Sperm, Poison, and Lily of the Valley

In 2003, a study published in the journal Science claimed that human sperm were able to literally smell the distinctive springlike fragrance of the lily of the valley.

I won’t get too into the details here, but the lead researcher, in interviews, went so far as to suggest that applying a substance derived from lilies of the valley “in a salve to the vaginal area could raise the chance of conceiving.”

(The general idea was that sperm could detect the chemical bourgeonal — the main element responsible for the flower’s scent — with actual olfactory receptors. The results could potentially “be used to manipulate fertilization,” the researchers wrote, “with important consequences for contraception and procreation.” As another researcher put it, the discovery could potentially “lead to a new generation of nontoxic contraceptives that would not require women to take hormones.”)

I first heard about the phenomenon while reading a book on fertility, and I liked sharing this weird little fact whenever I had the chance. I also enjoyed trying to imagine how the study had come about. (Had one scientist had an especially strong suspicion? Why?)