Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 2 Interventional Ages 18 and up

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.

More Diabetes Insipidus trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 2
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment42 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Basel)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 1, 2025
Main results expectedDecember 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedOctober 3, 2025
Trial IDNCT06808516 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

  • University Hospital Basel
    Basel, Switzerland
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.