Psychobiological correlates of extramarital affairs and differences between stable and occasional infidelity among men with sexual dysfunctions.
BACKGROUND
The relationship between extramarital affairs and male sexual dysfunctions (SDs) has not been completely clarified.


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.
Fisher
Alessandra D
AD
Department of Clinical Physiopathology, Andrology Unit, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. alessandra.fisher@libero.it
Corona
Giovanni
G
Bandini
Elisa
E
Mannucci
Edoardo
E
Lotti
Francesco
F
Boddi
Valentina
V
Forti
Gianni
G
Maggi
Mario
M
D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D007172:Erectile Dysfunction / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005114:Extramarital Relations / Q000523:psychology*; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D007006:Hypogonadism / Q000453:epidemiology; D008297:Male; D008393:Marriage / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010413:Penis / Q000098:blood supply; D015995:Prevalence; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000453:epidemiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires