The "female infidelity" gene is a genetic variant of the AVPR1A gene. The AVPR1A gene encodes a protein called arginine vasopressin receptor 1A. Five genetic changes in the AVPR1A gene are associated with an increased likelihood of extrapair mating or cheating in women. There is no evidence to suggest that these changes are linked to an increased risk of infidelity in males. However, a different variation (the RS3 334 allele) is associated with an increased likelihood of infidelity in males.
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: rs10877970, rs10877969, rs3021529, rs11174811 and rs1587097. If someone has inherited one or more copies of a minor allele, they have an increased likelihood of infidelity.