A ‘fidelity’ hormone that keeps men from straying has been discovered by scientists.
The chemical oxytocin helped men in romantic relationships keep their distance from strangers they might find attractive.
They stayed about four to six inches further away when approaching or being approached by good-looking women than those given a dummy drug.
Dubbed the ‘cuddle drug’, oxytocin is naturally made in the body and is involved in sex, sexual attraction, trust and confidence.
It is released into the blood during labour – triggering the production of breast milk – and floods the brain during breastfeeding, helping mother and baby bond.
Researchers said their findings published in The Journal of Neuroscience suggest oxytocin could promote fidelity. In contrast, oxytocin had no effect on single men.
Dr René Hurlemann, of Bonn University in Germany, said: “Previous animal research in prairie voles identified oxytocin as major key for monogamous fidelity in animals. Here we provide the first evidence that oxytocin may have a similar role for humans.”
In the study, his team administered oxytocin or a placebo via a nasal spray to 57 healthy and heterosexual men, about half of whom were in monogamous relationships. Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
