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drziggy

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drziggy last won the day on December 22 2009

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About drziggy

  • Rank
    Active Contributor
  • Birthday 08/31/1959

Personal Info

  • Relationship Status
    couple
  • Location
    greenville, nc
  • Interests
    sports, music (playing), hot and fast women
  • Occupation
    clinical sexologist/social psygologist
  • Swinging Experience
    Over 16 years

Swinger Info

  • SLS Name
    drziggy
  1. The study has a high level of importance because it was the FIRST study done on Swingers and STDs. You may infer that other studies done with the general population may apply to swingers. That would be be comparing apples and oranges. Swingers are an important group to study because of their acknowledgment of multiple sex partners, thus, the impact of promiscuity can be evaluated somewhat more directly and objectively. In contrasts, it is rather difficult to evaluate rates of STDs with the general population since the only data we have is derived from health clinics and other health practitioners that rely on either diagnosed or self-reported infections. Now, does this mean that swinging is a totally safe? No. Life isn't totally safe as we all know. However, we can make sure that we minimize the chances of infection by following some of the strategies I recommend somewhere herein (safe sex is the best one yet...). If you have further questions, drop me a line. Cheers! DrZiggy
  2. I just had to add some facts to the above replies. After all, Sexology (sexuality and sexual behaviour) is my field of study and research, thus I possess a certain amount of knowledgeable in infectious disease related to the field. Firstly, quite often the numbers quoted by the CDC always consider worst case scenarios and are NOT based on statistical probability information (especially when it relates to the sexual STIs...). This is often one of the criticisms of the CDC, an adherence to the social zeitgeist. Secondly, the rate condom effectiveness at 85% has been refuted and shown not to be based on factual data but merely estimates. The true estimation based on the factual information we possess is indeed 98% for STIs and Pregnancy (exceptions for possibly HPV). However, there's no 100% effective means of protection. Mucous membranes exposed to bodily fluids should be covered by a condom. If they are not, you aren't using it properly. Moreover, HPV (genital warts) can usually be identified by the naked eye either on the penis or or the genital area of both males and females; the same applies to Herpes sores (active stage), albeit anyone with active Herpes probably wouldn't engage in sexual contact (extreme pain is associated with the sores...). Genital warts can easily removed by "burning", albeit the virus may still be present. Thirdly, HPV can be "caught" merely by rubbing skin or rubbing hands on the infected skin (although HPV is considered an STI it should not classified just as such. The same criteria applies to Herpes Simplex). Estimates from the CDC aren't the only ones given credibility. There are other world organizations with as high a reputation as the CDC. ALL information is usually considered when evaluating pandemics or outbreaks of particular disease (and not just STIs). My main purpose for the research was to evaluate the incidence and prevalence of STIs among the swinging population. Does my study paint an accurate picture? Somewhat. Does it suggest that these rates are stable over the swinging population overall? Probably. As I suggested in the analysis in the study, which will be published early 2010, the sample may not reflect those that have had STIs or those that may not be willing to share that information with a researcher. I guess that I find myself in the same boat as other researchers representing the CDC and other information gathering health organizations. We ALL work out of estimates based on the level of probability we decide to work with (probability defines how accurate our findings are, either 95% or 99% sure). I stand by my results as having strong internal and external validity, reliability and consistency. What you do with the information and how you decide to interpret it is totally up to you. I do feel that the results do represent what is going on in the swinging community, I do not believe that the numbers for STIs are much higher than what I have reported. Having said said, I still think that safe sex is the best way to minimize the chances of acquiring STIs. I do not agree that condoms are not reliable, thus people should just take their chances. Moreover, there are too many factors involved in the process (too many cogs to this machine) to reduce it simply to condoms or other barriers. Cheers!
