Male Pair-Bonding Gene Test

Male Pair-Bonding Gene AVPR1A Test

Are you more likely to be unfaithful because of your genes? Find out if you have the "male pair-bonding" variant of the vasopressin receptor gene.

• Detects the RS3 334 variant of the AVPR1A gene
• Men with this variant are less likely to form strong bonds with their partners
• They are also more likely to experience marital crisis or divorce
• These variants do not influence behavior in women

Detailed Description

The "male pair-bonding" gene is a genetic variant 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 bloodstream. Vasopressin can also be released directly into the brain and influence social and sexual behavior such as infidelity. In people with the "male pair-bonding" version of the gene, this signal transmission is disrupted.

Men with the RS3 334 allele are less likely to form a strong bond with their partners and are more likely to experience marital crisis or divorce. They are less likely to get married and more likely to cohabitate than people without the RS3 334 allele. Spouses of men with the RS3 334 allele report feeling less affection and consensus in the marriage.

There is no evidence that this variant influences sexual behavior in females. However, different AVPR1A variations are associated with an increased likelihood of infidelity in females, detected in a separate Female Infidelity Gene 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 determine which forms of AVPR1A a person has inherited.

Variants Tested:

There are three different AVPR1A variants (RS1, RS3, and GT25) that arise due to short tandem repeats (STRs) in the regulatory region, which controls AVPR1A protein levels. A specific version of RS3, known as the RS3 334 allele, is associated with diminished pair-bonding in males. The AVPR1A STR test determines the length of the RS3 repeat region to find out whether a person has the RS3 334 infidelity variant.

Other conditions associated with the AVPR1A gene:

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

How It Works

Step 1: Order your DNA test kit online — delivered straight to your doorstep.
Step 2: Collect your DNA sample using a painless mouth swab and mail to the lab in the provided prepaid return envelope.
Step 3: Receive your results through our secure online platform — private and confidential.