Home / Guides / Guide to Best Sex Toys / Does Birth Control Lower Sex Drive
Home / Guides / Guide to Best Sex Toys / Does Birth Control Lower Sex Drive

Does Birth Control Lower Sex Drive?

The subject matter of birth control has been a point of fervent debate, and numerous fallacies encompass it. A prevailing untruth is that the usage of birth control reduces libido. However, is this statement supported by factual evidence? Let us delve into this matter and discern the truth.

Does Birth Control Affect Sex Drive?

Primarily, let us expound on the concept of birth control. Birth control is a tactic employed to forestall conception. It is a multifarious tool that can manifest in several forms, such as tablets, plasters, inoculations, and contraptions akin to intrauterine devices (IUDs).

In primis, let us expatiate on the essence of birth control. Birth control is an intricate methodology employed to forestall impregnation. It is found in different types, encompassing tablets, transdermal patches, intramuscular injections, and implements like intrauterine devices.

So, does birth control lower sex drive? Here are some additional thoughts:

  • It can take time to adjust: Upon starting a new type of birth control, be it hormonally mediated or not, the process of acclimation for the human body may require a certain period. Ergo, any potential modulation of the sexual impulse may not be instantaneous. It is judicious to allocate a few months to discern how one's physical constitution reacts to the newly introduced method.
  • The type of birth control matters: Although we have broached the subject of birth control in a broad sense, it is pertinent to highlight that sundry categories of birth control may elicit divergent repercussions on one's libido. As an illustration, an individual may encounter more pronounced side effects with the administration of the Depo-Provera shot in comparison to ingesting pills. It is incumbent upon one to consult with their healthcare provider regarding the assorted alternatives and their potential impact on the individual's constitution.
  • Mental health is important too: As previously mentioned, the influence of stress and anxiety on one's sexual impulse cannot be ignored. It is imperative to underscore that, particular forms of birth control, particularly those with hormonal constituents, can exert a substantial influence on one's temperament and psychosocial well-being. If an individual undergoes fluctuations in mood or experiences any detrimental effects on their mental health while employing birth control, it is indispensable to have a dialogue with their healthcare provider.
  • Libido changes are normal: It is crucial to bear in mind that variations in sexual desire are an ordinary facet of life. The human body and its inclinations are susceptible to change arising from multifarious sources, and this phenomenon should not be deemed aberrant. If one is perturbed about their sexual impulse, it is important to confer with their healthcare provider and to investigate other potential aetiologies.

Can Birth Control Lower Sex Drive?

Albeit an unequivocal response to this query remains elusive, several conceivable ways in which birth control may impinge upon the sexual impulse are worth mentioning.

Hormonal birth control

Hormonal birth control constitutes a popular method, encompassing preparations such as the pill and the patch, that comprises hormones that inhibit ovulation. These hormones can also affect diverse physiological systems, including the libido.

Nevertheless, it is prudent to note that not all individuals who employ hormonal birth control will experience a decline in their libido. In fact, some individuals may undergo an escalation of their sexual impulse by virtue of hormonal alterations.

Non-Hormonal Birth Control

Contraceptive alternatives that are Non-hormonal, such as the copper intrauterine device (IUD), can be quite different from their hormonal counterparts in their non-intrusive manner of regulating fertility. The copper IUD does not influence hormone levels as hormonal contraceptives do; hence they are less likely to modify sexual desire.

However, some may still experience a loss in sex drive when using non-hormonal birth control on a regular basis which can be attributed due to a number of factors, such as anxiety or stress related to using the device.

Other Factors That Can Affect Sex Drive

It's important to note that birth control is just one factor that can affect sex drive. Other factors that can impact libido include:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Relationship issues
  • Medical conditions
  • Medications

So, while birth control may play a role in sex drive, it's not the only factor to consider.

author-avatar

Author: Deborah L. Tolman

Tolman is Assistant Editor of PinkKitty Sex Toys. Deborah L. Tolman is a developmental psychologist and the co-founder of SPARK: Sexualization Protest: Action, Resistance, Knowledge. She regularly researches adolescent sexuality, gender development, and gender equality. She is the author of Dilemmas of Desire: Teenage Girls Talk about Sexuality, which was awarded the 2003 Distinguished Book Award from the Association for Women in Psychology.

Related Posts

Shopping cart
Shop
0 items Cart
My account