Since 1945, the birth control pill has been one of the most popular contraceptives on the market. Easy to take, relatively inexpensive and accesible, the Pill is taken by more than 80% of American women. However, new research shows that the birth control pill may prevent more than just pregnancy. The Pill may also significantly, and perhaps permanently, hinder your sex drive.
How does the Birth Control Pill prevent pregnancy?
The birth control pill prevents pregnancy by inhibiting a woman’s natural monthly cycle of ovulation. Taken daily for three straight weeks, the Pill sends a combination of synthetic hormones (estrogen and progesterone) to your body. These hormones work to prevent your ovaries from releasing an egg for fertilization every month.
As convenient and reliable as the Pill may be there are some shortcomings. They can range from weight gain to depression. An additional shortcoming for many women can be low libido – which can be frustrating for both them and their partner.
In particular the Pill appears to:
- Diminish libido
- Decrease sexual enjoyment
- Lessen lubrication during sexual intercourse
How does the Pill affect sex drive?
Research shows that the birth control pill affects sex drive because it acts directly on a woman’s sexual hormones. It seems that the birth control pill supresses the production of androgens, including testosterone, in a woman’s ovaries. Androgens have a direct effect on the enjoyment you receive during sex.
Additionally, the birth control pill also appears to increase the amount of sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) in the body. SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone, preventing a woman’s body from using it effectively. Increased levels of SHBG have been directly linked to decreased libido and sexual desire.
What can you do if your libido is low?
Speak with your doctor. Although the Pill may be adding to your decreased sexual desire, this does not mean you should stop taking it. Instead, have your doctor find another type of pill that may better suit your needs.
Of course, there may be other contributing factors. For instance stress, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and possibly a new medication can all play roles in your low libido. Take a look at your lifestyle and make changes where needed.
If you do decide to discontinue your birth control pill, be sure to use another birth control type, such as a condom or diaphragm, while having sex.
BirthControlBuzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, birth control types (prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line.
For more information, call 1-866-732-0305 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/
Birth Control Buzz is a service company that provides birth control prices, types of birth control(prescription required), health administrative services, and birth control statistics predominantly to US patients seeking to purchase pharmaceuticals on-line. For more information, call 1-866-868-8850 or visit http://www.birthcontrolbuzz.com/.
