A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Does the contraceptive pill alter mate choice in humans?
Authors: Alvergne A, Lummaa V
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE LONDON
Publication year: 2010
Journal: Trends in Ecology and Evolution
Journal name in source: TRENDS IN ECOLOGY & EVOLUTION
Journal acronym: TRENDS ECOL EVOL
Volume: 25
Issue: 3
First page : 171
Last page: 179
Number of pages: 9
ISSN: 0169-5347
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tree.2009.08.003
Abstract
Female and male mate choice preferences in humans both vary according to the menstrual cycle. Women prefer more masculine, symmetrical and genetically unrelated men during ovulation compared with other phases of their cycle, and recent evidence suggests that men prefer ovulating women to others. Such monthly shifts in mate preference have been suggested to bring evolutionary benefits in terms of reproductive success. New evidence is now emerging that taking the oral contraceptive pill might significantly alter both female and male mate choice by removing the mid-cycle change in preferences. Here, we review support for such conclusions and speculate on the consequences of pill-induced choice of otherwise less-preferred partners for relationship satisfaction, durability and, ultimately, reproductive outcomes.
Female and male mate choice preferences in humans both vary according to the menstrual cycle. Women prefer more masculine, symmetrical and genetically unrelated men during ovulation compared with other phases of their cycle, and recent evidence suggests that men prefer ovulating women to others. Such monthly shifts in mate preference have been suggested to bring evolutionary benefits in terms of reproductive success. New evidence is now emerging that taking the oral contraceptive pill might significantly alter both female and male mate choice by removing the mid-cycle change in preferences. Here, we review support for such conclusions and speculate on the consequences of pill-induced choice of otherwise less-preferred partners for relationship satisfaction, durability and, ultimately, reproductive outcomes.
UTU Research Portal