The Effect of Intranasal Oxytocin on Sexual Function in Men and Women: A Systematic Review

Background Intranasal oxytocin can be used as a promising moiety for the treatment of sexual disorders. Objective This study was carried out to systematically review the effect of intranasal oxytocin on sexual function in men and women. Methods We systematically searched databases (e.g., Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Library, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, Google Scholar and Persian databases). All types of published clinical trials comparing different doses of intranasal oxytocin sprays with placebo sprays were included in the study. The primary outcome was sexual function and secondary outcomes were endocrine and cardiovascular measures and also side effects. Results A total of six studies were ultimately eligible for inclusion in the study. Though intranasal oxytocin improves various parameters of sexual function in men and women, according to the sexual response cycle, these changes are not statistically meaningful compared to the control group. Only one study revealed a meaningful impact on orgasm parameters and after orgasm, especially in men. In all studies, intranasal oxytocin administration has significantly and transiently increased plasma concentrations of oxytocin with no meaningful effect on other endocrine hormones. A study showed that the heartbeat is increased transiently during the arousal and orgasm stages, and such increase is meaningfully higher in men than in women. Conclusion Intranasal oxytocin administration fails to meaningfully affect the classical parameters of sexual response, but it improves the orgasmic and post-orgasmic dimensions, especially in men. To evaluate the effects of intranasal oxytocin administrations, we need more long-term clinical trials.