By: Carolyn Yates

Fluid bonding is safer-sex-barrier-free fluid exchange. Usually it means conversations and some STI testing, some waiting over time (and continuing to use barriers), some more conversations and testing, and then a decision to not necessarily use barriers all of the time.

People in non-monogamous relationships can fluid bond too, it just requires talking about it with more people and a higher level of trust. Here’s some excellent reading: https://solopoly.net/2013/07/08/why-fluid-bonded-sex-is-um-sticky/

In any case, what’s important is having an open dialogue, taking responsibility for your own sexual health (through conversations, personal knowledge of how STIs and testing and safer sex work, barriers when applicable, and regular testing even within a long-term monogamous relationship), and respect and mutual trust.