Monday, June 9, 2008

Lower libido & Birth Control Pill?

One of the possible side effects of my girlfriend's birth control pill is a decrease in sexual appetite. Both of us have noticed that she does indeed seem to no longer be interested in sexual activity. However, she is reluctant to call her doctor about this issue. What would the doctor suggest, do you think? Is there any other way around this problem?


So, we did some research and also spoke to a clinician here at Dick's House and here's the scoop:

Sex drive is dependent on androgens, the male hormones. Different brands of birth control pills contain varying amounts of androgens, so it's possible that the pill type she is taking could be the culprit. Some estimate that taking a hormonal birth control pill could lower the sex drive of 5-10% of women who take them.


We hear you when you say she wants to avoid speaking with her doctor about this, but really- it's the best choice. There are so many birth control formulas to choose from and if this one is having a negative impact, she should definitely make an appointment to discuss switching to a birth control pill with more androgens. If for some reason her doctor isn't someone she likes or feels comfortable speaking with, she should find a different provider. If she's been seen by a clinician at Dick's House and wants to see someone else instead, she just needs to say that she wants to "try meeting with a new provider" when making the appointment.


Alternately, physical activity (moderately intense exercise) and increased muscle mass (weight lifting) can sometimes increase the amount of male hormones and therefore sex drive. On that note, she may feel an increased sense of well-being and therefore an increased sex drive if she is exercising and feels good about her body. Sometimes mood difficulties may present as lack of interest in activities otherwise enjoyed, so she may also want to consider whether or not she might be slightly depressed.


One other aspect of the situation: A healthy college woman might feel that this issue is abnormal for someone of her age. We've found and read through a WebMD blog where LOTS of women in their early 20's share their frustrations of a low sex drive and your girlfriend may find some comfort in reading their posts. It may also give her the support she needs (aside from yours of course!) to call and make an appointment.

Most important: continue to spend special times together, and be intimate in other ways. Sometimes lack of sex drive is indicating a need in another aspect of the relationship.

Try not to pressure her too much or it may feel to her that it's only your satisfaction (frequency of sex) that matters ... be sure to listen to and support her desires as well! It's great that you're trying to be supportive and perhaps you can read this information together to enhance your already positive, open, honest communication.

Good luck to you both!

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