Female Infidelity Gene AVPR1A Test

Description

Detailed Description

The “female infidelity” gene refers to five genetic variants of the AVPR1A gene. The AVPR1A gene encodes the arginine vasopressin receptor 1A, which binds vasopressin and transmits the signal into the cells.

Vasopressin is a hormone or “chemical messenger” that promotes water retention in the kidneys and increases blood pressure. Most of these effects take place when vasopressin is released into the blood stream. However, when vasopressin is released directly into the brain, it can influence social and sexual behavior (such as infidelity).

In women with the “female infidelity” versions of AVPR1A, the transmission of the vasopressin signal is disrupted. As such, each variant is associated with an increased likelihood of extrapair mating or cheating in women.

There is no evidence that these five variants influence sexual behavior in men. However, there is a different AVPR1A variation (known as the RS3 334 allele), which is associated with an increased likelihood of infidelity in men. The RS3 334 allele is detected in the Male Pair-Bonding Gene AVPR1A Test.

The Genetics

The AVPR1A gene is located on chromosome 12. We inherit two copies of the gene – one from each parent. A simple DNA test can be done to find out which forms of AVPR1A a person has inherited.

The minor alleles (less common alleles) at these five markers in AVPR1A are linked to infidelity in women:

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Other conditions associated with the AVPR1A gene:

• Autism
• Altruistic behaviour
• Addictive behaviour
• Eating disorders
• Social behavior such as sibling interactions

How it Works

STEP 1.ORDER YOUR KIT: Purchase your kit online.

STEP 2. COLLECT & SEND

Quick and painless DNA sample collection in the comfort of your own home. Mail your sample back to our lab for testing.

STEP3. VIEW RESULTS

Receive your results by mail or email, or view online.

Recommended Links:
Meyer-Lindenberg A et al. (2011). Oxytocin and vasopressin in the human brain: social neuropeptides for translational medicine. Nat Rev Neurosci. 12: 524-538.

Zietsch BP et al. (2015). Genetic analysis of human extrapair mating: heritability, between-sex correlation, and receptor genes for vasopressin and oxytocin. Evol Hum Behav. 36(2): 130–136.

Prichard ZM et al. (2007). AVPR1A and OXTR polymorphisms are associated with sexual and reproductive behavioral phenotypes in humans. Hum Mutat. 28(11): 1150.