The Multifaceted Role of Olfaction in Human Sexuality: A Narrative Review

Olfaction plays a fundamental yet often underappreciated role in human sexual behavior, attraction, and relationship dynamics. Beyond the debated existence of human pheromones, emerging evidence supports a broader framework of chemosensory communication influencing emotional, cognitive, and behavioral aspects of sexuality. This review synthesizes recent literature examining the relationship between olfactory function and human sexual experience in a clinical context. We provide an overview of how olfactory capacities can impact on 3 types of close mating-related aspects: (1) chemosignals and socio-sexual effects, (2) olfactory function and sexual behavior, and (3) olfactory dysfunction and sexual outcomes. Accumulating evidence suggests that olfactory function is associated with sexual satisfaction, partner bonding, and relationship stability. Conversely, olfactory dysfunction, whether congenital or acquired, appears to negatively affect sexual motivation, intimacy, and emotional aspects of sexual experience. Current findings indicate that olfactory processing may represent a clinically relevant, yet often overlooked, component of sexual health. Integrating olfactory assessment into clinical andrological practice may provide additional insight in cases of unexplained sexual dysfunction.