You have been taking the pill for a while and, slowly, you have noticed a change: a decrease in your libido. This subject, rarely discussed, nevertheless affects many women. Do you really have to choose between contraception and sexual desire? In this article, we explore for you the effects of the pill on libido, in the short and long term. And we offer you concrete solutions to reconnect with your desire. Ready to learn more and take back control of your sexual well-being? Follow the guide!
Does the pill decrease libido?
The contraceptive pill is a common way to prevent unwanted pregnancy. However, in recent years, many women have been wondering about its side effects... especially on libido. Because it is not uncommon to notice a decrease in female desire when taking the pill!
The hormonal impact of the pill on libido can be explained by several hormonal mechanisms.
How does it work? The pill is made from synthetic hormones (estrogen and progesterone), which will block ovulation. But you should know that these will play an important role in sexual desire, because they will also influence the levels of testosterone, a sex hormone often associated with libido. Now, if the pill modifies this hormonal balance, it makes sense: some women may experience a drop in libido, as well as vaginal dryness.
But rest assured: this is not systematic! It depends on several factors, such as:
- the type of pill used;
- the sensitivity of every woman.
What are the long-term effects of the pill on libido?
It should be noted that not all scientific studies agree with each other. For example, those relayed in an article from Clue indicate that this method of contraception generally has neither a negative nor a positive effect on sexual functions. They reveal that:
- More than 6 out of 10 women using the pill saw no change in their libido.
- 2 out of 10 even reported an increase in their sexual desire.
- 1 in 10 reported a decrease in libido.
For those who suffered from menstrual pain, the pill can also alleviate these symptoms. And thus allow them to better enjoy their sex life without being hindered by physical pain.
This subject is therefore still quite mysterious. What we can remember is that reactions to this method of hormonal contraception are diverse, and depend on individual factors.
How do you know if the pill is responsible for your low libido?
Have you noticed a decrease in desire since taking the pill? Then it is possible that this hormonal contraceptive has a negative impact on your desire, or not, to have sex. However, be careful not to point the finger at it too quickly. Other factors can affect your sexual appetite.
Female (like male) desire is influenced by many factors:
- fatigue;
- stress;
- the relationship with your partner;
- changes in your lifestyle;
- hormonal disorders…
... All these avenues are worth exploring.
To see if your birth control is the cause of all your troubles, try keeping a diary of how you felt before and after taking the pill. Does anything change? How do you feel? Do you feel like your sex life is affected? Also, if you've recently switched to a new pill (or been prescribed a new dosage), that could also explain the change.
In any case, if you still have doubts, there is only one thing to do: consult a healthcare professional or go to your gynecology department. You will be able to talk directly about your symptoms with an expert, who will be able to offer you alternatives (such as a progestin-only pill with a different hormonal dosage or a contraception without hormones).
What contraception does not affect libido?
Are you looking for alternatives to the pill to preserve your libido? That's good, there are several options available to you... Read on!
IUDs, Condoms, and Other Hormone-Free Options
Hormone-free methods of contraception are becoming increasingly popular, as they do not interfere with the hormonal system. And, therefore, have little impact on libido. Among them are:
- The copper IUD (Intra-Uterine Device): this is one of the most effective solutions. It prevents fertilization by disrupting sperm motility thanks to copper, without releasing hormones.
- Condoms: a great classic, they can be internal (female condom) or external (male condom). They are effective in preventing pregnancy and protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
There are also many other methods like:
- the diaphragm;
- the cervical cap;
- or spermicides.
But these are a little less effective compared to the previous ones, because they would have to be used constantly... And correctly, given that they are quite technical!
Do you have an IUD and are wondering what impact it can have on your libido? Our article Libido and copper IUD will interest you!
How to choose the contraceptive that suits your body and libido?
Choosing a contraceptive method that respects both your body and your female libido is not something to be done lightly. As you will have understood, each woman is unique and depends on her own factors. So, ask yourself the following questions:
- What are your needs?
- What are your lifestyle requirements?
- What are your preferences?
Because if your libido is a priority, hormone-free birth control may be the best option for you, since it won't disrupt your hormonal balance.
If you value ease of use above all else, a non-intrusive method like condoms or oral contraception will suit you better.
But if you want to implement it for the "long term", an IUD can be a wise choice. Without being a definitive contraception.
Pill and libido: what to do to boost your desire?
So, how to increase your libido while on the pill? Don't panic, there are plenty of ways to get the machine going again. And thus find sexual relations that satisfy you again. It starts by (re)adopting a healthy lifestyle (yes, yes, we assure you, it's linked!):
- exercise regularly;
- sleep well;
- eat a balanced diet;
- take a course of libido food supplements ;
- reduce your stress.
It may not seem like much, but these elements have a direct impact on your libido. By pampering yourself, you could compensate for the unwanted effects of the pill on a sexual level.
Next, you can talk to your doctor about switching pills. Because maybe yours isn't working for you. Every body reacts differently to hormones, and it may take a few tries before you find the right one for you.
Last point: a lack of communication with your partner can also have negative effects on your sexual relationships, and lead to a lack of libido. So, talk openly about your needs and desires. You rekindle your emotional connection... And your libido, naturally.
Does stopping the pill allow you to regain a normal libido?
For some women, stopping the progestin-only pill can actually help to regain a higher libido. Especially if the drop in desire was related to the hormones in the birth control. After stopping, the body gradually resumes its natural production of hormones, which can restore hormonal balance. And, therefore, improve sexual desire.
But this is not true for everyone. Women's desire is unique to each person: some will see no change while others will observe a boost in their desire. If your sexual problems persist, don't stay alone: go and ask a sexologist for advice, for example.
In short, the contraceptive pill can have various effects on libido… Or not. Because each woman reacts differently to her hormones! So, you now have the keys to understanding the complex links between the pill and libido. The main thing is to find THE contraceptive method that respects both your body and your well-being.
