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Roses Are Red, Viagra Is Blue ...
Impotence drugs may also raise levels of 'love hormone'; human studies up next
By Sam Gale Rosen
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Posted Aug 24, 07 11:35 AM CDT
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(Newser)
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Viagra and other ED drugs may elevate levels of a hormone linked with feelings of love, a new study shows. Oxytocin, long associated with breastfeeding and maternal affection, also plays a part in arousal and orgasm; Viagra and related meds work on the part of the brain that controls levels of the hormone in rats, Reuters reports.
The research "raises the possibility that erectile dysfunction drugs could be doing more than just affecting erectile dysfunction," says a study co-author. In much the same way that the drugs increase rather than enhance sexual reactions, they may also strengthen social bonds. But he cautions: "I hope that this doesn't cause some wild orgy of inappropriate recreational use."