A hormone injection could be the solution for men and women with low sex drives, a new study has shown.
Kisspeptin could be used to treat people distressed by their low libido by stimulating the release of other reproductive hormones in the body.
Two new studies found the naturally occurring hormone boosted sexual responses in women and men with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD).
HSDD is a condition characterised by low sexual desire that can have a devastating psychological and social impact on the individual.
It is thought to affect up to 10% of women and 8% of men worldwide.
Dr Alexander Comninos of Imperial College London, said: “Low sexual desire can be distressing and so result in HSDD.
“This can have a major detrimental impact on relationships, mental health and fertility.”
Whisky’s ingredients can help keep skin healthy, according to breakthrough study
Peloton instructor Leanne Hainsby reveals breast cancer diagnosis
Shopping habits could help spot signs of ovarian cancer
Commenting on the lack of treatments currently on the market he said that women have limited options which “carry significant side effects” and are “harmful to try” in some cases.
He added: “Unfortunately, these treatments have limited effectiveness.
“In men, there are currently no licensed treatments and none on the horizon.”
The breakthrough research by Imperial provided evidence that kisspeptin was a “potentially safe and effective therapy” for both men and women experiencing low libido.
The hormone improved sexual brain processing in both sexes, compared to a placebo.
It could also help in boosting attraction, independent of other reproductive hormones like testosterone.
No side effects were reported from any of the 64 participants – a key element to drug development.
Researchers are next planning to test the hormone in sexual problems that are psychological in origin, such as unexplained low libido.
‘The week I had kisspeptin we conceived our son’
A 44-year-old unnamed man decided to be involved in the trial because of previous problems with his sexual appetite.
He said: “The issue had always been detrimental to sustaining relationships. I would often make excuses as to why my sexual appetite was low.
“For example, I would blame stress at work or tiredness as a reason instead of being honest. I had tried other performance-supporting medication like Viagra.”
He said that this was useless as the issue was his low desire.
He felt embarrassed and unable to share his feelings with his partners, fearing they would confuse it with a lack of attraction to them.
Peter said: “I was keen to learn whether there was a solution to my problem and learn more about my condition.
“I received the kisspeptin infusion in June 2021 and I noticed a difference in terms of my sexual desire.
“The week I had the kisspeptin infusion we conceived our son, who was born in March 2022. I had the best possible outcome as a result of the trial.
“I also learnt a lot more about myself and my condition. I am really pleased to have contributed to this trial, which has been life-changing for me.”
