A recent UK study found that birth control pills impact a woman’s likelihood of sniffing out a genetically compatible mate. While it’s considered best, genetically and reproductively speaking, to choose a mate whose scent (determined by genes) is different, women in the study preferred men whose scent was similar to their own. The researchers who performed the study have some interesting theories about possible problems that could result, including fertility problems and breakups after the woman goes off the pill due to the resulting loss of scent-based attraction. The pill is apparently mirroring a function that happens when women are pregnant or no longer of mating age. Given that women usually take the pill because they don’t want children, it sounds like the pill is doing its job.
Read more at MSNBC
