[imapolygirl]

Poly people often draft and commit to a written agreement called a condom compact, where everyone who is in the group gets tested for STDs, then tested against after six months. If all is clear, then they are no longer required to use condoms when being sexual with others in the group. These agreements can be very specific as to what is OK to do outside the group and what isn't OK. Naturally, there are no guarantees, and everyone involved must pledge quite seriously to honor the agreement, but this system seems to work and work well for polys who are in intimate networks. There's no substitute for getting to know your potential partners well and getting a sense of their personal integrity before having unprotected sex with them.