Who is more likely to cheat? Men or women?

Jan Smit
April 3, 2025
#POTENTIELA

Cheating is a topic that often leads to discussion. But who actually cheats more often: men or women?

Who is more likely to cheat? Men or women?

Brief summary

Cheating is a topic that often leads to discussion. But who actually cheats more often: men or women? Statistics show that men are generally more likely to be unfaithful, but the gender gap shifts by age group. This article explores the numbers, causes, and impact of infidelity. In addition, we'll discuss how to recognize signals and how to deal with cheating in a relationship.

Introduction

Imagine: you're in a happy relationship, everything seems to be going well, but suddenly you notice changes in your partner's behavior. Less attention, more secrecy, more often gone without explanation. It involves doubts and makes you wonder: is my partner unfaithful? But before you draw conclusions, it's interesting to know who actually cheats more often: men or women? This article dives into the statistics and helps you understand how common it occurs and why.

Who cheats more often: men or women?

Various studies show that men have historically cheated more often than women. The Institute for Family Studies (IFS) conducted research among married and previously married people between 2010 and 2016, finding that 20% of men and 13% of women admitted to having sex with someone other than their partner during their marriage.

However, it appears that age plays an important role. The General Social Survey found that in the 18-29 age group, more women (11%) than men (10%) cheated. But from the age of 30, things change: men have been unfaithful more often than women from then on, and this percentage continues to increase with age. Men in their 60s are the most likely to cheat (24%), while the percentage for women in that age group is 16%.

In short, men cheat more often than women, but the difference varies by age group.

Why do men cheat?

  • Biological and evolutionary drive — Some research suggests that men are genetically programmed to spread their genes and are therefore more likely to cheat.
  • Lack of emotional connection — Men sometimes feel emotionally disconnected from their partner and seek validation outside the relationship.
  • Thrill and adventure — The thrill of something new can be a powerful driver, especially among men looking for excitement.
  • Fewer social consequences — In some cultures, men are less severely judged for infidelity than women, which maintains the behavior.

Why do women cheat?

  • Emotional fulfillment — Women are more likely to cheat when they feel emotionally neglected by their partner.
  • Revenge or response to partner infidelity — Sometimes women cheat in response to their partner's previous infidelity.
  • Looking for a better partner — Evolutionarily, some women look for a stronger or better partner if their current relationship does not provide them with sufficient security.
  • Feelings of loneliness — Relationship dissatisfaction can cause women to seek affection outside of their relationship.

How long do men and women wait before confessing?

A Health Testing Centers survey of 441 unfaithful people found that:

  • 48% of women and 46.9% of men confessed their infidelity within a week.
  • 26% of women and 27.4% of men waited one month.
  • 26% of women and 25.7% of men only admitted they had cheated after six months or more.

This shows that there is little difference between men and women when it comes to how long they conceal their deceit.

Tinder and cheating: who does it more?

Online dating apps have made infidelity easier. According to a study published in Computers in Human Behavior 18-25% of Tinder users reported being in a committed relationship while using the app. A Dutch survey of 17,000 Tinder users found that 4% of male and 2% of female participants used dating apps while in a relationship.

Another study found that 73% of women surveyed knew someone who used Tinder while in a relationship, versus 56% of men.

How do you deal with infidelity?

If you suspect that your partner is cheating, it can be difficult to determine what to do. Here are some tips:

  • Find evidence — Avoid unfounded allegations and look for concrete signs.
  • Talk to your partner — Communication is crucial to finding out the truth.
  • Consider a test — The Potentiela Infidelity Self Test Kit can help detect sperm traces on clothing and surfaces.
  • Set your limits — If your partner appears to be unfaithful, decide whether you want to stay or end the relationship.
  • Seek professional help — Relationship therapy can help process infidelity.

Can a relationship recover after infidelity?

Whether a relationship lasts after cheating depends on both partners' willingness to work at it. Here are some key steps to recover:

  • Accept and process the pain — It's normal to feel angry and sad.
  • Set clear boundaries — Discuss what needs to change to move forward.
  • Get help if needed — Relationship counseling can help rebuild trust.

Conclusion

So, who cheats more? Overall, men are more likely to be unfaithful than women, but figures vary by age group. While the causes of infidelity vary between men and women, the impact on a relationship is often the same: a breach of trust that is difficult to repair.

Infidelity can seriously damage a relationship, but with open communication and clear boundaries, some couples can recover. What if you're unsure about your own relationship? Then the Potentiela Infidelity Self Test Kit help you get clarity quickly.

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