Become a Patron!Cheating in relationships is one of the most painful and confusing experiences a couple can face. In this episode of Med Talk Singapore, I dive deep into the question of why people cheat — looking at emotional, physical, and even micro-cheating. I also share practical strategies on how couples can begin rebuilding trust, heal after betrayal, and strengthen their intimacy moving forward.
We don’t shy away from the difficult questions — from workplace affairs to cultural taboos, from mismatched sex drives to people-pleasing patterns in long-term relationships. Along the way, I offer guidance on navigating consent in open relationships, addressing sexual health concerns, and protecting the bond you’ve built with your partner.
If you’ve ever wondered what drives someone to cheat, how to handle the aftermath, or what proactive steps you can take to safeguard your relationship, this episode is for you.
💡 And if you or your partner are struggling with trust, intimacy, or desire, know that you don’t have to go through it alone. As a Relationship Counselor and Clinical Sexologist, I work with individuals and couples to navigate challenges and build stronger, healthier connections. Reach out here to explore how we can support you.
Cheating in relationships can be painful and confusing. In this episode, Dr. Martha explores why people cheat, covering emotional, physical, and micro-cheating, and shares strategies to rebuild trust after cheating. She also discusses sexual health, workplace affairs, cultural taboos, and relationship advice to strengthen intimacy and maintain healthy relationships.
Med Talk Singapore delivers educational content that’s both fun and fascinating! With series like “Singapura, Not Tempura!” and “Doctor Say One Horh!”, we bring you insights from healthcare professionals and influential personalities. Our goal is to provide accurate medical knowledge and explore trending topics in a way that’s engaging and easy to understand. Brought to you by SPRING HOPE CREATIVE.
Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro: Discussion on cheating and relationships
12:42 – Why do people cheat? Entitlement, gaps, and FOMO
15:14 – Open relationships: consent and communication
16:11 – Can sex drive be increased? Physical vs. emotional factors
17:30 – Sex before marriage: benefits and challenges
20:25 – Cheating: relationship vs. cheater problem
23:04 – Gender differences and double standards in cheating
25:13 – Cultural expectations and transactional theory in relationships
28:33 – Rebuilding trust after cheating: counseling and transparency
31:26 – First steps to rebuild trust and handle trauma
34:24 – Healing yourself and recognizing your partner’s roles
36:30 – Past cheating in new relationships: disclosure considerations
37:51 – Preventing cheating: relationship reviews and facilitator role
39:05 – Navigating mismatched sex drives without rejection
41:18 – Understanding “why” behind partner requests
42:08 – People-pleasing and self-worth in long-term relationships
43:00 – Top 3 tips for couples to strengthen relationships
44:18 – Be intentional: guard couple time and intimacy
44:49 – Closing remarks and call to action
About Dr. Martha Tara Lee
Dr. Martha Tara Lee has been a passionate advocate for positive sexuality since 2007. With a Doctorate in Human Sexuality and a Master’s in Counseling, she founded Eros Coaching in 2009 to help individuals and couples lead self-actualized and pleasurable lives. Her expertise includes working with couples in unconsummated marriages, individuals with sexual inhibitions or desire discrepancies, men facing erection and ejaculation concerns, and members of the LGBTQIA+ and kink communities. She welcomes people of all sexual orientations and offers both online and in-person consultations in English and Mandarin.
Dr. Lee is the only certified sexuality educator by the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT) in the region since 2011, and became an AASECT-certified sexuality educator supervisor in 2018. Her fun, educational, and sex-positive approach has been featured in international media including Huffington Post, Newsweek, and South China Morning Post. She currently serves as Resident Sexologist for the Singapore Cancer Society, Of Noah.sg, OfZoey.sg, and Sincere Healthcare Group, and is the host of the podcast Eros Matters.
An accomplished author, Dr. Lee has published four books: Love, Sex and Everything In-Between (2013), Orgasmic Yoga: Masturbation, Meditation and Everything In-Between (2015), From Princess to Queen: Heartbreaks, Heartgasms and Everything In-Between (2017), and {Un}Inhihibited (2019). Her contributions have been recognized with numerous honors, including Her World’s Top 50 Inspiring Women under 40 (2010), CozyCot’s Top 100 Inspiring Women (2011), Global Woman of Influence (2024), the Most Supportive Relationship Coach (Singapore Business Awards, APAC Insider, 2025), and the Icon of Change International Award (2025).
You can read the testimonials she’s received over years here. For her full profile, click here. Email her here.
