Birth Control Pills and Sex drive

Known as one of the most effective birth control methods, contraceptive pills are also doubted by some specialists as being libido killers. Birth control pills are taken by millions of women who find them a very convenient contraceptives to prevent unwanted pregnancy.

And though hormonal pills hold some health risks, specialists place a warning note on its influence on female sexual drive. The study conducted in 2006 at Boston University Medical Center suggested that birth control pills created to control female hormones in order to prevent pregnancy inhibits the production of hormones that are responsible for sexual drive.

Changes were seen in the rise of SHBG (sex hormone biding globulin) level that was raised in women who took oral contraceptives.

Some of the side effects that resulted from the increased SHBG level were:

• decreased sex drive,
• sexual dysfunctions
• and pain during the intercourse

During the study two groups of women, the one taking the pill and the other one who were not, were examined to analyze the effect of the birth control pill on libido.

Findings showed that those women who were taking contraceptive pills were reporting lower sex drive in comparison to women who didn't take pills.

Experts were also alarmed to find out that effect produced by birth control pills on female libido is not completely reversible after a woman stops taking pills.

Menstrual cycle and sex drive

Sex drive is known to depend on menstrual cycle changes. This happens because of the changing levels of two basic hormones testosterone and estrogen that affect sexual desire and sensations in general.

Testosterone is at its highest twice during the menstrual cycle: once around the middle of the cycle (ovulation) and in pre-menstrual period.

From the beginning of the menstrual cycle, woman's libido increases till the middle of her period. Woman may also notice an increase in her vaginal lubrication that contributes to more pleasant sexual sensations. During the premenstrual period, woman's libido peaks once again due to the thickening of the uterus lining that stimulates nerve endings again resulting in higher libido.

How does birth control pills affect sex drive?

As it was described female libido is prone to changes during menstrual cycle. The fluctuations of hormones prepare a woman for conception. When woman is taking oral contraceptive she is infertile during this period and her hormones stay at the same level throughout the cycle. This may be a major reason why women report about decreased libido.

What can you do to avoid decreased libido when taking the pills?

First of all, if you are already taking the pill and experience difficulties in your sexual life, you should consult with your health care provider to either change the type of birth control pill or discontinue taking the pill. You have other options for birth control that do not affect sex drive like condom use or diaphragm.

If you decided to discontinue taking the oral contraceptive and are worried about low sex drive, you may need some time before it returns to the same level as it was before you took the pills.