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Smells and your sex life

continued from page 1
Kiss 'n tell

Pheromones are greatly responsible for physical attraction between people. They are chemical signals secreted through glands around the body. These chemicals send a message to another person, who subconsciously detects them through a receptor in the nose. It is partly how we decide to encourage or brush off our suitors, no matter how inventive or bad their chat-up lines. Interestingly, the scalp is a particularly rich source of that unique smell. It may be why kissing is so enjoyable, as it brings two people closer to each other's scalps. Could it also be why bald men are rumoured to be more virile?

Mood triggers

Smell can also affect moods. There are good scents and bad scents, which attract or repel us. This is nature's way of keeping us away from harmful, and drawing us to beneficial, substances. Our own scent is linked to our mood as well. People feel positive when they smell good. Use of perfumes, deodorants and aftershaves help enhance self-image and are applied to attract others, too.

Personal scent is a strong element of mother-baby bonds and, in a relationship partners know each other by their smell. In loving relationships, it can have a comforting effect.

Blocked up and miserable

All in all, smell is an important aspect of human beings' mating rituals. It helps us choose our partner, attracts or repels us and generally influences our mood. So when a person catches a cold - which the average adult can expect between two and five times a year - it can affect more than their ability to breathe easily.

A blocked nose hampers the sense of smell. Single people in quest of a mate cannot 'sniff out' potential partners. They cannot smell themselves either, which may lower their confidence. This inability to smell - themselves or others - can lower their libido.


*contains Phenylepherine hydrochloride
Always read the label. Ask the pharmacist for advice.
References
1 Jacobs, T. The effect of nasal congestion on smell sensitivity. Report commissioned by Pfizer Consumer Healthcare
2 Wedekind et al., 1995
3 Doty et al., 1975


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