Can Birth Control Change Who You’re Attracted To?

While birth control is widely used to prevent pregnancy, studies suggest it may also impact who women are attracted to—and how relationships evolve over time.

Hormonal contraceptives regulate estrogen and progesterone levels, reducing natural fluctuations that influence mood and romantic preference. This hormonal balance can subtly shift attraction away from traditionally masculine traits and toward partners perceived as more emotionally supportive or stable.

“It wasn’t until I stopped taking the pill that I realized I’d been settling,” one woman said, reflecting on how her attraction changed post-birth control.

Research indicates that women off birth control tend to prefer men with more dominant or masculine features, while those on it may lean toward nurturing, less aggressive partners. These shifts can even influence long-term relationship choices—some women report leaving relationships after realizing their preferences had changed.

Understanding how hormonal contraceptives can influence attraction and compatibility can empower women to make more informed decisions in love and life.

Interestingly, studies also show that men and women often differ in what they consider the “perfect” lip size—highlighting how attraction remains deeply personal and biologically influenced.