OrbyGuides
Safer sex in open relationships
An Orby guide · November 1, 2026
When more people are connected, sexual health is something everyone shares. It’s a normal conversation in non-monogamous communities, and a few habits make it easy. This guide is general information, not medical advice: a doctor or clinic can tell you what fits you.
Talk before you meet
- When were you last tested, and for what?
- What protection do you use, and with whom?
- Is there anything a new partner should know?
- Asking isn’t rude. It shows you care about everyone involved.
Testing
- Many people with several partners test every three to six months, and between new partners.
- A standard test doesn’t always cover everything: ask what’s included.
- Public sexual health clinics are often free or low-cost, and confidential.
- Share results honestly, including a positive one. Most infections are treatable, and telling partners protects them.
Protection and prevention
- Condoms and other barriers lower the risk of most infections.
- There are vaccines for HPV and hepatitis A and B: ask whether you’re covered.
- PrEP, medicine that prevents HIV very well, comes as a daily pill and, for some people, other schedules or an injection: ask a doctor or clinic which is right for you.
- Carry what you need, so the safest choice is the easy one.
Agreements that cover everyone
Some partners agree to stop using barriers with each other (some call it being fluid-bonded). That choice affects everyone they’re connected to, so many people tell their other partners before it changes, and agree what happens if a barrier breaks or a result changes.
If something goes wrong
- A condom broke, or you think you were exposed to HIV? Go to a clinic or emergency room quickly: PEP, medicine that prevents HIV after exposure, must start within 72 hours.
- Tell partners who might be affected, kindly and soon.
- Pause sex with others until you have your results.
Finding a clinic
In Toronto, Toronto Public Health runs free, confidential sexual health clinics. In Colombia, ask your EPS. Elsewhere, your local health service can point you to one.
How Orby helps
On Orby your lights say what you love, what’s a maybe and what’s not for you before anyone has to ask, so the bigger conversations start easier. Chats are end-to-end encrypted, so what you share about your health stays between you. How to open a relationship · Swinging for beginners.
