It sounds wild, but science says it’s true: men can subconsciously detect when a woman is ovulating...just by her natural scent.

In controlled studies, men consistently rated the body odor of ovulating women as more attractive than that of women in other phases of their menstrual cycle. Researchers believe this subtle olfactory signal may be an evolutionary holdover—a biological cue tied to fertility.

And the kicker? Men’s testosterone levels often increase after smelling these ovulatory cues, even though they’re completely unaware anything is happening.

Fast Facts

• Study setup: Women wore plain cotton T-shirts during different phases of their menstrual cycles, without perfume, deodorant, or scented products.

• Sniff test: Men were then asked to smell the shirts and rate their attractiveness. Shirts worn during ovulation were consistently rated highest.

• Hormonal response: In some studies, men’s testosterone levels rose after exposure to the scent of an ovulating woman.

• It's subconscious: Men aren't consciously aware of what they're reacting to—just that the scent seems more appealing.

• Evolutionary echo: This ability may be a remnant of ancestral mating instincts tied to reproductive timing.

So… Can Men Really Smell Fertility?

Not in the way you'd detect a flower or cologne. But on a subconscious level?
Yes.

Your nose may detect signals long before your brain makes sense of them.