Sexual Health News - Sexual Health and Behavior

"Friends with benefits" more likely to have safer sex, study finds

By Christopher Lynch, MD Dec. 06, 2012
While they are certainly known to come with their share of problems, "friends with benefits" relationships may actually help individuals make better choices when it comes to their sexual health. According to a new study that recently appeared in the Journal of Sex Research, a survey of 376 young people in their mid-twenties showed that people who engage in such agreements are more likely to use condoms and other forms of protection than those in traditional relationships.

These findings were certainly surprising to the researchers, but they come with their own share of caveats. According to The Huffington Post, while these individuals are more likely to use condoms and other forms of protection, they are also less likely to stay in an exclusive relationship, putting them at risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and other consequences.

"Friends with benefits" relationships are actually a lot more common than once thought. A study conducted at Wayne State University and Michigan State University found that 60 percent of college students have been involved in such an agreement. Thankfully, it appears that most of these individuals are making the right choices when it comes to their sexual health and using protection whenever possible.
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