Having Sex Boosts Wound Healing, Study Finds

sex May Speed Wound Healing, Study Finds⁣ – Oxytocin & Intimacy Linked to Faster⁢ Recovery

New research suggests that increased sexual activity may accelerate the healing of skin lesions, particularly when combined with the hormone oxytocin. A study published recently found that couples who engaged ⁢in more frequent sexual intercourse while undergoing treatment with oxytocin experienced faster blister recovery‌ compared to ⁤those who did not.

Researchers divided participants into four groups: one receiving oxytocin nasal spray‌ adn participating in ⁣a “Partner Recognition Task” (PAT) involving expressing affection; a second undergoing the PAT​ with a placebo; a third taking oxytocin without the ⁤PAT; and a control group receiving⁢ a placebo‍ and not participating in the task.

The study revealed that oxytocin‍ alone did not significantly impact wound healing speed. Though, the combination of oxytocin and the placebo-assisted‌ therapy – the PAT – did accelerate blister recovery. This effect was further amplified in couples who reported having sexual intercourse during⁤ the study period.

“Greater daily sexual activity in the oxytocin group predicted better wound healing,” the researchers wrote in their findings.

Further analysis indicated that participants who had more sex also exhibited lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol ⁣in⁢ their saliva. Researchers theorize that the combination ⁣of oxytocin and reduced stress from physical intimacy may be key to improved injury recovery.

“This finding helps refine our understanding of oxytocin’s role in immune function, indicating that the hormone itself ⁣is incapable of promoting health, but may​ somehow enhance the healing properties⁢ of physical contact,” the researchers concluded. “These ‍findings suggest ⁢that oxytocin amplifies the⁢ benefits of intimacy, rather than exerting direct effects.”