What Are Pheromones?

The power of smell is undeniable, as the multi-billion dollar perfume industry testifies. But, is it possible that humans are influenced by airborne chemicals undetectable as odors, called pheromones? It appears so. Pheromones are natural chemical scents the body produces in order to attract others.

Scientific studies have actually shown that people who used synthesized pheromone had sex more often.

Researchers at the University of Chicago said, "The power of scent is undeniable, humans are influenced by airborne chemicals undetectable as odors, called pheromones." Their research found the first proof that humans produce and react to pheromones.

Perhaps pheromone products tends to give guys a boost of confidence they need to ask women out and vice versa.

How Does Smell Work Anyway?

The sense of smell belongs to the chemical sensing system of our brain. This complicated process begins when tiny molecules released by the substances around us stimulate special cells in the nose, mouth, or throat. These special sensory cells transmit messages through nerves to the brain where specific smells are identified. Smell nerve cells, or olfactory nerve cells are stimulated by the odors around us. The smell of bread baking, a field of flowers or your wet dog are all processed by the brain. These nerve cells are found in a small patch of tissue high inside the nose. The olfactory sense is interpreted by the part of the brain that is connected to our emotions. Scents can have extremely powerful effects on our moods.

What Are Pheromones... Really?

Pheromones are naturally occurring chemicals that send out signals to the opposite sex (or the same sex) that trigger power sexual response.

The word pheromones is taken from the Greek words pherein, meaning "to transfer," and hormon, meaning "to excite". Pheromones are odorless, airborne chemical signals that are released by an individual into the environment. These chemicals affect the physiology or behavior of other members of the same species.

Although pheromones have been shown to exist in virtually all species of insects and mammals, they also control the behavior of humans, acting as sexual attractants. The secretion of pheromones by humans is believed to dramatically increase both desirability and sexual attractiveness in both men and women.

Researchers at the University of Chicago say they have the first proof that humans produce and react to pheromones. In findings published in the journal Nature, they claim they found that female ovulation can be regulated — made longer or shorter — through the use of pheromones. Maybe something to try if you're looking for that someone special.

"The pheromones regulate the time of ovulation. There are two pheromones — one that makes ovulation more likely and the other that suppresses it and makes it less likely," said Martha McClintock of the University of Chicago. So, if you find yourself feeling attracted to someone, but you don't know why. It may indeed be due to their scent. Or, if you see someone you are attracted to, but when you meet them, the attraction is gone, again, it might be pheromones at work again.