Testosterone injections and infidelity
Tuesday, July 9. 2024. This is for Victor.
Testosterone, the primary male sex hormone, is often associated with virility, strength, and overall male vitality.
With the rise of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), especially in the form of injections, there is increasing interest in understanding its broader impacts.
One area of concern is whether testosterone injections might influence behaviors related to infidelity.
Let’s discuss the research on testosterone injections and infidelity, examine the role of narcissism and body image, and see what we have got.
Understanding Testosterone Injections
Testosterone injections are commonly prescribed for men with low testosterone levels, a condition known as hypogonadism.
Symptoms of low testosterone include fatigue, depression, decreased libido, and loss of muscle mass. TRT aims to alleviate these symptoms and improve overall quality of life. However, the effects of increased testosterone levels extend beyond physical health, potentially influencing psychological and behavioral aspects.
Testosterone and infidelity
Increased Libido
One of the most direct effects of testosterone injections is an increase in libido.
Elevated testosterone levels can enhance sexual desire and performance.
While this might be beneficial for some men, it can also lead to increased sexual activity outside of a committed relationship. Research suggests that higher testosterone levels are associated with a greater propensity for infidelity (Markey & Markey, 2012).
Risk-Taking Behavior
Testosterone is linked to risk-taking behavior.
Men with higher testosterone levels are more likely to engage in activities that are thrilling or dangerous, which can include extramarital affairs.
A study by Roney and Simmons (2013) found that testosterone levels rise in men who are exposed to potential mates, indicating a biological predisposition to seek new sexual opportunities.
Impulsivity
Testosterone also affects impulsivity, which can lead to poor decision-making in the context of romantic relationships.
A study by Carré and McCormick (2008) found that increased testosterone levels are associated with higher impulsivity, which may contribute to infidelity as men might act on sexual impulses without considering the consequences.
Narcissism and body image
Narcissism
Narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy.
Research has shown that narcissists are more likely to engage in infidelity. This is partly because they seek external validation and may view infidelity as a way to fulfill their need for admiration (Campbell & Foster, 2002).
Testosterone injections can exacerbate narcissistic traits by enhancing self-perception and confidence.
Body Image
Improved body image can also play a role in infidelity.
Testosterone injections often increase muscle mass and reduce body fat, contributing to a more desirable physique. Men who feel more attractive and confident in their bodies may seek additional sexual partners to reinforce their improved self-image (Pope et al., 2000).
Research on testosterone, narcissism, and infidelity
Psychological and Behavioral Impacts
Studies on testosterone injections indicate a complex relationship between hormone levels, psychological traits, and behaviors.
For instance, a study by van Anders and Watson (2006) found that men with higher testosterone levels report higher sexual activity and more frequent infidelity. This suggests a direct link between testosterone and behaviors that can jeopardize committed relationships.
Narcissism as a Mediator
Research also indicates that narcissistic traits can mediate the relationship between testosterone and infidelity.
Men with higher narcissism scores are more likely to use testosterone therapy to enhance their physical appearance and sexual prowess, which can lead to increased infidelity (Jonason et al., 2010).
Body Image and Self-Perception
Improvements in body image resulting from testosterone injections can lead to increased self-esteem and social dominance, traits that are often associated with infidelity.
A study by Kanayama et al. (2006) found that men who used anabolic steroids, which are synthetic derivatives of testosterone, reported higher levels of infidelity compared to non-users, highlighting the impact of body image on relationship fidelity.
Final thoughts
The relationship between testosterone injections and infidelity is complex, involving increased libido, risk-taking behavior, impulsivity, narcissism, and body image.
And integrity. Please, let’s not forget about integrity.
While testosterone therapy can provide significant health benefits for men with low testosterone levels, it is essential to be aware of the potential psychological and behavioral risks and potential consequences.
Understanding these dynamics can help committed couples navigate the complexities of testosterone replacement therapy and maintain healthy, transparent relationships.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed
REFERENCES:
Campbell, W. K., & Foster, C. A. (2002). Narcissism and Commitment in Romantic Relationships: An Investment Model Analysis. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 28(4), 484-495. https://doi.org/10.1177/0146167202287006
Carré, J. M., & McCormick, C. M. (2008). In your face: Facial metrics predict aggressive behaviour in the laboratory and in varsity and professional hockey players. Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences, 275(1651), 2651-2656.
Jonason, P. K., Li, N. P., Webster, G. D., & Schmitt, D. P. (2010). The dark triad: Facilitating a short-term mating strategy in men. European Journal of Personality, 23(1), 5-18.
Kanayama, G., Hudson, J. I., & Pope, H. G. (2006). Long-term psychiatric and medical consequences of anabolic-androgenic steroid abuse: A looming public health concern? Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 98(1-2), 1-12.
Markey, P. M., & Markey, C. N. (2012). Romantic ideals, romantic obtainment, and relationship experiences: The complementarity of interpersonal traits among romantic partners. Journal of Social and Personal Relationships, 29(4), 491-514.
Pope, H. G., Phillips, K. A., & Olivardia, R. (2000). The Adonis complex: The secret crisis of male body obsession. New York: Free Press.
Roney, J. R., & Simmons, Z. L. (2013). Hormonal responses to sexual stimuli as a function of relationship status in men. Hormones and Behavior, 63(1), 8-13.
van Anders, S. M., & Watson, N. V. (2006). Relationship status and testosterone in North American heterosexual and non-heterosexual men and women: Cross-sectional and longitudinal data. Psychoneuroendocrinology, 31(6), 715-723.
