Oxytocin Nasal Spray

Oxytocin is a key neuromodulator involved in the synchronization of body and brain in the coordination of a wide spectrum of physiological and psychological affects which may promote sexual satisfaction.

Attachment and Pair Bonding
An increase of endorphin levels during sexual activity in humans is presumed to contribute to attachment and bonding between partners, similar to that of a mother and newborn.¹ Furthermore, the release of endogenous oxytocin from the brain during intimate touching or sexual activity with a partner has been suggested to play a vital role in sexual monogamy in men and women.² Endogenous oxytocin also arouses feelings of pleasure, peace and security when in the company of a partner.³

Anxiety, Fear & Stress
The release of endogenous oxytocin decreases fearfulness and works as an anxiolytic agent, diminishing the level of anxiety through inhibiting fear responses in the amygdala, which contains substantial numbers of oxytocin receptors. ^4,5,6

The amygdala is also the part of the brain that modulates trust. In fact, intranasal administration of synthetic oxytocin has been shown to improve attachment related behaviors such as eye gazing, interpersonal trust, compassion, and positive communiation.^7,8

Sexual Arousal and Lubrication
The release of endogenous oxytocin from the pituitary gland into the bloodstream is triggered by sexual stimuli such as hugging, touching, and genital and nipple stimulation in both genders, and its plasma level is correlated with levels of arousal, lubrication, and reaching a peak during orgasm.⁹

New Relationships and Dyspareunia
A rise in endogenous oxytocin results in an increase of plasma endorphins, natural pain killers that can diminish pain in women who suffer dyspareunia, due to anxiety or lack of trust in their partner during the first stages of their relationship.¹⁰

Orgasm
In 2017, a study was performed to monitor oxytocin levels in anorgasmic and orgasmic women. It was reported that orgasmic women had a higher level of endogenous oxytocin that peaked during orgasm, whereas the anorgasmic women had no change.¹¹

Orgasmic women experience increases of oxytocin up to five times its normal level during sexual climax, possibly due to smooth muscle contraction of the reproductive system. Medical literature confirms that women with higher levels of oxytocin experience more intense and more frequent orgasms.¹²

Oxytocin has been studied in pre- and postmenopausal women with female sexual dysfunction.^13,14,15

In 2014, Behnia evaluated 29 heterosexual couples (n=58) with acute effects of 24IU of intranasally administered oxytocin. Oxytocin was found to increase intensity of orgasm and contentment after sexual intercourse. Women reported feeling more relaxed and subgroups indicated better abilities to share sexual desires or to empathize with their partners.¹³

In a randomized, prospective, double-blind, placebo controlled, crossover trial, Muin et al studied oxytocin in pre- and postmenopausal women (41-65 years old) with sexual dysfunction over a 22-week period. Patients were instructed to inhale 32 IU of oxytocin intranasally up to 50 minutes before intercourse. Female Sexual Function Index scores (FSFI) increased by 26%, Sexual Quality of Life (SQOL-F) scores increased 144%, Sexual Interest and Desire (SIDI-F) scores, increased by 29%, and Female Sexual Distress (FSDS) scores decreased by 36%. The authors concluded that long term intranasal oxytocin improves (1) Sexual Function, (2) Symptoms of Depression, and (3) Sexual Satisfaction.¹⁴

• Oxytocin has been clinically studied for intranasal use at doses ranging from 24-32IU daily.
• Many physicians also prescribe oxytocin 50IU SL tabs to be used daily and 1 hour prior to sexual activity.

Based on the study by Muin et al, the following adverse reactions occurred: runny nose and burning sensation in the nose (10%), headache (10%), epistaxis (3%), nausea (3%), dizziness (3%).¹⁵

Oxytocin causes dilation of vascular smooth muscle, thus increasing renal, coronary, and cerebral blood flow. Blood pressure usually remains unaffected. Oxytocin does possess antidiuretic effects, but they are minimal.