Odds of unfaithfulness may vary based on personality, relationship characteristics

Some people who are in committed relationships never expect that their spouse or significant other will be unfaithful. However, there may be several sex-related traits that are associated with increased odds of cheating, according to a recent article published by Fox News.

The news provider cited a study that appeared in the journal Archives of Sexual Behavior. The research indicated that men and women engage in sexual encounters outside of their relationships at about the same frequency - 23 percent and 19 percent, respectively - but there are disparities in the main reasons why males and females cheat.

The findings showed that men who are the most sexually excitable had the greatest odds of cheating, while dissatisfaction in a relationship was most often cited by women who stray from their long-term partners, the news organization reported.

Also, individuals who were not concerned about the sexual consequences of cheating such as pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases or being caught were more apt to engage in this behavior.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, engaging in sexual behaviors with more than one partner is one of the highest risk factors for contacting STDs.