[1] The term "wife swapping" was introduced by the media in the United States during the 1950s to describe this emerging phenomenon.
Stossel's report in 2005 cited Terry Gould's research, which concluded that "couples swing in order to not cheat on their partners".
They don't swing to go out and find a new wife", a woman asserted, "It makes women more confident – that they are the ones in charge".
Swinging is also known to take place in semi-public venues such as hotels, resorts, or cruise ships, or often in private homes.
[1] Some believe sexual attraction is part of human nature and should be openly enjoyed by a committed or married couple.
[10] However, this study has been criticized as not being representative of swinger populations as a whole: its data was formulated solely on patients receiving treatment at an STI clinic.
According to the Dutch study, "the combined rates of chlamydia and gonorrhea were just over 10% among straight people, 14% among gay men, just under 5% in female prostitutes, and 10.4% among swingers.
"[11] While unwanted pregnancy is a risk with heterosexual vaginal sex in general, the possibility of impregnation by someone other than the committed-to partner adds a layer of concern, and may require prior discussion between the involved parties to establish consent about handling such a scenario.
[16] Later in the 1960s at the height of the Free Love movement, the activities associated with swinging became more widespread in a variety of social classes and age levels.
[19][better source needed] In 2002, swingers' rights were added to the mission of the [American] National Coalition for Sexual Freedom.
[22] However, numerous researchers have tried unsuccessfully to confirm a first-hand account of such a party, suggesting that they are nothing more than an urban legend.