Differential effects of intranasal oxytocin on sexual experiences and partner interactions in couples

What Was Tested

This randomized controlled trial paper looks at Oxytocin.

Knowledge about the effects of the neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) on human sexual behaviors and partner interactions remains limited.

Based on their previous studies, the researchers hypothesize that OXT should be able to positively influence parameters of sexual function and couple interactions.

Who Took Part

The study group was 58 participants.

By PubMed's age tags, the people studied were young adults, adults and middle-aged adults, both men and women.

Data were assessed by psychometric instruments (Acute Sexual Experiences Scale, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale) as well as biomarkers, such as cortisol, α-amylase and heart rate.

How the Study Was Run

The researchers set it up as a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled and crossover study.

Because people in this Oxytocin study were split into groups at random, differences between the groups are less likely to reflect who happened to join each one.

Neither the participants nor the staff measuring them knew who was on Oxytocin, so expectations could not easily colour the readings.

A placebo (an inactive look-alike) gave the Oxytocin group a baseline to be compared against.

Each person switched between Oxytocin and the comparison at some point, usually with a gap in between.

What Was Measured

The subject headings attached to it are Coitus, Family Characteristics, Heart Rate, Heterosexuality, Hydrocortisone, Interpersonal Relations and Libido.

Author keywords: Couple, Intranasal, Orgasm, Oxytocin, Partner interaction and Sexual arousal.

What This Means in Plain Language

The paper is a randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study of Oxytocin in 58 participants.

The publication is from 2014 (Hormones and behavior), a journal based in United States.

More context: the Oxytocin compound page, all human trials.