What is the “female infidelity” gene?
The “female infidelity” gene refers to five genetic variants of the AVPR1A gene. Each of these variants are associated with an increased likelihood of extrapair mating or cheating in women.

Although there is no evidence that these five variants influence sexual behaviour in males, there is a different AVPR1A variation (known as the RS3 334 allele), which is associated with an increased likelihood of infidelity in males. The RS3 334 allele is detected in the Male Pair-Bonding Gene AVPR1A Test.

What is the AVPR1A gene?
The AVPR1A gene encodes the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A, which binds vasopressin and transmits the signal into the cells. Vasopressin is a hormone or “chemical messenger” that promotes water retention in the kidneys and increases blood pressure. Most of these effects take place when vasopressin is released into the blood stream. Vasopressin can also be released directly into the brain and influence social and sexual behaviour (such as infidelity). When this signal transmission is disrupted (as in the case of “female infidelity” gene), there is an increased likelihood of extrapair mating or cheating.

Conditions associated with the AVPR1A gene
Genetic changes in AVPR1A are linked to an increased likelihood of infidelity in both men and women. Other changes in the AVPR1A gene are also associated with:

• Autism
• Altruistic behaviour
• Addictive behaviour
• Eating disorders
• Social behaviour such as sibling interactions

DNA testing for the “female infidelity” gene
The AVPR1A gene is located on chromosome 12. We inherit two copies of the gene – one from each parent. A simple DNA test can be done to find out which forms of AVPR1A a person has inherited. The minor alleles (less common alleles) at these five markers in AVPR1A are linked to infidelity in women:

• rs10877970
• rs10877969
• rs3021529
• rs11174811
• rs1587097