Oxytocin and Delayed Ejaculation
Anxiety Insights reproduces the abstract of a study showing a link between oxytocin and the common problem of delayed ejaculation in men taking SSRIs for depression or other reasons.
According to the review of animal studies by scientists at Utrecht University, the gradual onset of delayed ejaculation may be caused by desensitization of certain receptors on oxytocin neurons.
SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin available to the brain. The abstract explains,
The increased serotonin levels induce oxytocin release via activation of 5-HT(1A) receptors, and this might compensate for the inhibitory actions of serotonin on sexual behavior. Chronic treatment with fluoxetine and paroxetine desensitizes 5-HT(1A) receptors on oxytocin neurons, and that might in part determine the onset of delayed ejaculation.
Did you see the article in the newest Scientific American Mind on sex and the tiny nerve that may play a part in our experiences of attraction? I've had it for five days and still haven't had the time to read the whole thing yet, but thought you should know.
Posted by: Elle as in Swell | February 21, 2007 at 08:32 AM
No, and I will immediately try to find it. one tiny nerve, hmmm?
Posted by: Susan Kuchinskas | February 21, 2007 at 09:23 AM