Heartbreak

The Age At Which Women Are Most Likely To Cheat

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woman thinking about cheating

Why do women cheat? Is it because of the seven-year itch, or perhaps a mid-life crisis?

Whatever a woman's personal reasons for cheating on her husband may be, there is a certain time in a woman’s marriage when she is statistically more likely to fall into another man’s arms.

Though we are all individuals with our own motivations, scientific research into the phenomena if extramarital affairs reveals some common patterns when it comes to what causes wives to run off with the pool boy, get frisky with the cable guy or sip cocktails in bed with another man.

At what age are women most likely to cheat?

According to a study conducted by the people at extramarital affair dating site Victoria Milan, there seems to be a pattern in the age women are most likely to cheat.

Though you may think it's women in their twenties who consider cheating on their spouse, it's actually women who are just under 37 years old.

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According to their findings, the average age of women having affairs worldwide is 36.6, which is about seven years after getting married based on the average age of marriage, which is 29.

These results did vary somewhat by country to country.

The average age at which women cheat in the UK is between 25 and 29, while the average was higher in Spain, where the average was between 40 and 44, and in Hungary, where the average is 45 to 49.

Aside from determining the age women are most likely to cheat, the study also offered some additional information on when women are most likely to cheat within the lifetime of a marriage.

For example, they note that American women wait until about eight and a half years into their marriages to cheat on average, while Irish women cheat faster than most, making it an average of 3.6 years of marriage before having an affair.

RELATED: Why Women More Likely To Cheat Than Men, According To Science

Sigurd Vedal, the founder of Victoria Milan, explained why he thinks married women cheat.

"Perhaps their husband is not giving them the attention and respect they deserve. Perhaps they still love their partners, but the spark has vanished from their marriage," he says.

"Whatever the reason, having an affair can help married women rediscover their zest for life, their sensuality, and the physical passion they may miss. These are universal needs, and craving sexual pleasure is something billions of us have in common — no matter how many other differences we may well have."

As a woman myself, I can attest to how important it is to get proper attention and respect from a partner.

If I feel emotionally neglected, I am far more likely to wonder if the cute guy at the bar would find me more interesting than my boyfriend.

For men, I can imagine that not getting enough sex from their wives would make them look for it elsewhere. So, men, if you want your wives to stay in your bed, and only yours, try paying more attention to them, especially just before their 37th birthday.

RELATED: This Woman Says She Cheats Because She's 'Too Hot' For Her Husband

Shannon Ullman is a writer who focuses on women’s health, pop culture, entertainment, and relationships.