You don't say? The smell of love
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Pheromones are often called "love chemicals." The substances are produced by many animals and insects to attract the opposite sex. For example, a male moth senses chemicals secreted by a distant fertile female, drops what he's doing, and seeks her out to mate.
Experts disagree on whether pheromones exist in humans and, if they do, whether they actually influence behavior. Yet, some small studies suggest that the smells of certain chemicals can stimulate sexual responses in both men and women.
There are hundreds of potential pheromones in humans. Their exact chemical makeup and specific actions remain a mystery. Scientists can't yet identify one (if there is only one) that stimulates sexual interest.
Humans may sense pheromones like other animals. Animals that clearly respond to pheromones have what is known as the vomeronasal organ in their nose, which is separate from scent detection.
In humans, tiny crevices in the nose act as vomeronasal organs. It is believed that these are able to sense pheromones from other humans, send signals to the brain that are relayed to the body's complex hormonal system, and trigger the various biologic processes involved in sexual behavior.
So, the next time you feel attracted to someone, it could be love — or it could be pheromones.
Image: © Johner Royalty-Free/Getty Images
About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
