Birth control pills/libido??

K

KimDW

Cathlete
I read this on the "What is your cholesteral" post and had a question. It was posted that being on birth control pills helps our sex drive. I'm 31, no children (not planning on any), and have been on the same pill since I was about 18 or 19. I noticed about 4 or 5 years ago I just don't seem to be interested in sex. But when I'm on my period I am always in the mood (but that's just too gross for me). A friend here at work was the same way and went off the pill and said her sex drive increased completely. Has anyone else had this happen to them? My husband and I are high school sweethearts and have been married for almost 8 years. What do you guys say??
Kimbra
 
Kimbra,
I'm in almost your exact situation and would love to know if increasing the libido might be accomplished by going off of the pill. High school sweethearts, together for 6 years, but not ready for kids just yet. I get the same way around my time of the month, but agree, it's not exactly sexy. This would only be another benefit as I'm also experiencing problems with break through bleeding right now and chucking the whole system sounds mighty tempting.
 
As I understand, it's the progestin in the pills that may or may not affect sex drive. Everyone is different and will react differently to synthetic hormones.

You may want to do a search on the internet regarding menstrual cycles. I am on a LD BC pill and this is exactly how my body reacts, only I don't really get a period anymore so I don't have a problem with it.

My libido has decreased over the past few years but I am in peri menopausal stage and take testosterone supplement to help with my issues.
 
<being on birth control pills helps our sex driv>

Birth control pills and the activity in the body are not as simple as the estrogen and progestin. There are actually estrogenic, progestational, and androgenic activities of pills. A pill with too much progestin can decrease the libido... a switch to a pill with decreased estrogenic or progestational activities or an increase in androgenic activity may help. How a woman responds to a given pill is individual, so there is no "one pill fits all".

Some women can continue with the same pill until menopause, while others will need a change or changes in some cases.

HTH!

Autumn
 
I take Loestrin FE 1.5/30

How do you know if it contains too much progestin? I've never had any problems with taking them.

Kimbra
 
I was only on the pill the first six months of marriage and could care less about sex. I was told by an OB/Gyn that this is a very common side effect in women. You are definitely not alone.
 
Kimbra,

"Managing Contraceptive Pill Patients" has this information and is used by some of us providing women's health care. According to this book, Loestrin 1.5/30 has the highest Progestatinal activity of any pill listed and the highest andorgenic activity of an sub50 mcg estrogen pill.

Remember that as our bodies change... so do our pill needs (in some cases).

Autumn
 
definitely not alone. i'm a huge bcm advocate, and i've been ont he ring for two years. i've definitely noticed my libido decrease and i'm only 23! BUT....i love the nuva ring too much to switch to another method. heh, now if they could only start making the ring with different hormone levels...hmmmm.... :)
 
autumn,
This is the first time I've experienced it for over 5 years, so I haven't had a chance as of yet, but I'm due for my annual exam next month, so I thought I'd wait until then. Should I try and find out sooner?
Mattea
 
Hi Mattea,

You are probably ok to wait... you could always call your doc's office for advice. I don't want give you an inappropriate answer on their behalf... especially since I don't have your personal history. :)

Autumn
 
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