Mr B’s sex life wasn’t what doctors had in mind when they prescribed an oxytocin nasal spray to treat his social anxiety, according to a recent case report. They were hoping snorting the hormone twice a day would improve the 32-year-old’s relationships with his family and colleagues and help with his social anxiety.
Touchy
It turned out that oxytocin didn’t do all that much for Mr B’s social problems. Instead, the most noticeable effect was on his sex life. On every aspect of it, in fact. Mr B’s sex drive went from virtually nonexistent to revved up. He got turned on more easily and had better erections and more enjoyable orgasms.
Mr B was also more affectionate – both towards his colleagues and his wife. He wanted to be “closer” and was “more touchy” while he was using the nasal spray, she told researchers.
Sexual desire
So what exactly is the potential love potion that revamped Mr B’s sex life? Oxytocin is a hormone that’s well known for its role in childbirth and breastfeeding.
Studies have also shown that oxytocin is linked to sex in a number of different ways. Oxytocin levels shoot up when a man or woman orgasms. And women who take the hormone to help them release breast milk have told stories of being overcome by burning sexual desire and having extra-powerful orgasms.
But Mr B’s case is the first time Oxytocin been touted as a potential love potion for men.
New love potion?
A new love potion is just what oxytocin might prove to be. It’s already known that the hormone is involved in the different parts of sexual behaviour, from desire through to orgasm.
Now, in light of the effects snorting oxytocin had on Mr B, the scientists say it’s time for this potential love potion to be tested properly, especially for men in loving relationships.
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