What is Oxytocin injection, using which small girls in brothels are made to appear older than their age?

Rajya Sabha MP Swati Maliwal Raised an issue related to GB Road in Delhi in Parliament which shocked the entire country. He told how a minor girl was kept hidden in the basement. She looked to be around 30 years old, but after medical examination, bone age test revealed her real age to be only 14 years.

The girl revealed that she was sold at the age of nine and was given daily injections of oxytocin to make her body look “bigger”. This case is not just the story of a girl, but points towards an organized crime in which minor girls are exploited by misuse of hormones. To understand this whole issue, it is important that we first know what oxytocin is, what is its real use and how dangerous its misuse can be.

What is oxytocin?

We talked to gynecologist Dr Kavita on this topic. He told us that oxytocin is a hormone that is produced in the hypothalamus of our brain and is secreted from the pituitary gland. It is also colloquially called “love hormone” because it is associated with emotional connection, trust, motherhood and social relationships. In fact, when a mother holds her newborn baby in her lap, breastfeeds it or a person feels emotionally connected with his close ones, the level of oxytocin in the body increases. But it is worth noting that this same hormone is also available in medical form in the form of injection, which is used only in special medical conditions.

Where is oxytocin used medically?

• According to doctors, oxytocin is mainly used in conditions related to delivery (obstetrics). If labor pain in a pregnant woman is not starting or is very slow, then the doctor increases uterine contractions by giving controlled amounts of oxytocin.
• Excessive bleeding after delivery (Postpartum Hemorrhage) can be fatal. Oxytocin helps the uterus to contract, which reduces bleeding.
• This injection is helpful in increasing the flow of milk. The important thing is that the dose of oxytocin is decided very carefully. Even a small amount can cause serious complications. Therefore it is given only by a trained doctor or in a hospital setup.

What is the connection with sexual arousal?

Gynecologist Dr. Kavita told that oxytocin is also given for sexual arousal. Sexual arousal is a physiological and psychological condition characterized by extreme excitement. It prepares the body for sexual activity by increasing heart rate, blood pressure and genital blood flow (vasocongestion). This means that this injection can be given to sexually arouse small girls in prostitution who do not even have periods.

Can oxytocin accelerate physical development?

Scientifically, oxytocin is not a hormone that directly controls height, bone age or sexual maturity. This work is mainly done by hormones like growth hormone, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone. However, when a child is repeatedly given external hormones, the body’s natural hormonal balance can get disturbed. The hormonal system is very sensitive. If it is artificially induced, the body may react abnormally – such as swelling, irritation, temporary physical changes or menstrual cycle disturbances.

How is oxytocin misused on minor girls?

In cases related to human trafficking and prostitution, allegations have been coming to the fore that hormone injections like oxytocin are given to minor girls to hide them from customers or to make them appear adult. Actually, the criminal mentality behind this is hidden.

• make a young girl look big
• defrauding the customer
• avoid police investigation
• earn more economic profits

This is part of an organized crime, in which girls are not considered human beings but “goods”. Their body, health and future are all put at stake for money.

What effect does oxytocin have on the body?

Misuse of oxytocin or any hormone at an early age can cause many serious problems. These include hormonal imbalance, irregular periods, permanent damage to the uterus, difficulty in conceiving, high blood pressure, pressure on the heart and kidneys, and risk of infection. Apart from this, repeated injections can also cause swelling, boils or serious infections in the veins. Childhood and adolescence are important times for body development. During this period, any kind of hormonal interference can spoil the natural growth process of the body.

What effect does this injection have on the brain?

This injection not only causes physical harm but also causes deep mental trauma.

• constant fear and insecurity
• depression
• lack of confidence
• thoughts of suicide
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

When a girl has to face exploitation, violence and forced injections at a young age, her mental development gets hampered. She may lose trust in society and may need counseling for a long time.

Is it a crime to give oxytocin without doctor’s advice?

Yes, oxytocin is a controlled drug in India. It is illegal to give it without medical need and under the supervision of a doctor. There are strict rules on its sale and use under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act. If any person buys, sells or installs it illegally, legal action can be taken against him. If this work is related to human trafficking or sexual exploitation, then POCSO Act and other criminal sections may also apply.

Use of oxytoxin injection in fruits and vegetables?

Oxytoxin is a hormone that is naturally produced in the bodies of humans and animals. In medical line it is used during delivery or in some special treatments. But in the last few years, reports have come to light that some people are using it wrongly in farming and animal husbandry. Especially for faster growth of fruits and vegetables and more milk or meat production from animals. This trend is not only against the law, but can also prove dangerous for health.

Disadvantages of eating such fruits and vegetables

If the crop prepared under the influence of oxytoxin or other hormones comes into the market, then it may also pose a risk to those who eat it.

• Eating such fruits and vegetables for a long time affects the natural hormones of the body. This can cause hormonal imbalance in both men and women.
• Hormonal changes in the body of growing children are more sensitive. Such things can cause problems related to early puberty or growth.
• Problems like stomach ache, vomiting, gas, or allergies may be seen in some people, especially if the vegetables are affected by chemicals.
• Consuming injection tampered items can weaken the immune system and affect metabolism.