There are a lot of sexual and relationship buzzwords in today's culture, both on and off line. Some are more tame than others, and some are more of a punchline to a cultural joke. Ghosting, catfishing, thirsty, DTF, the list goes on and on. The lingo of love, sex, and relationships is constantly changing in today's fast-paced world. One term should be taken seriously, and you might not have even heard of it. It might be the most important vocabulary word you have learned in quite a while. That term is "stealthing". Stealthing is the disturbing and dangerous practice of removing a condom or other barrier method during a sexual encounter without the knowledge or consent of the partner.

Stealthing can be damaging, both physically and emotionally. Removing a barrier method of protection during a sexual encounter risks exposure to sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. In the current climate of increasing rates of sexually transmitted infections like syphilis, gonorrhea, and chlamydia, this is a dangerous practice to both partners in the situation. Lowered usage of barrier methods, and general unsafe sex practices, are cited by the Centers for Disease Control as a reason for the recent rise in sexually transmitted infection rates.

In a more emotional and mental level, it also violates consent. In cases of stealthing, the partner being "stealthed" is unaware that the barrier has been removed. Make no mistake, this is a violation both physically and of the trust that should be present in sexual encounters. It takes the sexual encounter from consensual to nonconsensual in a single second, and can be emotionally and psychologically damaging to both the individual and the relationship.

There are various reasons for stealthing. These could be that the partner feels that sex just "feels better" without a condom, or trying to trick their partner for other reasons. Make no mistake, a partner removing a condom without consent is assault.

There are ways to protect yourself from becoming a victim of stealthing. First and foremost, make your consent clear. If you are consenting to sex with a condom or other barrier method, be sure to be clear you are only consenting under the condition a condom or dental dam is used at all times. Be firm that any sexual contact required these protection methods, and if they are removed, so is your consent.

Trust in your partner is good, but take your boundaries into your own hands if you fear stealthing. To be fair, your boundaries should always be clearly stated and you should feel empowered to enforce them. Visually and tactility confirm that a condom or dental dam is in place and being properly used before, during, and after sexual contact and with each change of position.

Keeping sexual encounters one hundred percent consensual and maintaining communication with sexual partners is always crucial for healthy relationships. Maintaining boundaries is one of the ways you can keep these relationships and encounters both pleasurable and healthy.

CDC

Wikipedia

Psychology Today