Pheromone
A pheromone is a type of ectohormone secreted by an individual and perceived by a second individual of the same or similar species, thereby producing a change in the sexual or social behavior of that individual.[1]
Pheromones in humans
Pheromones are important in many animal species but, until recently, were thought to be unimportant in humans.[2] It has now been shown, however, that the timing of ovulation in women can be controlled by pheromones from the armpit. This is believed to be the explanation of the fact that women living together will frequently develop synchronized menstrual cycles.[3][4]
Fleiss et al. (1998) reported that the moisture found under the foreskin contains pheromones such as androsterone and others.[5]
Androsterone is found in the human axilla and skin as well as in the urine. It may also be secreted by human sebaceous glands. It is described as having a musky odor similar to that of androstenol. Androsterone has been found to affect human behavior when smelled.[6]
Conclusion
Many find the musky aroma of the human foreskin to be attractive, stimulating and even arousing, not because of the musk, but because of the pheromones which also are present.[7] While the evidence accumulated to date is not strong, there is evidence that the foreskin does emit pheromones.
References
- ↑
(2012). Pheromone
, Farlex Partner Medical Dictionary. Retrieved 12 June 2021. - ↑
Cohn BA. In Search of Human Skin Pheromones. JAMA Dermatology. August 1994; 130(8): 1048-51. PMID. DOI. Retrieved 11 August 2021.
- ↑ Stern, Kahleen, McClitock, Martha K.. Regulation of ovulation by human pheromones. Nature. 12 March 1998; 392: 177-9. PMID. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ↑ (2004).
Pheromone
, Collins Dictionary of Medicine. Retrieved 12 June 2021. - ↑ Fleiss PM, Hodges FM, Van Howe RS. Immunological functions of the human prepuce. Sex Trans Infect. October 1998; 74(5): 364-67. PMID. Retrieved 11 June 2021.
- ↑
Maiworm, RE, Langthaler, WU (1992): Influence of Androstenol and Androsterone on the Evalulation of Men of Varying Attractiveness Levels. Work: Chemical Signals in Vertebrates 6. Richard L. Doty, Dietland Müller-Schwarze (ed.). New York: Springer. Pp. 575-9. ISBN 978-1-4757-9657-5. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
- ↑
Is the musky smell of the male genital area attractive or pleasant?
, Quora. Retrieved 12 June 2021.
