Ever wonder what makes you attracted to some girls and not to others? If you’re a typical guy, you’ll be likely attracted to any sexy girl who comes your way, but what actually makes for a deeper connection is not what you see with your eyes — it’s what you actually smell!
Yes, substances called pheromones could be partly responsible if a night ends up with a hook up or if it ends with a simple kiss and good-bye. These are substances that trigger a sexual response from a member of the opposite sex. There are various types of pheromones from alarm pheromones to food pheromones, but perhaps the most widely studied are sex pheromones, although more studies have been conducted on the sexual chemical attractants of moths than those of humans. Pheromones are a recent discovery, however. It has been thought that humans no longer produced pheromones because they could not be isolated, and that the production of these substances were restricted to animals. However, subsequent research revealed that humans still produced these chemical attractants.
Origins of pheromones
The word “pheromones” comes from the Greek words “pherein,” which means “to transport,” and “hormone,” which means to stimulate. These substances belong to the class of ectomones, which are substances transported to the outside of the body before they can do a direct effect on the hormone levels and behavior of other members of their species.
In humans, pheromones are produced by the apocrine glands located in the genitals, armpits, nipples, and scalp. Men produce a specific type of pheromone called androstenone. This is the chemical substance that is said to affect female behavior. This substance carries a message of strength and virility to women, which are the main requirements of females when mating season comes. Females produce a female hormone called copulin which is found in vaginal secretions. When this substance is secreted, it raises testosterone levels in men. It is detected by the Vomeronasal organ which is located in the nasal pit under the nose. When the chemical attractant is detected, signals are sent to the brain that stimulates sexual desire. However, the detection of these substances is mostly on a subconscious level, since natural pheromones are odorless. This substance is related to the hormone called dehydroepiandrosterone, which produces the sex hormones testosterone, progesterone and estrogen, and corticosteroids.
Benefits of pheromones
Aside from sex pheromones, various kinds of sexual attractants play more important roles in the insect world than they do in the human world. While pheromones basically play a role in sexual attraction in humans and are often secreted when someone is fearful or anxious, pheromones in the animal kingdom, particularly in the insect world, are secreted to indicate territory, to indicate the fight-or-flight response, to attract both members of the same species to gather at one location, and to create a trail that can be followed by members of the same species, as what is secreted by worker ants when gathering food. These substances are also important in the work of worker and royal bees. They also have an appeasing or calming effect in humans.
Sex pheromones are the most widely studied, mainly because it’s a relevant issue in today’s culture. Among insects, sex pheromones play a very important role in letting a male partner know that the female is ready to mate. In humans, these substances are also attributed to an improvement in sexual attraction between men and women, an improvement in lovemaking, and an overall increase in self-esteem. It is even claimed to be helpful in increasing sales when used by salespersons. The use of chemical attractants can rejuvenate a stale romantic relationship and improve business and employment opportunities.
Pheromones and humans
Human pheromones have not been studied quite as extensively as insect pheromones. But it has been shown that women may emit pheromones that affect other people when their menstrual periods occur. Women living together have been shown to develop synchronous menstrual cycles if they have been living in close proximity with each other for a certain period of time. This is believed to be the result of the secretion of primer pheromones: one substance secreted prior to ovulation that tends to speed up the ovulation of other women in the vicinity, and another one secreted after ovulation which tends to delay the onset of ovulation in other women. These substances are produced in the armpits and may not be detected in body odors, especially in today’s super clean society, where frequent showers wash off the chemical attractants produced by the body for that day. Evolution has also played a role in decreasing the amount of chemical attractants that the human body produces today.
Pheromones for men
Insects are not the only creatures given the benefits of pheromones when it comes to attracting members of the opposite sex. You can use pheromones to increase your attraction to women using pheromone colognes and sprays. Products such as these actually exist, and some say they do work! Although the effect of these substances is controversial in scientific circles, one scientific study has shown that there has been a 50% to 70% increase in socio-sexual behavior in humans using human sex hormones such as androstenedione and estratetraenol. Companies that produce these substances in synthetic forms claim that these substances will increase the number of members from the opposite sex who notice you and will raise your chances of getting some romance before the night is over. Synthetic sex pheromones are commercially available in scented and unscented forms and often come in candles, lingerie, and aftershave products.
Using pheromone cologne is usually how men apply synthetic pheromones. However, it is advised that pheromones are applied to the clothing and not directly on the body, as the body’s natural odors can mask the odors brought by the pheromone.
Pheromone psychology
Proponents of pheromone use argue that these substances will only be in its most effective form if the wearer is confident and relaxed. If not, the body’s release of stress hormones will mask the effect of the chemical and render your pheromone cologne useless. Some psychologists also say that one human smells best to someone with a genetic makeup that is most different than his own.
While you’re wearing it, you’ll notice the signals – direct eye contact (bedroom eyes perhaps) – playing with her hair – smiling at you – if in conversation, listening intently to what you have to say.
– YOU hold the key!