East DFW News

Most people might think it’s the eyes that trigger a sexual connection.  You see something beautiful and desirable and the eyes connect to the brain and the brain connects to other parts. It all starts with the eyes, right? Wrong.

Sexual attraction actually begins with the nose, according to the Cleveland Clinic, which issued a report titled “Surprising Facts About Your Nose.” The No.7 Fact is that “Your nose helps you find a mate.”

According to ear, nose, and throat specialist Michael Benninger, MD., smell is a key component in developing attraction. “Not only does your olfactory system trigger memory, but your nose plays a critical role when paired with your olfactory system in your perception of sex,” Benninger wrote in the article.  “That characteristic smell of a person’s perfume, cologne, or the scent of their shampoo or soap is important to sexual arousal. The smell of human perspiration also has a direct effect on sexual receptors in the brain.”

Benninger discussed the impact of pheromones when it comes to human sexuality and stimulation.  A pheromone is a secreted or excreted chemical that triggers a social response in members of the same species. Pheromones are chemicals capable of acting like hormones outside the body of the secreting individual, to affect the behavior of the receiving individuals.

“These are very important to reproduction in animals, as well as on human sexuality and stimulation,” Benninger said.

The vomeronasal organ (VNO), located at the base of the nasal septum or the roof of the mouth, is present in most animals, including humans. While in humans it is mostly vestigial, some experts believe it plays a role as a 'sixth sense' in pheromone and chemical communication, Benninger said.

So, instead of trying to find a potential mate with your eyes, use your nose.

To make sure your nose is functioning properly, take this Sinus Self-Assessment Quiz.