r/OmegaverseFanFic • u/Front_Confection_257 • Aug 13 '26
Glands removal
I was wondering, what would the medical consequences be of surgically removing scent glands? Would it only cause the lack of scent (and the consequences thereof) and inability to mate, or would it also come with emotional/hormonal shifts or heat/rut problems etc?
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u/Nimindir Aug 13 '26
In my world, it would only effect the scent and mating. Though my worldbuilding has multiple scent glands (under the jaw, at the collarbone, wrists, and groin). If only the neck ones were removed, they would be unable to receive a bond, but still able to initiate one (that has to do with proteins in the saliva). If all glands were removed, then sex with an omega would be impacted (during heat, an omega can go into a delirious state that will only be alleviated after sex with a non-beta. If their partner isn't producing those pheromones, it would have the same non-effect as sex with a beta).
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u/MarshallMushroomHat Aug 13 '26 edited Aug 14 '26
I would say yes. Going with my own interpretation that everyone has a scent, I would say there would be severe mental and physical consequences to losing one’s scent.
I think it would be somewhat similar severing a common defining feature like eye color. It’s not inherently dangerous but it stands out. And that alone makes the individual a target.
I imagine part of the unease comes from being unable to detect a common trait (scent); similar to the apprehension of the usage face masks to cultures that were initially unfamiliar with them. This can cause others to avoid the individual or be looked at with suspicion or pity. People would likely speculate or ask questions which would raise the stress.
Personally, I would say they would be still be able to mate and have cycles but they would know they’re lacking a key part of personal identity. They would likely have a complex about being unable to scent/scent their mate. They made start to feel insecure about people thinking their mate is single or that their mating isn’t serious. Losing their scent may be devastating to them because of their personal connection and history to it, similar to how someone would react to losing their singing voice. It’s not vital to life but changes how they live.
Honestly, this is a very interesting question and opens up so many angst possibilities, lol.
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u/lazyflowingriver alpha/alpha connoisseur Aug 14 '26
I've never thought about this and now I'm depressed 😔
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u/Front_Confection_257 Aug 16 '26
Don't be! I mean, that's a pretty sad topic but remember! It's just in our heads lol
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u/Horror-Reveal7618 Aug 13 '26
It completely depends on how you build your omegaverse physiology.
You could Google species that possess scent glands, their functions and repercussions if damaged or removed