me for awhile, but my husband doesn't... anymore but such is life.

 

[Sunstone]

I think that you need to look at the question of the "health" of promiscuity in a number of ways. Putting religious beliefs aside one needs to look at what is psychologically and physically healthy for them personally. From a psychological point of view being promiscuous can damage self-esteem. In regards to health one must consiter STDs such as AIDS and pregnancy. Even with protection pregnancies can happen as can the spreading of STDs.

Is fear the best basis for making a decision about promiscuity?

 

[MysticSang'ha]

Trust me, I am not your mom- I would never assume to tell you what you should do. It did work for me for awhile, but my husband doesn't... anymore but such is life.

No prob. I'm not your child. So....

I must be terribly old-fashioned, I think sex should be reserved for those who are in love preferably married.

What did you mean with saying this earlier? Should be reserved for those in love in your own life? Or what you want to teach your children?

 

[ChristineES]

No prob. I'm not your child. So....



What did you mean with saying this earlier? Should be reserved for those in love in your own life? Or what you want to teach your children?

Hee hee. This reminds me of a Quantum Leap episode in which Sam Beckett said "Only people in love should have sex" and Al replied "I agree. I was in love with every woman I had sex with... at the time we had sex".

(Once my kids are 18, they have to make their own decisions about sex).