subject: Pheromones And Attraction [print this page] The natural aromas produced by our bodies are known as pheromones and these are believed to be at the heart of attracting a mate which are released by humans, animals and insects in the form of massive amounts of biological chemicals found in body fluids such as tears, sweat and saliva. Many believe these pheromones are responsible for our attraction to the opposite sex and our search for a mating partner. Our natural scent is sending a message to attract a mate although most of us are unaware we are doing so.
The animal world is a good example of how this works so think of the male lion displaying his sexual prowess as he takes his choice of lioness, completely dominant in his conquest of the more subservient females. It is not just up close that pheromones can be picked up; they can actually be detected from much further away too. Both wild and domestic animals are very territorial, marking their personal space with body fluids to keep rivals at bay and also as a sign of sexual interest to attract a mate. However, is there really a similar effect between humans when it comes to pheromones and attraction or is there an alternative explanation?
Unfortunately there is little to prove this either way but many studies do suggest it is entirely possible. As most of us are oblivious to the natural scents we emanate, it has been suggested that we need to look more at our capacity to sense them in others. Sweat may be one of the least attractive body odours, but studies have considered that this is what the opposite sex responds to subconsciously while others advocate that perfume with artificially produced pheromones in it, will attract more attention from the opposite sex for the wearer.
Manufacturers have released perfumes and spray products designed to attract mates though generally these may have more of an influence psychologically than scientifically. Whether we like the idea or not, sweat does seem to play an important parts when it comes to pheromones and attraction. Men unknowingly secrete a hormone called Androstenone which attracts women but only release this when they sweat. The thought of being attracted to a mate by his body odour is totally repellant to most us, so we continue to mask our natural scents by clogging our pores to mask the secretions. However, these aromas do not have to be consciously recognised by us, as it has been shown to affect our behavior even when used at subconscious levels.
