Unfaithfulness in men may be associated with higher risk of cardiovascular events

The authors of this study from Italy performed an extensive Medline search for “unfaithfulness,”“extramarital affairs,”“infidelity,” and “men.”

How common is unfaithfulness in men?

As expected the results were variable. Some surveys reported that 1.5–4% of married men had extramarital coitus in any given year, others that 23.2% of men have cheated during their current relationship.

Lifetime prevalence of unfaithfulness was between 15% and 50%.

What are the factors related to unfaithfulness?

Men with extramarital affairs more frequently have a dysfunctional primary relationship.

Parenthood and conflicts within the family are associated with a higher risk of having an affair.

Unfaithful men display a higher androgenization, larger testis volume, higher sexual desire, and better sexual functioning.

What are the clinical implications of unfaithfulness in men?

Some studies have suggested that having an extramarital affair could have a negative impact on cardiac morbidity and mortality. Unfaithfulness in men seems to be associated with a higher risk of major cardiovascular events.

References

Fisher AD, Bandini E, Rastrelli G, Corona G, Monami M, Mannucci E, and Maggi M. Sexual and cardiovascular correlates of male unfaithfulness. J Sex Med, 2012.

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