Hormone makes men more faithful

Could a hormone be the key to fidelity for philandering men? Maybe. Research shows that when men are given the hormone oxytocin they are more likely to stay away from attractive women and remain faithful to their partners.

The "mommy" hormone

Oxytocin is a hormone made in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus. It plays an important role in kicking off childbirth, helps women breastfeed, and assists in the bonding function between people. It supports the bond between mother and baby and also between couples. Researchers also know it plays a role in creating courage and developing trust.

Men stay away from unfamiliar, attractive women

When men are given oxytocin they are more likely to keep away from women they don’t know when approached by them, even if they were attractive to the man. Single men, not in relationships, were not affected by oxytocin.

Key for monogamous animal relationships

“Previous animal research in prairie voles identified oxytocin as major key for monogamous fidelity in animals. Here, we provide the first evidence oxytocin may have a similar role for humans,” said Rene Hurlemann, MD, PhD, from the University of Bonn.

Consistent results show oxytocin inspires monogamy

Men were given oxytocin nasal spray. They were then seated next to unfamiliar attractive women who then moved closer to them and further away. The men were asked where the comfort level was. “Because oxytocin is known to increase trust in people, we expected men under the influence of the hormone to allow the female experimenter to come even closer, but the direct opposite happened,” explained Hurlemann.

Source: MedicalNewsToday, The Journal of Neuroscience