![]() a pill that contains no drug) in seven areas of sexual function (8). Some studies have looked at more than just libido.Ī 2016 randomized control trial examined how people using one formulation of the pill differed, sexually, from people using a placebo (i.e. The number of people using low-dose pills was small-only 140 people-so it’s difficult to say if these results are generalizable to everyone. In the 2013 study, all people using pills with the smallest dose of estrogen available (15 micrograms), reported having a decreased libido, while people using pills with higher doses of estrogen reported mostly no change or an increase in libido (2). Lower amounts of estrogen may cause more changes to sex drive than higher amounts (this is called a dose-response relationship). Pill regimens that have more hormone-containing pill days than the common 21-hormone/ 7-placebo pills may be more likely to improve sexual functioning (1,2). In a 2013 review of studies published since the 1970s on the pill and sexual function, researchers found that more than 6 in 10 people using the pill had no changes in libido, more than 2 in 10 had an increase in libido, and about 1 in 10 did report a decrease in libido (2).ĭifferent formulations (chemical make-ups) and regimens (the number of days a person takes a hormone-pill vs no pill or a placebo-pill) may impact sexual functioning (1,2). Most studies have found no impact or improved sexual functioning among users of the pill (1,2). Studies into the effect of combined pills on sexual functioning do not all agree with one another. CHC works by suppressing ovulation and thickening cervical mucus (7). These forms of birth control contain a form of estrogen and a progestin (a synthetic progesterone). oral contraceptives or the pill), the vaginal ring, and the hormonal patch. Combined hormonal contraceptives and sexĬombined hormonal contraception (CHC) is a category of birth control that includes the combined-hormone pill (i.e. Here’s what the research says about each type of birth control. Using an app like Clue to track your method of birth control and symptoms can help with communicating your needs to your healthcare provider. The “average” experience isn’t everyone’s experience. We can’t go through all of the side effects of each form of birth control here, but these are things to keep in mind when reading through the following research.Īlso, even if a method “on average” has no impact on people’s sex lives according to research, some people may still experience improvements or detriments to their sex life. If your method of birth control gives you unpredictable periods and tender breasts, but protects you almost 100% from unintended pregnancy, would the benefits outweigh the negatives for you? If a form of birth control decreased your desire or sex drive, but improved your orgasm experience, would you consider this method to have a positive, negative, or neutral impact on your sex life? When making decisions about birth control, it’s important for you to think through what factors are important for a good sexual experience to you, and which are less important. Researchers and health care professional divide sexual complaints into four main categories:ĭesire (or libido), which refers to interest in sexĪrousal, which refers to the physical changes, such as lubrication, and emotional changes people experience when thinking or participating in sex Then, there’s the specific ways in which each of the above categories impact sex. unintended pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections) (1,2). Their feelings on the risks of engaging in sex without birth control (i.e. The severity and level of importance they put on the negative side effects of birth control Their feelings towards the positive side effects of birth control Their partner(s), their relationship(s) with their partner(s), and their partner(s)’ thoughts about birth control Their cultural expectations for sex and sexual pleasure How a form of birth control impacts the body’s production of hormones (does it suppress ovulation?) The type and levels of hormones in their birth control Their underlying physiology, like their levels of circulating hormones and their sensitivity to changes in these levels ![]() When using a hormonal birth control option or an intrauterine device (IUD), a person’s sexual experience may be impacted, positively or negatively, by:
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