In the animal kingdom, mating is pretty straightforward. Animals typically secrete pheromones as natural sexual attractants and the job is done. No bars or pick-up lines needed. For example, sea urchins release pheromones into the surrounding water which sends a chemical message triggering other urchins in the colony to release their sex cells simultaneously.
Pheromones are found throughout the animal world and help to influence sexual behavior. Guess what? These behavior-altering hormones are also found in humans. Activated at puberty, some scientists say pheromones are the driving force behind all sexual attraction.
What exactly is a pheromone? Pheromones are invisible, odorless chemicals that are secreted through our skin with sweat and other bodily fluids. The concept of a human pheromone has been debated and researched for years and still their role in human behavior has yet to be clearly understood. According to some researchers, pheromones can influence who we find attractive.
As we all know, attraction is a big part of the social game we play. Finding a mate in the animal world is based on instinct. Humans have a bit more say in the matter. There are many processes our bodies go through when searching for a mate. We tend to rely on body language and verbal clues as signs of attraction. These signs help to attract potential mates. They trigger areas of the brain that control impulses such as sexual drive, feelings of desire, and the need for reproduction.
Pheromones are said to not only affect feelings of attraction and desire, they apparently also affect people’s general impressions and assessments. So it makes sense that people with high levels of pheromones would receive more attention and are generally well-liked by members of the opposite sex.
Some believe the pheromones in our body smells play a large role in mate attraction. According to an article in "Psychology Today," how our body odors are perceived as pleasant and sexy to another person is a highly selective process. The author says we usually smell best to a person whose genetically based immunity to disease differs most from our own. This can benefit all humans in the long run, by making for stronger, healthier children.
Both men and women release pheromones into the air but is it that, more than their looks or what they say, which attracts those of the opposite sex? Pheromones just may be a game changer when it comes to the laws of attraction.
Stacy Lloyd is a writer and video producer in Phoenix, Arizona. A former television news journalist, she covered stories around the world. Currently, she produces corporate and non-profit videos and broadcast programming.