When it comes to modern-day relationships, there is often a huge focus on infidelity. With this conversation becoming more frequent in our modern-day relationships, it leads us to pose the question – who cheats more, men or women?

It has become easier than ever to meet someone online and make a connection, which can mean that people end up cheating more frequently. 

You no longer have to go to a bar to meet someone; you can simply download an app and spark a conversation straight away. 

Well, the title may spoil the surprise for you, but the answer is, yes, men do tend to cheat more than women. 

Men Cheating Statistics	Women Cheating Statistics
20% of Married Men Admit to Cheating on Their Spouse [1]	13% of Married Women Admit to Cheating on Their Spouse [1]
Highest Infidelity in Men is Between 60-69 years of Age [1]	Infidelity in Women has Increased by 40% in the Last 20 Years [1]
30% of Men Have Admitted to Having Cheated Through Cyber Sex [2]	Highest Infidelity Rates Among Women Between Ages of 50-59 [1]
67% of Men Have Reported Cheating on Their Spouse More Than Once [2]	40% of Women Admit to Having Cheated Through Cyber Sex [2]
62% of Men Admitted to Engaging in Infidelity on a Business Trip [2]	19% of Women Have Engaged in Infidelity at Least Once [2]

Who Cheats More: Men or Women?

Before we get into the stats, it is important to note that not all men cheat, and not all women are faithful. 

When it comes to infidelity in relationships, it is not always black and white. While cheating is deemed morally wrong, there are numerous reasons as to why someone may cheat, so it is important to not always jump the gun. 

You could say that it comes down to biology – do men have an innate need to be with multiple partners? 

It is unlikely that this is the case, but it could have to do with how the male mind works. Men will often prioritise sex within relationships, whereas women look more for emotional connection and intelligence. 

When these two things come face to face in a toxic relationship, it can lead to the woman not wanting to have sex and, therefore, the man feels like they need to seek it elsewhere. 

Men Cheating Statistics in the UK 2023

In this section of the article, we will explore some of the statistics related to men and cheating. 

So, who cheats more, men or women?

Let’s get stuck in.

20% of Married Men Admit to Cheating on Their Spouse [1]

In a survey conducted by the General Social Survey, they found that 20% of married men admitted to having sex with someone other than their spouse. 

While marriage is supposed to be an unbreakable bond, it is clear that some men do not take that vow seriously. What is interesting about this statistic is that this is just a percentage of men who admitted to cheating, so the number could potentially be higher. 

Highest Infidelity in Men is Between 60-69 years of Age [1]

While infidelity can happen at any age, this statistic shows us that men tend to cheat in their later years of life. 

As with all of these statistics, there is no way of knowing the true reason behind the infidelity, but if men are more likely to cheat later in life, it could be that they are cheating on a long-term spouse. 

Marriages are tough, and after years of marriage, perhaps men seek excitement elsewhere.

30% of Men Have Admitted to Having Cheated Through Cyber Sex [2]

As mentioned in the introduction, the digital age has made cheating a whole lot easier, as you can now connect with someone at the click of a button. 

From the digital age has come cybersex, which, as the name suggests, is when two people have an entirely online sexual relationship. Cybersex is more discreet and private than an in-person affair, so it is easy to see why it is so common.

67% of Men Have Reported Cheating on Their Spouse More Than Once [2]

It is often the case that infidelity happens more than once, as this statistic shows. 

Whether it is a long-term affair with someone else or multiple hook-ups with different people, cheating more than once has become all too common.

62% of Men Admitted to Engaging in Infidelity on a Business Trip [2]

Business trips have always been an easy way for someone to cheat; when you are out of your home town, it is a lot easier to engage in infidelity as there is less chance of being caught. 

Going on a business trip provides you with the perfect cover, which means there are more opportunities to sneak around and cheat on your partner, whether that’s with a work colleague or a total stranger.

Women Cheating Statistics in the UK 2023

So, we have gone over some of the statistics related to men and cheating, but what about women? 

Although men do tend to cheat more than women, it doesn’t mean that women are 100% faithful. Let’s dive in.

13% of Married Women Admit to Cheating on Their Spouse [1]

When it comes to women cheating in marriages, the statistics show us that around 13% of women cheat. Cheating does not always mean you want to break up with your partner, and interestingly, not all affairs lead to a divorce. 

However, that doesn’t mean cheating is right, and it is always best to discuss any marital issues in a mature way. 

Infidelity in Women has Increased by 40% in the Last 20 Years [1]

This statistic is interesting because it begs the question – why are more women cheating? 

Could it be the result of easy-access internet dating, or could it be that women are fed up of loveless marriages? 

There is no real certainty to these questions, and more often than not, the reason for cheating is unique in every marriage.

Highest Infidelity Rates Among Women Between Ages of 50-59 [1]

As with the previous statistic for men, this statistic shows us that women tend to cheat more when they are older. 

It is unclear why this is, but it could be because women over a certain age are more confident and will seek out what they want when they want it. 

40% of Women Admit to Having Cheated Through Cyber Sex [2]

Cybersex can be a fun way of exploring a sexual connection with someone without having to ever meet them. 

It is a lot easier to have anonymity and privacy online, which is something that many people seek when entering an extra-marital affair. 

19% of Women Have Engaged in Infidelity at Least Once [2]

Engaging in infidelity more than once seems to be a common occurrence among those who cheat. It seems that if you have already stepped out on your partner once, it becomes a lot easier to do it again. Especially if you are worried about getting caught, getting away with it the first time means you have more confidence to do it again. 

Why Do Men Cheat More Than Women?

As we have seen from the statistics, it is clear that men cheat more than women. But why is that? 

Let’s explore some of the reasons why men tend to engage in infidelity more than women. 

Cultural Conditioning and Masculinity Norms

Historically, men have been socialised to be the providers, protectors, and leaders in society. This position of perceived power might lead some men to feel a sense of entitlement when it comes to relationships. 

Additionally, in many cultures, a man’s worth has been tied to his ability to attract multiple partners, so this mindset can lead to men engaging in infidelity more. 

Evolutionary Theories

While it is a contentious point, some people may argue that men are biologically wired to spread their genes to ensure the survival of their name and lineage. 

However, this is not a great argument as it doesn’t account for the nuances of behaviour and individuality of relationships.

Opportunity and Temptation

With the rise of social media, online communities, and dating websites, it has become a lot easier for people to meet potential partners, which could explain why men cheat more. 

Not only this, if the man is the sole provider in a relationship, then he may travel more, leading to more opportunities to cheat. 

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Emotional and Physical Disconnect

Instead of addressing relationship problems head-on, some men find it easier to seek solace or distraction elsewhere due to societal and cultural pressures to ‘fix’ things without showing weakness.

In Conclusion

It is clear that infidelity is always going to be a complex topic to discuss. While our exploration suggests that men cheat more frequently than women, it is still important to understand that cheating is not exclusive to men and men alone. 

Both men and women, influenced by a myriad of factors, can and do stray.

FAQs

References

[1] https://smithinvestigationagency.com/blog/2023-infidelity-statistics-who-cheats-more-men-or-women/#:~:text=According%20to%20recent%20data%20gathered,someone%20other%20than%20their%20spouse.

[2] https://hetexted.com/cheating-statistics/