Wouldn’t it be nice to have a powerful potion to awaken love and desire? While science might never be able to create a love medicine, we are getting nearer to understanding male sexual attraction. In fact, recent research has found that the so-called ‘Mental Viagra’ may exist.
How does ‘Mental Viagra’ work?
According to a study published in the journal JCI Insight, a hormone called kisspeptin (what a telling name by the way!) has the power to increase sexual attraction. Kisspeptin was discovered in the 1990s during research on human cancer cells. Later studies revealed the substance plays an important role in the reproductive function of our bodies.
More recently researchers have explored the hormone’s role in our sexuality. In 2020 a UK team published findings based on tests conducted with a group of young, healthy, heterosexual men. Those who received a drip with kisspeptin showed increased brain activity in reaction to the feminine scent (Chanel no. 5 perfume) and images of beautiful women.
Interestingly, parts of the brain that lit up when men smelled women’s perfume were different from those that became more active when they saw images of attractive women. The infusion of kisspeptin did not increase the levels of other sex hormones, such as testosterone.
Men unhappy with their sex lives may benefit from kisspeptin
Research also found that most susceptible to the hormone’s action were the men unhappy with their own sex lives. These findings are surely interesting for pharma companies who may start looking into kisspeptin as a possible treatment for low libido and other sexual disorders.
British scientists are cautious, however. In their report, they stress that human sexual attraction goes beyond a nice smell and a pretty face. Sexual responses are “influenced by multiple additional components, such as context, personality traits, and body language, which may affect individual perceptions of attractiveness”, the study concludes.
Will mental Viagra hit the market?
Will kisspeptin become the long-awaited ‘Mental Viagra’ – a drug to help men suffering from ED with underlying psychological causes? Hard to say at this point. Co-author of the research, Dr. Alexander Comninos told Newsweek it might take several years before the hormone is used as treatment.
It looks there is still much to discover about human sexuality and mechanisms of arousal. Recent findings confirm the importance of the mind and emotions in bedroom problems. Many cases of ED, especially among younger men, are due to psychological causes, such as performance anxiety, stress or low self-esteem. What’s interesting is that earlier studies of kisspeptin have shown the hormone acts similarly to anti-depressants.
If you feel your erectile difficulties are linked to your emotions, don’t wait a few years to get treatment! Currently available ED drugs work well for most men. Combining medicines with psychotherapy or stress reduction exercises may give the best results. Make sure to consult your physician before you take any pills.
Anka Grzywacz is a sexologist, reproductive health expert and Certified Sex Coach™. In her online practice she helps busy women and couples solve their intimate problems.