Why Cheating Might Be Genetic, According to Science

Many people who say that monogamy isn’t natural usually focus on men, saying men are supposed to be plentiful and spread their seed. But are men the only ones genetically tempted to stray?

Nope, sorry fellas! A study conducted by a psychologist recently discovered another reason that might explain why women cheat. The study looked at 7,400 Finnish twins and their siblings who were in a relationship for a year.

They noticed that women who cheat, and their variation of the vasopressin gene (a hormone involved in cognition, sexual and maternal behavior, and more) and oxytocin are linked. To be exact, 40 percent of the variation in promiscuous behavior in women is tied to these genes.

Oxytocin and vasopressin are linked to making people feel more connected to one another. A study from the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm also found that variants of the oxytocin gene are related to marital disagreement and lacking affection towards others.

Of course, the circumstances have to be right for them to cheat. The researchers found that other people available to cheat with are also a factor on whether or not these women cheat.

I guess this is another thing we need to add to the list of why monogamy isn’t natural.

More from Your Tango

Why Women Cheat: A Married Man Goes Undercover On Ashley Madison

My Husband Found Out Why Women Cheat … The Hard Way (Gulp)

Women More Likely To Cheat Than Men?! Here’s Why

Photo: Getty

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