Oh, Dr. Cutler, what have you done?
Back in the 1980s, a study was conducted on underarm sweat (yes, underarm sweat!) by Dr. Winifred Cutler and a team of researchers. The study was not funded by an ambitious multinational enterprise that was hoping to market a certain deodorant or antiperspirant. It was related to monitoring sex behavior patterns among men and women and how pheromones – essentially odorless substances – affected the menstrual cycles of women. Given that pheromones were first noticed in animals that appeared to release sex cells as soon as they smelled the substances, researchers were eager to discover if that particular phenomenon was also true for humans.
To a limited extent, the study did manage to see a link between male odor and sexual attraction although the scientific community would be ready to pounce on anyone claiming increased “success with the girls” if products containing pheromones are taken.
As far as the female menstrual cycle is concerned, however, it was clearly established by the University of Chicago’s Martha McClintock that menstrual periods either slowed down or speeded up depending on the time of the month when sweat was collected. It was, as McClintock explained, the first proof that humans respond and produce pheromones (WebMD).
Potential of Pheromones
Although not supported by hard-core evidence, entrepreneurs realized the marketing potential of pheromones by focusing on their capabilities to attract the opposite sex. Testimonials for pheromone products range from “just all hype” to “they sure work!”
Some researchers even claim that pheromones can improve mood, decrease depression, and calm nerves. This deserves some credibility as we have heard about the benefits of aromatherapy and how certain scents can trigger a pleasant reaction not necessarily from the opposite sex but also from friends and family. Dr. Cutler herself created a commercial version of pheromone – Athena – and the claims are that it induces people to want to kiss and hug more, and eventually have sexual intercourse.
Companies now market pheromones under different brand names and people have nicknamed them the “scents of Eros”, or the aphrodisiacs of the 21st century. They are sold either as perfumes, lotions, colognes or oils. There are candles being sold that also contain pheromones, and spray mists that can be used on bed sheets. We saw one on Amazon.com advertised as a pheromone lubricant.
One excited consumer said that he just applies a few drops of his brand into his wrists, rubs them together, and girls flock to him “flirting like crazy.” Another consumer is a little more cynical. He says it’s unfair that some males have certain scents that attract women while others don’t, and therefore have to resort to pheromones just to be able to meet more women. He said, “I’m not a sex-holic maniac or anything, but I did try some of these pheromone products. Some worked, some didn’t.”
Perhaps it is a futile task to unearth more convincing evidence to prove that pheromones do work. And it’s probably too late now anyway because the business of pheromones seems to be already booming. Love and erotica are two compelling arguments to market one more product that holds promise of a beautiful relationship.
Pheromones, then, are an adjunct, if you will, to the whole dating game. People seeking meaningful relationships turn to online dating when they have difficulties meeting people in the workplace or in the bars. Pheromones are just another “aid” to help them find that special someone.
Pheromones not Cheap
These aphrodisiacs come with a steep price. We don’t mean that they can be purchased only by the rich and famous, but if they were to be included in your monthly budget, you’d be forced to cut back on your meals or on your computer games. The lowest price we found online came in a small bottle for $9.95. There was no pheromone below that price. The most expensive we found was for sale at $75.00. What biologists have so fondly called “smellprints”, these scents directly travel to the brain and provoke a turn-on. Like a catch-me-if-you-can invite that no one can resist.
If pheromones bring on healthy lust, then manufacturers of pheromones can enjoy a grand ball. It’s not surprising why pheromones can potentially be a billion-dollar endeavor, given that the perfume business alone manages to rake it in consistently. For as long as there is demand for them, pheromones are here to stay; they certainly don’t seem like a short-term fad. Pheromones made the exciting game of seduction even more alluring!
Should You Rely 100% on Pheromones?
We don’t believe you should, not if you’re really down on your luck as far as dating is concerned. Admittedly, not all people have the power to bait a potential mate, so if pheromones will help them overcome such difficulties, then let pheromones be THE rescuers.
Remember, though, that pheromones may get you to first base, and once she’s hooked on to you, the next question is, will she stay? This time, you better have more than pheromones to tide you over – like personality traits that will endear her to you.
If you’re having trouble finding a special someone in spite of the hundreds of methods you tried – including pheromones – then do see a psychologist who might be able to clue you into what’s fundamentally wrong.
Let’s say you’re married and want to revive the old flames of love and attraction. Pheromones could play an important role here. Scents have a way of creeping from the nostrils into the brain, which in turn triggers certain sensations. Couples who love each are willing to experiment with new ways of fine-tuning their sensuality and turbo-charging their sexuality.
We don’t see why pheromones shouldn’t be a permanent fixture on your dresser. Try different scents and brands and see which one does the trick for you!