What is the role of oxytocin in males?

From the Guidelines

Oxytocin has a potential role in the treatment of delayed ejaculation in males, with a recommended dosage of 24 IU intranasal/SL during sex, as outlined in the 2022 AUA/SMSNA guideline 1. The role of oxytocin in males is multifaceted, extending beyond its traditional association with female reproductive health. In men, oxytocin influences various physiological and psychological processes, including social bonding, sexual function, and emotional regulation. Key aspects of oxytocin's role in males include:

• Promoting pair bonding and paternal behaviors, facilitating attachments between fathers, children, and partners
• Contributing to sexual function, including arousal, orgasm, and post-orgasm satisfaction
• Regulating stress responses by reducing anxiety and cortisol levels
• Influencing trust and empathy in social interactions, making men more receptive to others' emotional states In the context of sexual health, oxytocin's potential in treating delayed ejaculation is notable. According to the 2022 AUA/SMSNA guideline, oxytocin is listed as a pharmacotherapy with potential efficacy for delayed ejaculation, with a recommended dosage of 24 IU intranasal/SL during sex 1. This guideline emphasizes the importance of individualized treatment decisions, considering the weak evidence base and potential side effects. When evaluating patients with delayed ejaculation, clinicians should consider the patient's overall health, including testosterone levels, as low testosterone can contribute to ejaculatory dysfunction 1. Additionally, the presence of comorbid erectile dysfunction should be addressed according to established guidelines. Overall, oxytocin's role in males is complex, and its potential applications in treating delayed ejaculation and promoting overall health and relationships warrant further consideration.

From the Research

Role of Oxytocin in Male Sexual Function

• Oxytocin has been found to have beneficial effects on several components of male sexuality, including libido, erection, and orgasm 2, 3, 4.
• Studies have shown that oxytocin can induce penile erection in multiple brain regions, and nasal administration of oxytocin can increase sexual desire 4, 5.
• Oxytocin has also been found to be effective in treating male anorgasmia, with one case report showing that intracoital administration of intranasal oxytocin restored ejaculation in a patient with treatment-resistant anorgasmia 3.
• The correlation between oxytocin and male sexual dysfunction, including erection disorder, premature ejaculation, and hypoactive sexual desire, has been explored in recent studies, indicating the potential value of oxytocin in treating these conditions 4.

Mechanisms of Oxytocin's Effects on Male Sexual Function

• Oxytocin's effects on male sexual function are thought to be mediated by its interaction with other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides, including serotonin 6.
• The ventrolateral part of the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMHvl) has been identified as a brain area that may be involved in oxytocin's effects on sexual behavior, as it is apparently functioning in both sexual and aggressive behavior 6.
• The exact mechanisms by which oxytocin exerts its effects on male sexual function are not yet fully understood and require further research 5.

Clinical Implications of Oxytocin's Effects on Male Sexual Function

• Oxytocin may have potential as a treatment for male sexual dysfunction, including erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation 4, 5.
• Further studies are needed to fully explore the effects of oxytocin on male sexual function and to determine its potential as a therapeutic agent 2, 6, 5.