To those lovelorn men out there, hopelessly wondering why “she always goes for the wrong guy”, there may now be scientific evidence to explain the phenomenon. A new study by British scientists at the University of Liverpool has found that birth control pills can alter the type of male scent that women find most attractive, which in turn can lead them to engage in relationships with partner who, according to the study at last, are not the most genetically compatible.

The research findings contend that smell plays a much larger role than previously believed in women choosing their potential mates and that the genetic compatibility of immune systems and genes which will in turn produce the healthiest child. According to Craig Roberts who lead the study:

The results showed that the preferences of women who began using the Pill shifted towards men with genetically similar odours. Not only could [genetic] similarity in couples lead to fertility problems, but it could ultimately lead to the breakdown of relationships when women stop using the Pill, as odour perception plays a significant role in maintaining attraction to partners.

You can takepart in learning more about all forms of contraception by logging on to Planned Parenthood.

LINKS:

The Times (UK): The Pill may put you off smell of your man and ruin your relationship

thisislondon.co.uk: Taking the Pill could stop women sniffing out their perfect partner

FuturePundit: Sexual attraction by odor changed by contraceptive pill