Baggage Check: Scent of a Man

Dr. Andrea Bonior dives into the world of psychology.

Much has been written about female oral contraception — aka "The Pill" — in the almost 50 years since it was introduced. But new research has given those discussions a novel twist: Does the Pill, in overriding normal processes of ovulation, take away a woman's natural evolutionary advantages in choosing a biologically-compatible man?

The latest study, from Great Britain, showed that using birth control pills appears to alter the scents that women find most attractive in potential mate (though I'm guessing that the aroma of a fresh beer-belch was not top-ranking for any of the participants). Evolutionary scientists have long theorized that heterosexual women and men come together in part because of the matchmaking of their scents, signifying a more profound compatibility of their genes. The variability in the two complementary immune systems, when combined, can lead to the production of healthier offspring. So if the Pill changes who women find attractive, might this be wreaking havoc with their choices?

The implications of this idea range from snickers among the "Who said anything about kids?" set to more serious concerns among those with fears of fertility problems or unhealthy offspring. There's also the prospect that when some women go off the Pill their man won't smell so sweet, literally and metaphorically. But like any research that speaks to evolutionary biology, it can be important to remember that the macro doesn't always translate into a compelling argument for the micro. In short, there'd have to be a lot more data to justify dumping the Pills — or the man.

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