for that extra edge in the bedroom. But, could science have a solution to our sexual woes?

It just might...

Sexual desire in both men and women is controlled by your hormones. When something triggers

you to be ‘turned on’, the brain and nervous system send signals to your pelvis, causing

blood vessels to dilate. You experience an increased heart rate, while your brain releases

norepinephrine, dopamine and other pleasurable neurotransmitters which make it clear to your

body that you’re having a good time.

And humans have long tried to enhance this biological response throughout history. Unfortunately,

there is no real scientific evidence to the pop culture myth that oysters, chocolate or

other so called ‘aphrodisiacs’ will make you horny. And while Viagra may prolong an

erection, contrary to popular belief, it actually doesn’t make you more aroused. It works

solely to inhibit an enzyme so blood flow to the penis is increased, and only acts on

the peripheral nervous system. So popping the blue pill won’t increase libido, nor

will an erection occur without initial stimulation. Not to mention, it has no effect on women.

But it turns out that scientists may have mistakenly stumbled upon a new sex secret...

In an effort to create sunless tanning agents, scientists were researching melanocortin - a

specific protein in the brain which can control skin pigmentation. Except, when 10mg of the

synthetic version called melanotan-II were injected in a male, an immediate and unstimulated

erection lasting 8 full hours occurred along with nausea and vomiting. At 2.5 mg the erection

lasted 2-3 hours with minimal nausea. But after bringing the dose to 1.25 mg, the males

were aroused and had consistent erections without any nausea. Surprisingly, this drug

is now being effectively administered as a nasal spray - ‘sniff-a-stiff’ anyone?

On top of which, the drug works on females too.

When female rats were injected, along with other hormones such as β-estradiol-3-benzoate

and progesterone, they increased hops, darts, and ear wiggling in front of their male counterparts.

These are all actions designed to cause sexual arousal, and invite male rats for sex.

But, before you run out to find this seemingly miraculous love elixir, just know that it

hasn’t been approved or regulated anywhere in the world yet. However, its derivative

called bremelanotide, is currently undergoing human clinical trials as a potential treatment

for a myriad of sexual disorders, such as female sexual arousal disorder. And since

the main mode of action occurs directly in the central nervous system, it works on both sexes.

So eat your avocados, oysters and chocolate for sustenance...and let science handle the

sex.

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