Taylor & Francis Group - Article: "Sexual and Relationship Therapy
Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group
Issue: Volume 19, Number 4 / November 2004
Pages: 451 - 462
URL: Linking Options
DOI: 10.1080/14681990412331315135

Smells and tastes--their putative influence on sexual activity in humans

Roy J Levin

A1 University of Sheffield Sheffield UK

Abstract:

Over the past few years a number of studies have been published on chemical signalling between humans possibly influencing aspects of sexual activity. Some authors propose, from their experimental studies, that human pheromones exist and that they act through the vomeronasal organ, while others are more cautious and regard their data as showing chemical communication but not necessarily pheromonal. The review examines these studies on activation of the vomeronasal organ, female genital odours, axillary odours, menstrual synchronicity, odour and mate selection and tastes of body fluids in a critical light. A brief survey of the various body fluids/secretions that male and female sexual partners allow or prohibit tongue contact with is included.

Keywords:

Axillary Odours, Body Fluid Tastes, Body Odours, Genital Odours, Menstrual Synchronicity, Pheromones, Vaginal Fluids, Vomeronasal Organ"