Oxytocin: The Chemical Commitment

Teen abstinence is the safest, healthiest lifestyle, but understanding the power of the oxytocin hormone makes the importance of teen abstinence even clearer.  

Oxytocin is a hormone that is released in a woman during childbirth, nursing a child, and during sexual activity.  Commonly referred to as “glue,” oxytocin creates a strong bond between the woman and the other involved.  In the case of childbirth and nursing this bond is important because it creates a nurturing environment for the child. 

In a marriage relationship where sex is safe and beneficial, oxytocin helps keep the bond between a husband and wife strong.  Outside of marriage however, the oxytocin bond can increase the emotional pain when the relationship has ended. Oxytocin is impartial. Whether during sexual activity between husband and wife or in a teenage hook-up, the hormone is still released and the bond is still created.  Oxytocin promises an involuntary chemical commitment.

Every parent, educator, and school administrator can undertake the mission of teaching abstinence with heightened significance as the intensity of the oxytocin bond explains why teens suffer emotionally after breakups, and often even during a relationship. Sex was created to unite two people, bringing a bond unlike any other relationship. This powerful bond is what sustains husband and wife until “death do us part” contributing to trust and security. Outside of marriage the release of oxytocin can lead to distrust, hostility, and insecurity.  Sexual relationships without commitment still have a lasting bond.  Oxytocin even has the power to sustain attachment within abusive relationships.

Abstinence is the safest, healthiest choice for teens to prevent negative emotional, social and physical consequences. Even if the mind has set boundaries, the physiology of the body cannot. Abstinence protects from the emotional attachments that dramatically affect teens.  But even more, abstinence protects their future.

Sources:

The Oxytocin Factor, Kerstin Uvnas-Moberg, 2003

Aspire, Scott Phelps, 2008

The Medical Institute of Sexual Health, 2006