| Sperm competition theory states that in species in which females mate with multiple males within a short period of time, not only will males have to compete for mates, but they will have to compete for fertilizations and will subsequently evolve tactics associated with competition for fertilization. It has been hypothesized that sexual coercion in the context of an intimate relationship may function as a sperm competition tactic, with its occurrence related to a man's suspicions of his partner's sexual infidelity. Sexual coercion in response to cues of his partner's sexual infidelity might function to introduce a male's sperm into his partner's reproductive tract at a time when there is a high risk of cuckoldry. Four studies are presented which lend support to the sperm competition hypothesis and encourage others to consider sperm competition theory when studying men's sexual coercion in intimate relationships. |
