Contraceptive pill affects choice in men, says stu
13 August 2008
Taking the Pill could quite literally put you off the scent of your ideal man, according to new scientific research.
A study conducted at the University of Liverpool found that the contraceptive tablet masks the innate ability for females to sniff out those of the opposite sex with complementary genes.
Women – without knowing it - are more likely to go for a Mr Right with different genes to them as this will lead to a reduced chance of having fertility problems
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But the Pill limits the ability of women to sniff out the pheromones being let off by these men.
The study was carried out by asking 100 women to "sniff" six different male smells from 97 different men.
It found that women on the Pill went for men with similar genes rather than those with complementary ones.
The study centred on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) which fights for the right genes.
Dr Craig Roberts, who led the study, said: "The results showed that the preferences of women who began using the contraceptive pill shifted towards men with genetically similar odours. Not only could MHC-similarity in couples lead to fertility problems but it could ultimately lead to the breakdown of relationships when women stop using the contraceptive pill, as odour perception plays a significant role in maintaining attraction to partners."
