Society almost collectively expects men to exhibit infidelity, but men will often say that women are just as or even more covert in their attempts at infidelity. Societal standards have been arranged in such a way that we expect women to be monogamous and men to have a very difficult time resisting their sexual urges, whether in a committed relationship or not. As a culture, American citizens typically disapprove of infidelity as a 2013 Gallup poll revealed that 91% find marital infidelity morally wrong. Interestingly enough, studies over the past twenty years have shown a consistent rate of infidelity at 21% for married men and between 10 and 15% for women.

Many have come to believe that men and women engage in sexual infidelity due to a lack of happiness in their own relationships; men and women actively seek what they lack in their relationships. Men tend to think with their other head, right? Well, not so much. Many studies show that women are just as likely, and in many cases, more likely to stray away from their partners. Why? Genetics.

Variants of a hormone called vasopressin seem to be the charge behind infidelity. It functions as a social stimulant associated with bonding, trust, and sexual engagements. A study conducted by Brendan P. Zietsch, a psychologist at the University of Queensland in Australia, found that, “Forty percent of the variation in promiscuous behavior in women could be attributed to genes.” Mutations, however, can occur in the vasopressin receptor gene, just as is possible in any other genes in the human body. In this case, a vasopressin mutation could produce alternate sexual desires and behaviors.

But, wait.

In this matter, science is not always the direct impulse behind infidelity. Environment, opportunity, and yes, in some cases, relationship status, are equally involved.

A study conducted at Indiana University revealed that men and women cheat at the same rates, but the reasons behind their infidelity is distinct. Men tend to cheat for “sexual excitability,” while women who cheat often report emotional dissatisfaction. In these instances, cheating becomes dangerous as an emotional investment can be much more detrimental that physical attraction or satisfaction. In a relationship or in marriage, men tend to be happier. Women both seek and need emotional reassurance and fulfillment in order to happy in their relationship. Men often forget this which may in fact steer their significant other in a direction where she may find such emotional satisfaction.

Society has painted an elaborate picture regarding the truths behind infidelity. Men are not more or less likely to cheat than women. Both genders resort to infidelity for a host of reasons, whether scientific, social, or environmental.