Birth Control Pills May Alter Mate Selection

The birth control pill alters the normal hormonal fluctuations that occur during the menstrual cycle, and resembles the more steady hormonal conditions associated with pregnancy, which may affect mate selection. Normally, when a woman ovulates, she is more attracted to very masculine men, as well as men who are genetically disimilar, but since the pill prevents ovulation, it may alter a woman's preference in a man. Some studies also suggest that men can sense a woman who is ovulating and will have a preference for her.

New findings show that women taking the pill do not experience the ovulation related attraction to genetically disimilar partners. The authors also suggest that a woman on the birth control pill may be less able to attract male partners.

While more research is required, preliminary findings do suggest that the birth control pill affects mate selection. This could have important ramifications for fertility in today's generation and future generations.