Psychobiological correlates of extramarital affairs and differences between stable and occasional infidelity among men with sexual dysfunctions

J Sex Med. 2009 Mar;6(3):866-75. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2008.01140.x. Epub 2009 Jan 8.

Abstract

Introduction: The relationship between extramarital affairs and male sexual dysfunctions (SDs) has not been completely clarified.

Aim: The aim of the present study is to describe how the reported presence of extramarital affairs vs. no report differentiates men attending medical care for SDs.

Methods: A nonselected series of 2,592 heterosexual (mean age 55 +/- 12.5 years) male patients with SD was studied with Structured Interview on Erectile Dysfunction (SIEDY). Furthermore, a complete physical examination and a series of biochemical, hormonal, and penile vascular evaluations were performed.

Main outcome measures: Several hormonal, biochemical, and instrumental parameters were investigated along with items derived from SIEDY.

Results: Infidelity is associated with relational problems within the primary couple, particularly in those with a stable secondary relationship. Furthermore, a higher androgenization is present in men with infidelity. Patients with SD reporting extramarital affairs had higher stress at work, a longer primary relationship span, and higher risk of conflicts within the primal couple and within the family. In addition, infidel men showed a higher risk of partner's illness and partner's hypoactive sexual desire. Among organic factors, a lower prevalence of hypogonadism was observed in infidel men. These subjects showed a better sexual function than the rest of the sample. In addition, they reported a higher intercourse frequency in the previous 3 months (considering both the primary and secondary relationship), a lower prevalence of hypoactive sexual desire (HSD), and a lower feeling of discomfort or guilt about autoerotism. Finally, when SIEDY scales were considered, SIEDY Scale 2 (relational domain) and Scale 3 (intrapsychic domain) scores were significantly higher in infidel subjects when compared with the rest of the sample.

Conclusions: Infidelity is associated with relational problems within the primary couple, particularly in those with a stable secondary relationship. Furthermore, a higher androgenization is present in men who commit infidelity.

MeSH terms

  • Conflict, Psychological
  • Erectile Dysfunction / epidemiology*
  • Erectile Dysfunction / psychology*
  • Extramarital Relations / psychology*
  • Guilt
  • Humans
  • Hypogonadism / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Marriage / psychology
  • Middle Aged
  • Penis / blood supply
  • Prevalence
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / epidemiology*
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / psychology*
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / epidemiology
  • Surveys and Questionnaires