Effect of Oxytocin on Sexual Well-Being and Intimacy in Patients with Vasopressin Deficiency [Central Diabetes Insipidus] and Healthy Controls

Zusammenfassung der Studie

Patients with a vasopressin deficiency (central diabetes insipidus) suffer from a lack of the antidiuretic hormone vasopressin. These patients produce a high amount of urine and must compensate for this fluid loss with a high intake of fluids. Desmopressin, a medication similar to vasopressin, can be used to treat this condition. Despite treatment with desmopressin, patients often report symptoms such as increased anxiety, reduced trust, a lower sense of closeness and security, decreased sexual desire, and an overall reduced quality of life. A recent study has shown that these patients lack not only the hormone vasopressin but also the hormone oxytocin. In the brain, oxytocin is produced in the same area as vasopressin and released from the pituitary gland. The hormone is involved in important positive psychosocial aspects such as building trust, closeness, and love, has anxiolytic effects, positively influences sensations such as relaxation, and enhances empathy. This hormone is therefore also referred to as the cuddle, love, or loyalty hormone. The observed psychological changes in patients could therefore be partially explained by this additional oxytocin deficiency. In this study, we investigate whether the administration of the study medication oxytocin over a period of one week leads to an improvement in sexual well-being and intimacy in patients. This includes sexual arousal, orgasm ability, sexual satisfaction, and partner bonding.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Intervention

This study is a so-called cross-over study, meaning all participants will receive a placebo on two study days and oxytocin as a nasal spray on two study days. The order of the study days is determined randomly. The placebo contains no active ingredient and is thus a 'dummy medication'. After the preliminary examination, a total of four study appointments will take place:

• On two of these study days at home, the effect of the sprays on your sexual arousal, satisfaction, and intimacy after sexual interaction will be investigated.

• On the other two study days on-site, specific emotions such as sexual arousal, empathy, and stress/anxiety will be tested in response to various film clips.

(BASEC)

Untersuchte Krankheit(en)

Patients with Vasopressin Deficiency (Central Diabetes Insipidus)

(BASEC)

Sponsor

Mirjam Christ-Crain

(BASEC)