New Research Shows That Sexual Activity and Oxytocin Accelerate Wound Healing by Nearly Twofold. Scientists Discover How Intimacy, Affectionate Touch, and Stress Reduction Impact Tissue Regeneration.
Intimate closeness can significantly accelerate the healing of skin injuries—especially when combined with the effects of the "love hormone" oxytocin. This conclusion was reached by researchers from the University of Zurich, who conducted a clinical experiment involving young couples. According to the study results, small wounds in lovers healed nearly twice as fast as usual. The findings were published in the prestigious journal JAMA Psychiatry.
The Impact of Close Relationships on Health
The link between the quality of close relationships and physical health has long attracted scientific attention. Previous large-scale studies have shown that individuals in happy partnerships tend to live longer and suffer less from chronic illnesses. Emotional support and physical affection can reduce stress levels, strengthen the immune system, and positively influence overall well-being. The new experiment focuses on a specific aspect of this connection—wound healing speed under the influence of intimacy.
The Swiss Scientists' Experiment
To examine how intimacy affects tissue regeneration, a team of researchers from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) organized a randomized, double-blind study. The study involved 80 healthy young couples (160 individuals in total) with an average age of around 27 years. In the lab, each volunteer was subjected to four small standardized wounds on their forearms. The couples were then divided into four groups with different combinations of interventions over the following week:
- Oxytocin + Gratitude Exercise: Participants used oxytocin nasal spray twice a day and performed a daily 10-minute "Partner Appreciation Task" (PAT) where they expressed gratitude and praise for each other.
- Oxytocin without Exercises: Participants received oxytocin spray twice a day but did not engage in any special couple tasks.
- Placebo + Exercise: Participants used an inert placebo spray but performed the same PAT exercise with positive conversations and compliments.
- Placebo without Exercises (Control): Participants applied the placebo spray and received no additional tasks.
Throughout the week, all participants self-administered the spray (oxytocin or placebo) according to the schedule. Doctors assessed the condition of the wounds 24 hours and seven days after injury, noting the size, depth, and healing progress of each wound using a standardized scale.
Oxytocin—The "Love Hormone" in Action
Oxytocin is a neuropeptide often referred to as the "love hormone" or "hugging hormone." It is naturally produced in the body during childbirth and breastfeeding and is released during pleasant physical interactions—such as hugging, affectionate touch, and intimacy. This hormone strengthens social bonds, reduces anxiety, and lowers the stress hormone cortisol. Previous studies have shown that oxytocin can accelerate the healing of minor mucosal injuries, likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Swiss researchers hypothesized that additional oxytocin could enhance the positive effects of intimacy on wound healing, acting as a catalyst in the recovery process.
Intimacy Accelerates Tissue Regeneration
The results of the experiment confirmed that neither oxytocin spray alone nor simply positive conversations with a partner resulted in noticeable changes. However, couples who received both oxytocin and engaged in the gratitude exercise experienced significantly faster healing. One week after the injury, the size and depth of their wounds were substantially smaller—almost twofold less than those in the control group. The effect was particularly pronounced among participants from the "oxytocin group" who maintained natural physical closeness with their partners (frequently touching, hugging, and engaging in sexual activity)—these couples experienced the fastest wound closure by the end of the study.
Stress Reduction as a Healing Mechanism
Scientists attribute the accelerated healing primarily to reduced levels of stress hormones. It is well known that chronic stress impedes tissue regeneration: cortisol suppresses the immune system and hinders proper recovery. In the new study, couples who actively demonstrated intimacy exhibited lower levels of cortisol throughout the experimental week. In simpler terms, tender touches and sexual activity helped participants feel more at ease, allowing their bodies to allocate more resources toward healing injuries. Importantly, the administration of oxytocin alone did not reduce stress; the hormone revealed its potential only when combined with genuine warm interactions between partners.
New Rehabilitation Methods
The authors of the study note that such approaches could form the foundation for new psychosocial rehabilitation methods. Intimacy and emotional support can accelerate physical recovery, thus intentionally applying these practices when working with patients post-injury and surgery may be beneficial. For instance, hospitals might encourage partner involvement in the recovery process—creating conditions for private communication, tactile contact, and engaging in positive activities together. Integrating such practices into standard treatment and rehabilitation programs could enhance their effectiveness and significantly expedite patient recovery.
Future Prospects and Further Research
The new study demonstrates the fundamental potential to "heal with love" not only emotional wounds but also tangible physical injuries. For the healthcare sector, this signifies a promising avenue for developing combined therapeutic approaches that integrate relationship dynamics and psychology alongside pharmaceutical interventions. Experts believe that increasing the dosage of oxytocin could further amplify the effects, particularly in elderly individuals with weakened immune systems, where healing typically slows down. Future research on a broader patient sample will help clarify the conditions under which intimacy most effectively influences health. If upcoming trials validate the current findings, the implementation of stress reduction programs and support for positive relationships could create a new niche within healthcare—a domain of interest for both medical professionals and investors seeking innovative solutions to enhance quality of life.