  3. I would like to suggest an analogy that may represent the chances of getting a sexual infection during swinging. When we drive we usually use seat belts to minimize the chances of injury during an accident. Moreover, we rely of air bags to add extra protection. However, sometimes seat belts can cause death in particular cases (without the seat belt the individual may have survived the crash...). Some individuals never use seat belts and haven't had adverse consequences. The same applies to swinging. The chances of getting an STD is very, very low, albeit there's always a chance. Using condoms minimizes the risk even further (condoms are, contrary to distorted reports, about 98% safe... together with other safe sex practices). Thus, condoms(and other safe sex practices) are akin to using seat belts while driving. So, here you have it, some people have engaged in swinging for over 20 years with no adverse effects. A few may get something the first time out....Some use protection, others don't. I would never engage in sex with other partners unless I use condoms (the same applies to my wife), especially in a group situation with transient individuals. Better safe than sorry..... Finally, no reason for the STD hysteria....so long as you're sensible in your sexual activities you should be OK. Choice of partners isn't necessarily the best strategy: safe sex is. Of course, there are always 'close" groups that require testing on an on-going basis. The study was meant to be informative and not alarmist. Enjoy your activities. Cheers!
  4. This is the final table. Marital Status The percentage of male participants who reported having ever contracted an STD through swinging activities did not differ by current marital status χ2(5, N = 2019) = 5.01, p > .05. Among female participants, however, a significantly smaller proportion of married participants reported ever having contracted an STD, than other women χ2(5, N =708) = 23.24, p Table ?. Number of participants and proportion of each group who have ever contracted an STD through swinging activities by current marital status. Men Women N % Yes n % Yes Married 1478 6.0 492 7.7 Single 153 7.2 48 12.5 Cohabiting 242 7.0 105 22.9 Widowed 11 0.0 6 16.7 Divorced 98 2.0 32 15.6 Other 37 2.7 25 20.0 Total 2019 5.9 708 11.2 Relationship Length The percentage of participants who reported having ever contracted an STD through swinging activities did not differ significantly by current length of their present relationship for men, χ2(5, N = 1974) = 2.79, p > .05, or women χ2(5, N = 708) = 8.80, p > .05. Table ?. Number of participants and proportion who have ever contracted an STD through swinging activities by current relationship length. Men Women n % Yes n % Yes 1-3 years 220 7.3 115 16.5 4-7 years 341 5.3 122 11.5 8-10 years 287 6.6 95 4.2 11-15 years 308 4.9 83 8.4 Over 15 years 707 6.7 237 11.0 Total 1974 6.1 693 10.8 Current Marriage Number We next examined whether the number of times that a participant has been married was related to risk for contracting an STD through swinging. For these analyses, we only included participants who reported currently being married. Results of a chi square test reveal that the percentage of participants who reported having ever contracted an STD through swinging activities did not differ significantly by current marriage number for men, χ2(4, N = 1469) = 2.55, p > .05, or women χ2(4, N = 492) = 2.71, p > .05. Table ?. Number of participants and proportion who have ever contracted an STD through swinging activities by current marriage number for married participants only (N = 1,961). Men Women n % Yes n % Yes 1st 836 6.7 318 9.1 2nd 467 4.9 129 4.7 3rd 135 5.2 44 6.8 4th or higher 31 9.7 1 0.0 Total 1469 6.1 492 7.7 Swinging Frequency A Chi Square test revealed that a significantly larger proportion of men who reported swinging weekly reported ever having contracted an STD through swinging activities than all other men, χ2(5, N = 2,030) = 17.73, p = .003. Proportions did not differ significantly among women, χ2(5, N = 721) = 6.12, p > .05. Table ?. Number of participants and proportion who have ever contracted an STD through swinging activities by swinging frequency. Men Women n % Yes n % Yes Less than once a year 122 5.7 24 4.2 At least once a year 174 5.2 49 4.1 At least 2 to 5 times a year 595 4.0 168 10.7 At least 6 to 8 times a year 473 5.3 186 11.3 Monthly 511 7.6 189 14.8 Weekly 155 12.3 105 11.4 Total 2030 6.1 721 11.4
  5. Here are some more times. The percentages reflect sample participation (NOT STDs...) Table . Proportions of participants (by participant sex) who reported each reason as one the main reasons for swinging Main reason for swinging Men (n = 2103) Women (n = 741) Sexual variety* .69 .59 Pure sexual pleasure .68 .62 To meet others socially .43 .42 Personal fantasy .41 .39 Looking for emotional connection .03 .04 Looking for a new emotional relationship .03 .03 My partner wants me to* .02 .09 Note: Proportions sum to over 100% within sex because participants tended to check more than 1 reason. * Difference is statistically significant using independent samples t-tests and α set at .007. Table . Proportions of participants (by participant sex) who reported engaging in each activity during swinging Swinging Activity Men (n = 2103) Women (n = 741) Oral Sex .87 .89 Vaginal Sex .83 .83 Exchange partners .78 .78 Group Sexual Activities .73 .69 MFM activities* .68 .58 FMF activities .58 .62 Anal Sex* .34 .24 Mutual Masturbation .31 .29 Watch Only* .21 .14 Woman on woman sex only* .13 .29 B&D .08 .11 Other .08 .07 Fisting .06 .06 S&M .05 .07 Do not Participate in any sexual activity .04 .03 Watersports .04 .03 Man on man sex only* .03 .01 Never exchange partners .02 .03 Note: * Difference is statistically significant using independent samples t-tests and α set at .003. I'll convert some additional info into "friendly" Word format so that I can pass it on to you.
