Oxytocin is a hormone that occurs in the human body. It is produced by a small part of the brain known as the hypothalamus and secreted by an endocrine gland known as the pituitary gland.
It is commonly referred to as the love hormone or cuddle hormone as it is associated with positive feelings such as those associated with arousal. Furthermore, it acts as a neurotransmitter as it plays an important role in reproduction, and determines certain aspects of social interaction and human behavior.
While it does so for both males and females, the way it acts for and affects both is different. Also, the level of oxytocin is usually less in men compared to women.
In addition to this, studies have shown that oxytocin may be helpful in the treatment of depression, autism, anxiety disorders, and personality disorders, as well as sexual dysfunction.
While oxytocin plays an extremely important role in both men and women, we’ll be focusing on its functions solely concerning men. Be sure to visit BetterHelp for more information on oxytocin in males.
Relationship Building and Sexual Activity
Oxytocin is known as the love hormone or cuddle hormone. This is because the amount secreted increases with arousal and studies show that it peaks during orgasm.
Furthermore, it helps facilitate bonding between partners. This is because as males spend time with ones that arouse them, the level of oxytocin increases and leads to the development of trust, empathy, comfort, and helps create a bond.
Consequently, this leads to the enhancement of the strength of a relationship as well as improved sexual activity. This may also lead to a behavioral loop – spending time with a partner may lead to increased oxytocin levels in males and the latter may lead to an increased desire to spend time with them.
When males spend time with their partners, they may begin to view them as more attractive than all others. This phenomenon helps men develop the ability to recognize competitive relationships.
Increased communication between love partners has been associated with intranasal oxytocin, which is administered with the help of a nasal spray.
It is also used to treat male anorgasmia – a condition in males which includes the inability to reach an orgasm despite being sexually stimulated.
Reproduction
Oxytocin also helps move sperm and contributes to the production of testosterone. It is released during male ejaculation and stimulates contraction of the reproductive tract, thereby helping sperm release.
Behavior and Social Interaction
Oxytocin helps individuals adapt when it comes to social interactions. It plays a key part in a variety of human behaviors such as sexual arousal, recognition, trust, and romantic attachment.
Similarly, intranasal oxytocin may lead to the development of personality traits such as warmth, trust, generosity, and openness within males. It may also lead to improved self-perception in social circumstances.
It may help treat anxiety disorders, stress, and phobias, allowing individuals to naturally become more open to social interactions, situations, and settings.
Studies have shown that those with autism may understand and respond to social situations and cues better as a result of intranasal oxytocin.
Overall, though, oxytocin helps keep testosterone in balance.
Some Natural Ways to Boost Oxytocin Levels
So, what can you do to take advantage of all the benefits oxytocin has to offer? Here are a few tips to try out:
- Listen to music
- Spend time with a furry friend
- Exercise in whatever way feels fun to you
- Socialize with others
- Prioritize physical contact with others
- Spend some time in the sun
- Get a massage
Conclusion
While oxytocin has a large number of benefits, high levels of oxytocin can be bad for health. The enlargement of the prostate gland can occur in men with high levels of oxytocin, leading to urinary problems.
It can be concluded that the love hormone plays a key role in males; it plays an important role in reproduction and determines certain aspects of social interaction and human behavior.
Authors Bio – Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with BetterHelp.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.