A study has found that women have a more fluid approach to relationships and sexuality, and therefore more likely to change their sexual preference over time, compared to men.

Scientists in the US followed 5,018 women and 4,191 men through adolescence and into young adulthood for a major study into sexual behaviours.

While the vast majority of men claimed to be 100% homosexual or heterosexual, women have a much more open-minded approach, and base their relationship choices on the personality of a partner rather than their gender.

They found that women were more likely to become bisexual if opportunities arose to explore same-sex relationships, while men were more likely to stick to their originally stated sexual orientation.

Lead researcher Dr Elizabeth McClintock, University of Notre Dame, suggested many women might feel some attraction to both genders, even if they never act on it.

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Women with some degree of attraction to both males and females might not be drawn into heterosexuality if they have favourable options in the heterosexual partner market.

Women who are initially successful in partnering with men, as is more traditionally expected, may never explore their attraction to other women.

However, women with the same sexual attractions, but less favourable heterosexual options might have greater opportunity to experiment with same-sex partners.”