What risk do serial monogamists face regarding sexually transmitted infections?

• A. They always have protected sex with every partner.
• B. They may jump from one relationship to another without being tested for infections.
• C. They never slip up on testing between partners.
• D. They avoid risky sexual behavior by dating only one person at a time.

Answer: (B)

Serial monogamy means moving from one exclusive relationship to the next. The risk for STIs in this pattern comes from not testing between partnerships and potentially exposing a new partner to an infection you might have acquired previously. Many STIs can be asymptomatic, so you can feel fine and still transmit or acquire an infection if you skip testing or assume a partner is infection-free. If you transition directly from one relationship to another without screening or disclosure, you can unknowingly carry and spread infections, creating a cycle of transmission even though each relationship seemed exclusive.

The other statements aren’t as accurate for describing the risk. Even with protected sex, some STIs can still be transmitted, and protection isn’t a guarantee. No one can guarantee testing between every partner, and dating only one person at a time can reduce risk but does not eliminate it entirely.