Scientists have unwrap that a hormone that surges during puberty and triggers intimate arousal behaviors in the brain could be key to treating psychological intimate issues in the flesh of a oral contraceptive that could dissemble as a Viagra for the mental capacity .
The of course occurring , and rather befittingly named , kisspeptin is a key reproductive hormone that shake up the release of other hormones in the brain that are linked with making us feel romantic , aphrodisiac , and reverse on . It kicks in at the start of puberty and is associated with young multitude ’s higher sexual urge crusade .
researcher at Imperial College London get a line that an injection of kisspeptin enhances activity in the mastermind regions associated with both sexual foreplay and amorous love . Now , they are keen to explore whether this can be used to plow psychosexual issues – those that are psychological , not physical , in blood – and related trouble with conceiving a child . Their subject field is publish in theJournal of Clinical Investigation .
" Most of the research and treatment methods for infertility to date have focussed on the biologic factors that may make it difficult for a twain to conceptualise naturally , ” explain Professor Waljit Dhillo , who precede the research , in astatement . “ These , of course , toy a huge part in reproduction , but the role that the brain and emotional processing play in this outgrowth is also very authoritative , and only partially understood . "
The survey involved 29 healthy heterosexual world who were given either an injection of kisspeptin or a placebo . They were then show double of sexual and non - sexual amatory couples while have their brain skim by an MRI so the researchers could monitor their reply .
They found that those who has been injected with kisspeptin show enhanced activity in structures of the encephalon typically activated by intimate arousal and romance . The squad thinks this show kisspeptin boosts behavioral circuits associated with sex activity and love in the learning ability and need to explore this further with a turgid work that admit women .
It is thought thatone in 10men in the UK stomach from intimate problems , include a lack of libido triggered by human relationship issues , stress , and anxiety . The researchers believe that in the future the hormone could be administered in contraceptive pill form , and that it could help many citizenry with psychosexual issues , those who are struggling to conceptualise naturally , partners who need to reignite the glint in their relationship , and even help treat depression .
consort tothe Telegraph , when inquire whether kisspeptin could be used as “ mental Viagra ” , Professor Dhillo agreed , saying : “ Yes , incisively like that . ”
“ at long last , we are great to look into whether kisspeptin could be an effective intervention for psychosexual disorderliness , and potentially aid countless couples who struggle to conceive , " heconcluded .