  6. The incidence among individuals engaging in anal sex was 0% or group sex was not related (correlated) to the overall incidence in this sample. However, swinging frequency (unprotected sex) did show a relationship albeit small. The biggest effect was shown in individuals that swinging with "singles" (unprotected sex). This makes sense since singles are more likely to bring STIs from the "outside" of swinging. Also, about 80% of the respondents reported having either annual or semi-annual check up for STDs. We have a large data repository which has not yet been reported. Saving it for future studies.
  7. The total number of participants/respondents was close to 4000 (albeit some responses had to be scraped due to some technical inconsistencies). Overall, we got close to 3000 responses (the biggest sample so far in a study on swingers).
  8. The following is the summary of the study and findings. This was a NORTH AMERICAN sample (U.S. and Canada). The purpose of this study was to gather information about the sexual activities of swingers, to determine the incidence and prevalence of STDs in this population, and to evaluate the safe sex practices of swingers. - In previous research, the samples have been skewed on average 70% male and 30% female (Bergstrand & Williams, 2000; Fernandes, 2009). Typically, male sexual orientation is heterosexual (over 80%), and female sexual orientation is reported as Bisexual (over 66%). Bisexuality among males has been reported at 20% (Fernandes, 2009). Most individuals engage in swinging activities on average 4-6 times a year (0ver 15% engage monthly) (Fernandes, 2009). Over 90% swap partners at least some of the time, and over 38% engage in group sex (Fernandes, 2009). Swingers are an unrecognized and under-reported risk group. To date, here has been little or no research information regarding the average number of partners the safe sex practices of swingers the incidence or prevalence of STIs (Fernandes, 2009). In 2007 a study conducted by the Department of Pathology, Laboratory of Immunogenetics at the VU University Medical Center in The Netherlands, and presented at the 15th Annual EUPHA Meeting in 2007 Found that the prevalence of STD in swingers in the Netherlands were higher for Chlamydia and Gonorrhea when compared to another risk groups such as adolescents. Study Research Questions Do demographic differences still exist between male and female respondents with a large sample size (n > 2,500 respondents)? What are the rates of STI transmission through swinging sexual activities generally and for several specific STIs within a group of swingers? What are the point prevalence rates (% that currently have an STD) for having an STI and for several specific STIs within a group of swingers? Are STD rates affected - Demographics - Swinging Frequency - Safer sex behaviors - Attitudes toward swinging Sample: The respondents were a self-selected sample of swingers (sample of convenience) recruited through an online advertisement in three of major swingers’ web dating sites. Instrument: A survey was constructed by the researchers. A link to the survey was made available through the participating sites. Survey questions included a demographics section, a sexual behaviour and attitudes section, a safe sex practices section, and a STD profile section Results Demographic Gender Differences within the Sample 2,103 (74%) men & 741 (26%) women Sexual Orientation Men: more heterosexuals (84%) than bisexuals (15%) Women: more bisexuals (72%) than heterosexuals (28%) Very few identified as homosexual 8 (0.4%) men; 1 (0.1%) woman Age 40% of men and women were 35-45 Men: more 45 or older (45%) than under 35 years old (16%) Women: more under 35 years old (33%) than of over 45 (27%) Race/Ethnicity 84% Caucasian; 10% Latino; 3% Black Present Marital Status 72% married; 13% cohabiting; 7% single Swinging Frequency 75% reported 2-12 times per year More men than women reported swinging less than once a year (6% vs 3%) More women than men reported swinging weekly (14% vs 7%) Table 3. Proportions of participants (by sex) that reported contracting any STD and specific STDs during swinging sexual activities. Men (n = 2062) Women (n = 727) Proportions that said "yes" Ever contracted an STD during swinging sexual activities .06 .11 Vaginitis .01 .05 Chlamydia .02 .03 Gonorrhea .01 .00 Syphilis .00 .00 Herpes .01 .02 HPV .01 .03 HIV .00 .00 Yeast Infection .01 .06 Bladder Infection .00 .04 Kidney Infection .00 .00 Other STD .01 .01 Table 4. Proportions of participants (by sex) that reported currently having any STD and specific STDs. Men (n = 2012) Women (n = 709) Proportions that said "yes" Do you currently have an STD .04 .05 Vaginitis .00 .00 Chlamydia .00 .00 Gonorrhea .00 .00 Syphilis .00 .00 Herpes .03 .03 HPV .01 .03 HIV .00 .00 Yeast Infection .00 .00 Bladder Infection .00 .00 Kidney Infection .00 .00 Other STD .00 .00 Table 5. Percentages of participants who reported ever contracting an STD during swinging by marital status. Men Women n % Yes n % Yes Married 1478 6.0 492 