Oxytocin is a hormone, once thought to only be present in women, but studies have some that men also have oxytocin in their blood steam. Oxytocin is known for reducing fear and generating a feeling of well-being.  It makes people feel like they are in love, which can help a pair enjoy mutual absorption of affection.  Levels of oxytocin naturally increase when people are hugged, kiss, or shake someone’s hand.  Also, people, who are in love, are shown to have increased levels of oxytocin in the plasma.  High levels of oxytocin are said to make people more social, and can be used to treat people with autism by helping them to better communication their emotions. Oxytocin seems to have so many benefits; it is a hormone that is naturally created in the body, and released into the blood steam. Oxytocin is typically manifested in the hypothalamus and distributed into the plasma. This hormone is distributed by pituitary gland throughout the brain and the spinal cord, where it is bonded to oxytocin receptors, released throughout the body and influences behavior. In general, oxytocin is said to give a feeling of overall well-being. Although oxytocin is common in both men and women, this chemical has some enhanced functions for women.  Studies have shown that women, who have higher levels of oxytocin in their blood, tend to connect better with their babies.  These women have a special relationship with their babies, their babies are generally then center of their world. They tend to find joy in, “singing to their babies, pleasure in giving them bath, and enjoy feeding them. In looking at this evidence, it is possible that women with low levels of oxytocin may experience postpartum depression.

 Studies have shown that newborns, which have a close relationship with their mothers, are more likely to be healthier. This is because women and babies get to know each other better, and the mother knows how to respond to the needs of her child. For the baby, connection with the mother and being held by the mother reduces stress on the baby because they cry less, are warmer, and have a sense of well-being because oxytocin is released, during skin-to-skin contact. These babies also get used to the natural bacteria on the mother’s skin and develop a natural immunity to other agents in the environment, so they are stronger. The more time two people spend together, the better they get to know each other. Since oxytocin is known to help people communicate better, synthetic oxytocin may help children with autism.  Autism Spectrum Disorder is a range of complex neurodevelopment disorders, which create social impairments, communication difficulties.  Studies have also shown that autism is linked to mothers who experience maternal stress. So to prevent Autism, women should limit the amount of stress they endure while they are pregnant. They should also have a close bond with their newborn babies. If Autism does develop, it is possible that oxytocin hormone therapy could help.

 There is a clear connection that most people who are social, loved and hugged tend to develop better socially. We have focused on the benefits of oxytocin in women and children. However, oxytocin is also important for men, and helps to make a relationship better. Loving couples tend to want to hug, kiss, touch and have sexual intercourse.  This is a good thing because it will increase their oxytocin levels. Skin to skin contact is known to generate higher levels of oxytocin.  Oxytocin is released during sexual intercourse in both men and women, which encourages bonding. However, testosterone neutralized oxytocin in men, so men are less likely to want prolonged contact after sexual orgasm.  So if you want a long-lasting relationship with a man, it is better to hold out on sex, until the man has genuine feelings for you.  That way there will be an attachment between the couple and the man will not only want to have sex with you, but he will crave your attention and be more likely to stick to the relations for the long haul. Couples who share thoughts, ideas, and other commonalities will have a relationship that is far more intimate than just sexual partners.