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Does the contraceptive pill alter mate choice in humans?
Alexandra Alvergne1, Virpi Lummaa
1Department of Animal and Plant Sciences, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK.
Trends in Ecology & Evolution
|October 13, 2009
Summary
Oral contraceptive pills may alter mate preferences in women and men by suppressing natural cycle-based shifts. This could impact relationship satisfaction and reproductive success by influencing partner choice.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary psychology
- Human reproductive behavior
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Human mate preferences exhibit cyclical variations linked to the menstrual cycle.
- Women show heightened attraction to masculine, symmetrical, and unrelated men during ovulation.
- Men may also adjust preferences, favoring ovulating women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on how oral contraceptive pills affect human mate choice.
- To explore the potential consequences of altered partner preferences on relationships and reproduction.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on hormonal influences on mate choice.
- Analysis of research investigating the effects of oral contraceptives on preference shifts.
- Speculative discussion on long-term relationship and reproductive outcomes.
Main Results:
- Oral contraceptive use appears to attenuate or eliminate mid-cycle fluctuations in mate preferences.
- This hormonal intervention may lead individuals to select partners they might not otherwise prefer.
Conclusions:
- The oral contraceptive pill may disrupt evolved mate choice mechanisms.
- Altered partner selection due to pill use could have significant implications for relationship durability and reproductive success.
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