7.7 Single 153 7.2 48 12.5 Cohabi5ng 242 7.0 105 22.9 Widowed 11 0.0 6 16.7 Divorced 98 2.0 32 15.6 Other 37 2.7 25 20.0 Total 2019 5.9 708 11.2 Table 6. Percentages of participants who reported ever contracting an STD during swinging by swinging frequency. Men Women n % Yes n % Yes Less than once a year 122 5.7 24 4.2 At least once a year 174 5.2 49 4.1 At least 2 to 5 0mes a year 595 4.0 168 10.7 At least 6 to 8 0mes a year 473 5.3 186 11.3 Monthly 511 7.6 189 14.8 Weekly 155 12.3 105 11.4 Total 2030 6.1 721 11.4 Safer Sex Behavior Items (items used to measure the level of sex sex practices). Safer Oral Sex Behaviors When engaging in oral sex during swinging… I use condoms I ask my partner(s) to use condoms I use a latex barrier (i.e. dental dams) I ask my partner(s) to use a latex barrier (i.e. dental dams) Safer Intercourse Behaviors When engaging in vaginal sex during swinging I use condoms When engaging in anal sex during swinging I use condoms When engaging in vaginal or anal sex during swinging I ask my partner(s) to use condoms Safer Sex Assessment Behaviors I ask my sexual partners for their STD status I tell my partners about my STD I get tested for STDs at least once a year Risky Sexual Behaviors I have engaged in swinging activities while infected by an STD I share sex toys with other sexual partners I swing with "single" individuals Please note: 5.9% of the Men and 11.2% of the Women reported ever having acquired an STD through swinging. This number is well below what would be expected in the general population .All of the STDs reported (with the exception of HERPES (.2% and HPV .3%) were bacterial infections. The most common infections were vanigitis and chlamydia. Conclusions based on this study: 1.*Swingers, by self-report, have very low rates of STDs, even though not all engage in safer sex practices. 2.* Women are twice as likely to report getting infected with a STD during swinging. 3.*Different variables differ among those who have versus those that have not been infected with a STD through swinging. 4. We may question the simple statement that multiple partners = high STD risk – we must consider the context as with this population. 5. Swinging itself may not be as high a risk behavior as we assume. 6. Swingers consider swinging a safe behavior; swingers also feel that other swingers are trustworthy. However: Sample : self-selected sample of convenience May not be representative of the population Although individuals were the units of this study it is reasonable to assume that their responses reflect the experience of the “couple”. Individuals infected with STIs may have dropped out of swinging Respondents may have had a bias motivation in participating in the survey. Further research is necessary using urogenital sampling. My own observations: It is possible that Herpes may have been contracted other than by swinging (it is estimated that in the U.S. about 70% of the population actually has herpes). Herpes is NOT an STD per se since there are other means of contracting it other than sexual contact. (by the way, herpes is, overall, less harmful than most viral disease). HOWEVER, HPV is a sexual transmitted viral disease most likely to be picked up by sexual contact alone. When you consider the incidence of STDs among this sample population, two questions can be asked. Why is the incidence so low since only about 65% practice safe sex? Why don't more people practice safe sex if they're swinging in "open" groups? Another observation, of the people reporting having acquired and STD through swinging engaged in sexual activities with "single" individuals (not part of a couple). It is plausible the infections may derive from "other" sexual activity other than swinging. Also, remember that although there was a distinction made between Males and Females for the purposes of demographics. it is assumed that either represented one part of a couple. If you have further questions feel free to drop me a line. Cheers! DrZiggy
  9. Here's the raw data of the study. The results were presented at the international congress of SSSS in Mexico last month. The results do not include the statistical analysis and consequent evaluation or discussion. Albeit this is based on s self-selected sample of swingers, we feel that it does reflect, overall, the estimated incidence and prevalence of STIs among the swinging population. No study on swinging will derive a true randomized sample for the obvious reasons. The best we can do is to continue to publish studies that utilize samples of convenience and continue to extrapolate the results to the larger swinging population. It is important to hold on the technical criticism and appreciate the contribution of what we have right now, which is better than what we had before, nothing... SurveySummary_05252009.pdf
  10. Not necessarily looking for the "hot" details albeit those could prove interesting, I'm sure...LOL I'm looking for reasons why people would completely quit swinging...or take a hiatus for that matter. Drop me a line if you like. Cheers!
