Study shows that sex and touch can speed up wound healing with oxytocin

Scientists have found that sex or even just intimate touch can speed up the wound healing process, but apparently only when combined with a nasal oxytocin spray. Oxytocin, known as the "love hormone," stimulates labor and lactation, but is also associated with social bonding and sexual activity. Previous studies have already indicated its ability to accelerate the healing of oral ulcers.

Source  News Scientist 

To confirm these hypotheses, the researchers conducted an experiment with 80 healthy couples who each received four small wounds on their forearms. The couples were divided into four groups with different interventions: one group used oxytocin spray and participated in a special 10-minute conversation about gratitude (Partner Appreciation Task - PAT). The other groups received oxytocin spray without PAT, a candidate spray with PAT, and a control group without any treatment.

The results showed that the combination of oxytocin and positive relational interactions improved wound healing, but the most significant results were observed in couples who also reported intimate touch or sexual activity. This study provides new perspectives for the development of psychosocial interventions aimed at improving physical recovery through the creation of positive relationships between people.