A New Study Shows That Sexual Activity and Oxytocin Accelerate Wound Healing by Nearly Twofold. Researchers Examine How Intimacy, Affectionate Touch, and Stress Reduction Impact Tissue Regeneration.
Intimacy can significantly accelerate skin damage healing—especially when combined with the effects of the "love hormone" oxytocin. This conclusion was reached by researchers at the University of Zurich, who conducted a clinical experiment involving young couples. The results indicated that small wounds in lovers healed nearly twice as fast as usual. The findings were published in the reputable journal JAMA Psychiatry.
The Impact of Close Relationships on Health
The correlation between the quality of close relationships and physical health has long drawn the attention of researchers. Previous large-scale studies have shown that individuals in happy partnerships tend to live longer and experience chronic illnesses less frequently. Emotional support and physical affection can reduce stress levels, strengthen the immune system, and thus positively influence overall well-being. The new experiment focuses on a specific aspect of this connection—the speed of wound healing under the influence of intimacy.
The Swiss Scientists' Experiment
To investigate how intimacy affects tissue regeneration, a research team from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) organized a randomized double-blind study. The study included 80 healthy young couples (a total of 160 participants) with an average age of around 27 years. In the laboratory, each volunteer had four small standard wounds inflicted 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 an oxytocin nasal spray twice a day and performed a 10-minute “Partner Appreciation Task (PAT)” daily, during which they expressed gratitude and praise to each other.
- Oxytocin without Exercise: Participants received oxytocin spray twice a day without engaging in any specific partnered tasks.
- Placebo + Exercise: Participants used an inert placebo spray but performed the same PAT exercise that involved positive conversations and compliments.
- Placebo without Exercise (Control): Participants used the placebo spray and did not receive any additional tasks.
Throughout the week, all participants self-administered the spray (oxytocin or placebo) according to the schedule. Medical professionals evaluated the condition of the wounds 24 hours and seven days after the injuries, recording the size, depth, and healing status 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 "cuddle hormone." It is naturally produced in the body during childbirth and breastfeeding and is released during pleasant physical interactions—such as hugs, caresses, and intimacy. This hormone strengthens social bonds, reduces anxiety, and lowers cortisol levels (the stress hormone). Previous research has shown that oxytocin can accelerate the healing of minor mucosal injuries—likely due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Swiss scientists speculated that additional oxytocin could enhance the positive impact of intimacy on wound healing, effectively acting as a catalyst for the recovery process.
Intimacy Accelerates Tissue Regeneration
The experiment's results confirmed that neither the oxytocin spray alone nor mere positive conversations with the partner yielded noticeable effects. However, couples who received both oxytocin and participated in the gratitude exercise experienced significantly faster healing. One week after the injury, the size and depth of their wounds were significantly smaller—nearly half as large as those in the control group. The effect was especially pronounced among those participants from the "oxytocin" group who maintained natural physical intimacy with their partner (frequently touching, hugging, engaging in sexual activity)—these couples had the quickest healing by the end of the study.
Stress Reduction as a Healing Mechanism
The researchers link the accelerated healing primarily to reduced levels of stress hormones. Chronic stress is known to hinder tissue regeneration: cortisol suppresses the immune system and disrupts normal recovery processes. In the new study, couples who actively expressed intimacy showed lower cortisol levels throughout the experimental week. Simply put, tender touches and sexual activity helped participants feel calmer, allowing their bodies to direct more resources toward healing injuries. Importantly, the administration of oxytocin alone did not reduce stress; the hormone's potential was only realized in conjunction with genuine warmth in the relationships between partners.
New Rehabilitation Methods
The authors of the study note that such approaches could form the basis for new psychosocial rehabilitation methods. Intimacy and emotional support have been shown to accelerate physical recovery and could be deliberately harnessed in working with patients after injuries and surgeries. For example, hospitals could encourage partner involvement in the recovery process—creating conditions for private communication, tactile contact, and shared positive activities. Integrating such practices into standard treatment and rehabilitation programs could enhance their effectiveness and significantly speed up patient recovery times.
Future Prospects and Further Research
The new study demonstrates the fundamental possibility of "healing with love" not only emotional wounds but also tangible physical injuries. For the medical field, this implies the prospect of developing combined therapeutic approaches that incorporate relationships and psychology alongside traditional medications. Experts believe that increasing the dosage of oxytocin could further amplify the effect, particularly in older individuals with weakened immune systems, for whom healing is typically delayed. Future research involving a broader patient demographic will help clarify the conditions under which intimacy most effectively influences health. If subsequent trials confirm the current findings, implementing stress reduction programs and promoting positive relationships could become a new niche in the healthcare system—an area of interest for both healthcare professionals and investors seeking innovative solutions to improve quality of life.
