Health. Polyamory: Neither libertinage nor polygamy, understanding plural love

As its etymology indicates, the term polyamory would thus characterize several (poly)-amours… “It is indeed the possibility of having intimate, emotional and loving relationships with other partners,” defines Emma Puech-Hélin, sexologist and pharmacist.

Which distinguishes this concept from the open couple where there is no question of romantic commitment. Polyamory is also distinguished from polygamy "which is rather unilateral, with a single partner, who will have several relationships. Here, we are on a mutual authorization of the partners to have other relationships outside of their couple."

Did you say compersion?

These are therefore experienced as "emotionally and affectively engaging." They of course require a framework that takes the form of a contract—at least, this is what the sexologist recommends—setting out the rules and limits for each person.

And therefore, “very open communication,” with core concepts such as “transparency” and “consent.”

Even speaking, she continues, of "compersion, in other words the capacity to rejoice in the happiness of another. It is the fact of being happy for the person who experiences other fulfillments than with oneself."

So it's the opposite of the feeling of jealousy, which has no place in polyamory.

To prioritize relationships or not

In his view, this contract must be regularly re-discussed, in particular to ensure everyone's consent.

Knowing, continues Emma Puech-Hélin, that "there is also the possibility of hierarchizing relationships. For example, having a main couple then partners and so-called secondary relationships. On the other hand, other polyamorous people put all relationships on the same level."

Not a single passage...

Beyond that, in her eyes, polyamory is not a simple passage or transition to an exclusive relationship. "It's something that needs to be considered, something that takes time and is long-lasting," notes the sexologist.

With one or more communities formed on social networks that question both the practical aspects of relationships ("how to put discussion at the center? How to manage emotions? How to obtain consent"...) and more societal elements.

Indeed, polyamory can also take the form of joint projects, family life, with all the questions that this implies: on the human, financial, social levels, etc.

Sources: Interview with Emma Puech-Hélin, July 16, 2025