Oxytocin is a hormone produced by the brain and is present in both men and women. As many people know, oxytocin triggers uterine contractions during a woman’s labor, stimulates milk production, and establishes a mother-child bond through mother-infant caresses. In addition, it reduces the levels of stress hormones in the body, such as adrenalone, and lowers blood pressure.
But most people don’t know that oxytocin is also an amazing “love hormone. Research has found that hugging, caressing, and kissing between partners can boost the release of this hormone. In the process, oxytocin can also help partners develop a wonderful but extraordinary intimacy. At the same time, oxytocin has a lot to do with sexuality. On the one hand, it promotes the production of testosterone, which helps increase one’s libido; it also enhances the sensitivity of the penis and nipples, improves erections, and makes ejaculation more powerful. On the other hand, sexual activity itself can promote the secretion of oxytocin. During orgasm, the amount of oxytocin in the blood can even reach 3-5 times the usual level. Scientists believe that oxytocin is the main driver of the feeling of pleasure and melded intimacy after sexual intercourse.
In addition, people are more loyal to love when oxytocin is present. The hormone can make a careless husband considerate, a strong wife gentle, and a couple more understanding and tolerant of each other.
To boost oxytocin production in the body, it is recommended that partners find more opportunities for physical contact: hold hands and arms when shopping or walking; snuggle together and touch each other from time to time while watching TV, because caressing helps the brain to release the “powerful booster” of oxytocin.