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

Full 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.

Author information

Author/s: Fisher, Alessandra D (AD); Corona, Giovanni (G); Bandini, Elisa (E); Mannucci, Edoardo (E); Lotti, Francesco (F); Boddi, Valentina (V); Forti, Gianni (G); Maggi, Mario (M);

Affiliation: Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Andrology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. alessandra.fisher(-atsign-)libero.it

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article

Journal: The journal of sexual medicine (J Sex Med), published in United States. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2009-Mar; vol 6 (issue 3) : pp 866-75

Dates: Created 2009/03/16; Completed 2009/08/18;

PMID: 19143911, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 8/21/2009)

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