YALE SCHOOL OF MEDICINE – Nipple stimulation is a natural way for pregnant mothers to try to trigger uterine contractions and begin the labor process.
A common belief among scientists has been that this process triggers the release of oxytocin, the naturally occurring hormone that causes the uterus to contract.
However, a new study finds that while nipple stimulation appears to increase uterine contractions, it does not do so through a sustained measurable increase in mothers’ circulating oxytocin concentration.
While this study was small and preliminary, it raises questions about other factors that might increase contractions.
Inductions of labor are on the rise. More women are entering pregnancy at advanced ages and/or have co-morbidities such as hypertension or diabetes that make it safer for the mother to have an accelerated delivery to reduce risks such as eclampsia.
However, while inducing labor can be medically necessary, it may also increase the risk of certain complications like postpartum hemorrhage.
At Yale School of Medicine, Molly McAdow, MD, PhD, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology & reproductive sciences, is trying to better understand the underlying mechanisms through which natural labor induction such as nipple stimulation can create uterine contractions.
She hopes these new insights will help providers learn how to induce labor in a way that is safer and more similar to natural labor.
She published the findings from her latest study in the American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology MFM on February 6.
“Our study suggests that oxytocin is only one piece of labor induction,” says McAdow, who was first author of the paper. “Nipple stimulation causing uterine contractions without a sustained increase in oxytocin suggests there are other mechanisms at play.”
Research has shown that nipple stimulation causes the release of endogenous [within the body] oxytocin, but in a pulsatile fashion. “It creates this rapid surge of oxytocin, and then it drops immediately … ” READ MORE.
Jupiter Wellness Developing Novel Women’s Sexual Health Product
JUPITER, FL / ACCESSWIRE / July 6, 2022 / Jupiter Wellness, Inc. (NASDAQ:JUPW) today announced it is developing RJ-101 a new product with a novel mechanism of action in the women’s sexual wellness category.
It is covered by 2 issued patents, US #10,357,452 and US #10,064,816, RJ-101 when applied to the nipple-areola area of the breast contracts the smooth muscle thus erecting the nipple and increasing its sensitivity.
Through the recent acquisition of Applied Biology assets, Jupiter Wellness holds a broad IP position on the use of topical alpha-1 agonists for the treatment of sexual dysfunction.
Clinical trials have shown efficacy and safety in improving female nipple sensitivity and concomitantly enhanced sexual arousal, lubrication, and orgasm in pre- and post-menopausal women.
“This treatment addresses a wide range of clinical indications including female orgasmic disorder, nipple neuropathies following breast augmentation, and orgasmic adverse events in breast cancer survivors. In addition, this treatment can be used to improve orgasmic response in normal women,” said Brian John, CEO of Jupiter Wellness.
“We are excited to complete the development of RJ-101 started by Dr. Andy Goren and the team at Applied Biology and to bring this novel approach to the market. I believe this product is not only an excellent treatment for people with breast cancer but as a women’s sexual health product as well … ”