  11. I have just completed the largest study on swinging and STDs and Safe Sex. If anyone is interested I could ask Julie to post the results herein...what I found may surprise you. Let me know if you have any questions or want further information. Cheers! DrZiggy
  12. I have been asked by a large popular magazine to comment on the number of people that drop out of swinging and the reasons why. Although I do I know a few couples that have quit swinging, I would like to ask if you either know people that are no longer swinging (and why), or if you you ever thought that you may drop out (and why). I would appreciate any feedback or commentary.
  13. I have to agree with all of the major points you made in your response. people outside of the swinging context find it very hard to understand why someone is 'allowed" to do something that they, themselves, secretly wish they could.. Now as for the monogamy of wolves, geese, and penguins...it isn't quite as straightforward as all that...Wolves mate monogamously for the mating season and tend to live in very small packs with a dominant male and 2 or more femles (you could say this is a polygamous exclusive relationship); geese again live in small flocks which doesn't allow for much choice, but males tend to form homosexual relationships with other males, females may interfere and the happy lot becomes a threesome: penguins, again, are seasonal maters, they stick with the same male/female pair only for the mating season...the following year is another story, if they find each other again they may do the breast to breast mating dance... Cheers!
  14. There is actually a rather simple answer to your question(s). We make a choice to have sex with different partners. WE, as a species, are NOT monogamous by nature, on the contrary, we tend to be mildly polygamous (albeit the term polygamous doesn't really reflect the desire to have sex with several partners, but rather reflects a "relationship" arrangement/marriage). In most cultures (but not all) we, as individuals are "conditioned" by the rules of society from a very early age to regard having several partners as something "deviant". So we internalize those rules and break them at every opportunity, being careful not to be found out, lest we suffer the negative consequences. Swinging (and swingers) on the other hand, appreciate and encourage extra-marital sex, knowing that sex does not equate(or interfere) with the emotional connection they have with their partners. This is liberating and tends to enhance the relationship between the couple. Swinging frees one from the shackles of sexual conformity impose by society, allows for exploration of desires, wishes, or curiosity. It allows individuals to be true to their sexual selves. Thus, as you see, swinging is part of a re-conditioning of individuals back to their natural sexual state. I could engage in a discussion of pedophilia and homosexuality (both pre-determine behaviours based on the size and structure of specific brain structures, and one could say "anomalies"), but it would take too long....LOL So, rest assure that one is not born a 'swinger" or carry the "swinger gene". After all, we are ALL born with the predisposition for extra-dyadic sexual interactions, one partner rarely satisfies one individual....some need many, many partners sexual exitment and variety), while others are satisfied with only a few. Cheers! DrZiggy
  15. It seems that female bisexuality is higher in the swinging population. However, that is a misleading statement, perhaps better to say that it appears that more bisexual women are attracted to swinging. The incidence of bisexuality among women in the general population has not yet been established in concrete terms, it is estimated that as much as 30% of the women in the general population may engage in bisexual behaviour at some point in their lives. AS for bisexual males, the numbers in the study seem to be about correct although, as with the women, it is very hard to get a true percentage.
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