Intranasal oxytocin for sexual well‑being in people with arginine vasopressin deficiency and matched healthy adults
Official title: The OxyPLEASURE Study - Effects of Intranasal Oxytocin on Sexual Well-Being in Patients With Arginine Vasopressin Deficiency (Central Diabetes Insipidus) and Healthy Controls - a Double-blind Randomized Placebo-controlled Crossover Trial
Run by University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland · NCT06808516 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial will test whether a nasal oxytocin spray can improve sexual well‑being, arousal, intimacy and related emotions in adults with arginine vasopressin deficiency and in matched healthy adults.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 42 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Basel) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2026 |
| Study ends | December 2026 |
| Registry record updated | October 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06808516 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults (≥18) with confirmed arginine vasopressin deficiency on stable desmopressin replacement or matched healthy volunteers who report at least mild sexual dysfunction (ASEX ≥10 and NSSS‑S ≤48), with Part A requiring a stable partnership and regular sexual activity.
✕Probably not a fit
People without sexual or intimacy complaints, those not on stable hormone replacement, or those with contraindications to intranasal treatments are unlikely to gain benefit from this intervention.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This Phase 2 interventional trial compares intranasal oxytocin with placebo using patient‑reported and clinical measures. Part A gives daily intranasal treatment for 7 days to partnered, sexually active participants to measure effects on sexual well‑being and intimacy. Part B gives a single dose in a clinical setting to evaluate effects on sexual arousal, fear, and empathy in single participants and those in partnerships. Participants include adults with confirmed AVP deficiency on stable desmopressin replacement and matched healthy controls meeting specified ASEX and NSSS‑S thresholds, and all visits take place at the University Hospital Basel.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, intranasal oxytocin could provide a targeted way to improve sexual desire, intimacy and social‑emotional functioning for people with AVP‑D who still have psychosocial symptoms despite desmopressin.
How similar studies have gone: Previous small studies of intranasal oxytocin have shown mixed effects on social bonding and sexual behaviors, and its use specifically in AVP‑D is exploratory with limited prior data.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria for healthy controls: * Adult healthy volunteers aged 18 years and above * Matched for age, sex, BMI, and menopause/hormonal contraceptives to patients * No medication, except hormonal contraception * At least mild impairment in sexual function and satisfaction, defined as an ASEX-score ≥10 points and an NSSS-S score ≤ 48 points * Only Part A: Participants must be sexually active (at least once a week sexual intercourse) and in a current partnership for at least 6 months Inclusion criteria for patients: * Adult patients aged 18 years and above, with a confirmed diagnosis of AVP deficiency based on established criteria * Stable hormone replacement therapy for at least three months with desmopressin and, in case of additional anterior pituitary deficiencies, with the respective substitution therapies * At least mild impairment in sexual function and satisfaction, defined as an ASEX-score ≥10 points and an NSSS-S score ≤ 48 points * Only Part A: Participants must be sexually active (at least once a week sexual intercourse) and in a current partnership for at least 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Pregnancy and breastfeeding within the last eight weeks * Participation in a trial with investigational drugs within 30 days * Active substance use disorder within the last six months * Consumption of alcoholic beverages \>15 drinks/week * Current or previous psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia)
Where it's running
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University Hospital Basel
Basel, Switzerland Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mirjam Christ-Crain, Prof. MD — Universitätsspital Basel
- Study coordinator: Mirjam Christ-Crain, Prof. MD
- Email: mirjam.christ-crain@usb.ch
- Phone: +41 61 328 70 80
Similar studies
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This pilot will test whether a single oral dose of combined estrogen/progestin boosts oxytocin release in young people with pituitary-related hormone deficiencies and matched controls.
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This study will test how common sleep problems are and whether low oxytocin links to poor sleep in people with hypothalamic or pituitary damage.
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Effects of low-dose MDMA on oxytocin levels in patients with vasopressin deficiency and healthy controls
This study is testing whether low-dose MDMA can increase oxytocin levels in people with a vasopressin deficiency and healthy individuals to see how it affects them differently.
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Effects of intranasal oxytocin on emotion recognition and stress in diabetes insipidus patients
This study is testing if a nasal spray of oxytocin can help people with diabetes insipidus better recognize emotions and lower their stress levels compared to a placebo.
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Oxytocin treatment for patients with central diabetes insipidus
This study is testing if a nasal spray of oxytocin can help people with central diabetes insipidus feel less anxious and improve their social interactions.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.