What You Should Know About Infidelity

When we really think about it, cheating is a taboo in pretty much every culture, yet infidelity is still the inspiration for countless breakup songs and movie plots and we have to ask, “ Why do people cheat in the first place?” Although infidelity is usually understood as breaking the promise to remain faithful to a sexual partner in a marriage, many also regard cheating in pre-marital relationships as infidelity.  

Of course, marriage should be a sacred institution and a consecrated union between two people, even science recognises humans as monogamous species but recently research shows that there are factual reasons behind infidelity. Over the years, they’ve uncovered several shocking things from who is likely to cheat to why people do it, and some of the effects that it can have on our relationships. So, if your partner has been cheating, here are some interesting facts about infidelity!

Men with larger testicles and higher levels of testosterone are more likely to cheat

What does your testicle say about you?  When it comes to a man’s testicles, size actually matters! You might already know that the bigger a man’s testicles are, the more sperm he produces, which means he is more fertile. On the other hand, research also found that men with larger testicles and higher levels of testosterone are more likely to cheat. Scientists suggest that having these traits are for evolutionary reasons, which include having a competitive edge over other men. Other reasons include passing along their genes due to their high levels of testosterone, which results to more sexual desire.

The gene called the dopamine receptor is a key role for cheating in men and women

The dopamine receptor is a neurotransmitter that controls pleasure in the brain. In short, it is also called the happy hormones, which is released after having an orgasm, eating and exercising.  A study featured in The Independent shows that 50% of people who possess the long allele variant of the gene have cheated on their partner, compared to only 22% of people who have the short allele. According to the data study, the long allele people also had the tendency to be risk-takers and are more likely to deal with addictive behaviours such as alcoholism.  

When heart attacks happen during sex they’re more likely to occur if you’re cheating

Although the risks of having heart attacks during sex are low, research show that when heart attacks happen during sex, it happens with mostly men particularly when they are cheating, compared to when they’re having sex with their partner.  Some scientist argue that cheating can induce philological stress, the heart attack is usually brought about by the feelings of guilt and anxiety which in turn, can have an effect on cardiovascular function.

There is some truth to the old saying, “ Once a cheater, always a cheater…”

While the saying does not apply to all because the reasons for cheating vary as many other life factors may contribute to the issue such as unresolved emotional issues to baggage from past relationships and even alcohol or drug abuse. Research indicates that most people who have admitted to cheating have also acknowledged doing it more than once.

The good news about infidelity is, when affairs are discovered, it doesn’t always mean the end of a relationship or marriage, in fact it can actually make your relationship stronger! Although this instance is rare, the revelation of infidelity is sometimes an opportunity to work on the issues that led to cheating and may improve on the communication between the couple. Finally, infidelity has the ability to damage trust completely in a relationship, while there can be positive outcomes, which are possible in the long run, this is definitely not a reason or excuse to cheat!