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

Olfaction plays a fundamental yet often underappreciated role in human sexual be-havior, 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 ol-factory function and human sexual experience in a clinical context. Studies were in-cluded if they met the following criteria: (i) empirical research conducted in human populations, (ii) assessment of olfactory function or chemosensory cues, (iii) evaluation of sexuality-related outcomes (e.g., sexual desire, arousal, satisfaction, intimacy, or mate selection), and (iv) publication in peer-reviewed journals in English between 2010 and 2025. 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 con-genital or acquired, appears to negatively affect sexual motivation, intimacy, and emo-tional 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 addi-tional insight in cases of unexplained sexual dysfunction.