What Is A Pheromone?

What is a pheromone? In recent years, there has been much discussion, debate and research into the effect of scent on human and animal behavior. What does initiate that first attraction of a woman to a man—or vice versa? Some claim that pheromones are responsible.  Many have heard the term and have even seen synthetic pheromones marketed to both men and women to increase sex appeal and initiate attractions—but, what are they exactly—and do they really affect your attraction to a possible mate?

What is the definition of a pheromone? A pheromone is a chemical stimulus, such as an odor or a scent, which causes a variety of responses in another organism of the same species. The existence of pheromones was first formally studied only in the past 50 years. To date, only a few have been identified in plant, animal and insect species. The actual presence and physiological effects of pheromones in humans are  viewed as debatable by many in the scientific community.

What reactions and responses are caused by pheromones? There are different types of pheromones used within a variety of species for communication. To name a few, some are shown to create a sense of alarm or warning in another of the same species, others act to lead a group to food, and still others create an attraction to available mates. As research is so new into the actual response mechanism to pheromones, many remain to be identified and linked to responses.

Do pheromones really enhance sex appeal in humans? The production and marketing of synthetic pheromones as “love potions” has become quite common in recent years. Is there any scientific basis for their effectiveness? The pheromone, androstenol, has been shown to appeal to many women in some research studies—but, responses have not been consistent or shown to outweigh other attraction factors in a real world setting.

While it is accepted that a variety of pheromones exist in humans —the response varies and is often inconsistent. Research into human response to pheromones continues and new products appear on the market claiming to make men irresistible to women or women to men and so on. Many scientists, while they question the true physiological effect of a pheromone spray on attracting a mate, note that an anticipated response by the wearer often leads to an increase in confidence and self esteem which may increase appeal to the opposite sex. It is; however, commonly accepted that pheromones are complex chemicals that may someday be proven to play a greater role in human interaction than is currently identified.