Hormonal Birth Control and Its Impact on Female-Male Relationships
Written by Melissa Barall, CFA, Content Writer, FemHealth Insights
Hormonal birth control has been a transformative development in reproductive health, offering women the power to control fertility and manage menstrual-related health issues. However, besides its primary benefits, hormonal contraceptives can also influence various psychological and physiological aspects of a woman's life, including changes in patterns of attraction. This article, the third of a three part series, explores the relational effects of hormonal contraceptives, utilizing scientific studies that explore how hormonal birth control affects female attraction to males and how it might alter male perception of females.
Understanding Hormonal Birth Control
Hormonal birth control methods, including pills, patches, and implants, work by regulating or suppressing ovulation by preventing the release of a matured egg from the ovary and altering cervical mucus to prevent pregnancy. These contraceptives typically use a combination of estrogen and progesterone to achieve effective birth control.
Impact on Female Attraction
Research suggests that hormonal contraceptives can influence women’s mate preferences. The use of hormonal contraceptives affected women's odor preferences, potentially altering their natural inclination towards genetically compatible partners. Women on hormonal birth control showed a preference for men with similar MHC (major histocompatibility complex) genes, which contrasts with the typical preference for dissimilar MHC genes, believed to enhance offspring viability.
Another aspect of attraction influenced by hormonal contraceptives is perceived attractiveness. Women who were taking hormonal contraceptives when they met their partner found them less sexually attractive when subsequently not using these contraceptives. This suggests that hormonal birth control might influence initial partner attraction and satisfaction levels.
Male Perception Changes
The impact of hormonal birth control on how males perceive females is also noteworthy. Studies have suggested that men find the scent of women who are ovulating more attractive compared to when they are not. Since hormonal birth control suppresses ovulation, it could potentially decrease certain cues that males find attractive subconsciously.
Furthermore, the same study indicated that women on hormonal birth control were rated as less attractive during their non-fertile phases than those not on birth control. This suggests that the natural cyclic changes in attractiveness associated with fertility are dampened by contraceptive hormones.
Psychological and Social Considerations
The changes in attraction patterns due to hormonal birth control raise psychological and social questions. For instance, how might these changes affect long-term relationship satisfaction and stability? Research has shown that women who initiated hormonal contraceptives after starting a relationship reported lower sexual satisfaction over time, highlighting the need for couples to be aware of these potential dynamics.
Conclusion
Hormonal birth control significantly impacts many aspects of women’s health and socio-behavioral dynamics, including patterns of attraction and mate choice. While it offers undeniable benefits regarding reproductive autonomy and health management, its effects on attraction highlight the complexity of its impact on interpersonal relationships.
As research in this field continues to evolve, it is crucial for both women and men to understand these potential changes. Such awareness can help individuals and couples navigate the subtleties of relationships affected by hormonal contraceptive use. For more detailed exploration of these studies and their implications, interested readers can refer to the respective journals and publications linked above. This knowledge not only aids in personal decision-making but also enriches discussions on reproductive health and relationship dynamics.
About the Author:
Melissa Barall, CFA, is a dedicated finance and health professional, with experience in the private and public markets. She began her career on Wall Street in 2018 and has been a health and wellness advocate, angel investor, and superconnector along the way. Her mission is to bridge the gap for women in both investing and health care, and is passionate about mental health, wellness / biohacking, and psychedelics.
