Non-randomised trial, 2000
Does fragrance affect sexual arousal and mood differently at different times in the menstrual cycle?
Fragrance may have some effect on sexual arousal during the follicular phase, but the effect was small and likely not related to mood. The periovulatory phase was naturally associated with greater arousal and positive mood.
What they did
A nonrandomized study where women were tested during two menstrual cycle phases (midfollicular and periovulatory). In each phase, they were exposed to three fragrance conditions (female fragrance, male fragrance, and neutral substance) while viewing erotic and neutral films and fantasizing.
What they found
Women reported greater sexual arousal and more positive mood during the periovulatory phase compared to the follicular phase. Male fragrance had a positive effect on genital arousal during sexual fantasy, but only during the follicular phase. This fragrance effect was not explained by mood changes.
What it means for you
The menstrual cycle phase naturally affects sexual arousal and mood. Fragrance may have a small effect on arousal during one phase, but the practical significance is unclear. The study does not report how many women were included and was not a randomized controlled trial.
About the study
- Original title
- Effects of fragrance on female sexual arousal and mood across the menstrual cycle
- Authors
- Graham CA, Janssen E, Sanders SA
- Journal
- Psychophysiology
- Year
- 2000
- Study design
- Non-randomised trial
- What was tested
- Three fragrance conditions: female, male, and neutral
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1111/1469-8986.3710076