If you spend any time at all searching for tips on improving your ability to meet and attract the opposite sex, you are sure to bombarded by advertisements for products containing human pheromones. Do these product claims have any truth behind them or are they merely hype?
What are pheromones?
Pheromones are basically invisible chemical messengers that are detected by a specialized organ known as the Vomeronasal Organ (VNO for short). Although the VNO is located in the nose, pheromones themselves have no actual odor. Some describe it as the "sixth sense" used to communicate unspoken messages with others. Undeniably, the air is loaded with secrets - with intimate messages both unseen and unheard.
What do scientists say about pheromones?
Although it is widely accepted that pheromones affect the behavior of many species, some scientists still express doubt about their impact on human behavior. Others insist that pheromones always have, and will continue to have, a profound effect.
What does the scientific commnunityResearch into human pheromones has been underway for several decades. A number of reputable and credible scientific studies have been performed that validate the role of pheromones in mating behavior. The "chemistry" between people may indeed be a literal truth; a driving force behind mate selection.
The mainstream media have reported extensively on the power of pheromones as natural sexual attractants. For example, an article on WebMD cited a study which documented the sexual activity of a number of young to middle-aged heterosexual men while using pheromones. The results of the study showed that users of pheromones had:
* increased frequency of informal dates
* increased frequency of affectionate gestures
* increased frequency of sleeping next to a romantic partner
* increased frequency of foreplay
* increased frequency of sexual intercourse
Pheromones have been prominently featured on CNN, ABC, 20/20 and Hardcopy while numerous articles have been published in medical journals, newspapers and dozens of magazines.
If my body already produces pheromones, why do I need to add more?
Although the body emits pheromones naturally, the effect they have can be limited by modern social customs. During man's primitive days, hygiene practices such as daily showering, the use of deodorants, skin creams, and, of course, clothing were limited or non-existent. These days we make ourselves socially acceptable through these practices. The result is that we suppress our natural pheromone effectiveness. Adding an external pheromone should significantly increase your chances of attracting a mate.
In conclusion, pheromones do seem to influence the likelihood of and the frequency with which we have sex as well as with whom. However, using pheromone products cannot, by themselves, guarantee sexual attraction. Obnoxious behavior and bad personal hygiene simply cannot be overcome by pheromones. However, for the average guy or gal, the right product may be just what is needed to help find that special "someone".
Jim Navary has been a freelance writer and researcher for over thirty years covering a wide range of topics. Additional information about pheromones and links to recommended pheromone products can be found by clicking here:
all
