Even if you’re as beautiful as Beyonce, or as stunning as Sienna Miller, new research claims that hormonal contraceptives increasingly used by women are a turn-off for men. 
Taking contraceptives, in particular the contraceptive injection, could make a woman’s scent unattractive to sexual partners.

The results come from an American study conducted on twelve, female ring-tailed lemurs in Madagascar who were injected with Depo-Provera, a best-selling contraceptive injection. These lemurs gave off a different scent, and were ignored and rejected by the male lemurs.

In light of these results, Professor Christine Drea, the author of the study, said, ‘one has to wonder if human mate choice might be affected in some of the same ways it has been in these primates.’

British health campaigners Wellbeing of Women agreed that scent is important in social interaction after all, we all love gorgeous smelling perfumes and aftershaves, which can influence our perception of people. The organisation added that we also know that, when a woman is ovulating, some subtle biological changes make her more attractive to men. However, experts are calling for more research on the matter - Wellbeing of Women concluded that although this animal study is interesting but research is required in human subjects to test the hypothesis.

In the meantime, women considering using hormonal contraception need to discuss the risks, benefits and range of options with their GPs, added the spokeswoman.

Curious to hear your thoughts on the importance of smell and indeed on contraception more broadly.

For further information on all methods of contraception, visit the FPA.

Picture kindly from here