Support Your Sex Drive: Tips for Women on the Birth Control Pill

Hormonal contraception once sparked a true revolution for women, and today we simply can't live without it. No more stress about unplanned pregnancies—we can finally enjoy the pleasure of intimacy without worrying about the potential consequences. But what happens when the spark simply doesn't ignite? The culprit could be the very thing that gave us this freedom: the hormones in the pill.

If you're experiencing low sex drive, know that you're not alone. In this article, we'll show you how to support your libido while taking the pill and how to get back to enjoying sex.

What effect does the pill have on your libido?

Let's answer a question that has received increasing attention in recent years: does hormonal contraception affect your sex drive?

The short answer is yes, the pill can have an effect on your libido.

Hormonal contraceptives release hormones into your body that prevent pregnancy. For some women, these artificial hormones can also have physical and sexual side effects.

How does that work?

Most birth control pills contain estrogen and progesterone. Together, they prevent ovulation. But there's a catch: if ovulation is suppressed, your body produces fewer androgens , the hormones responsible for your libido.

Without these important hormones, it can be a lot harder to get in the right mood.

Experts also believe that hormonal birth control lowers the testosterone level in the body , which further affects sex drive.

Although researchers haven't found conclusive evidence to support this theory, it's clear that many women notice changes in libido when taking the pill.

What else affects your libido?

And while the pill can affect your libido, we also want you to be aware that other factors can also contribute to a decreased desire for sex. Here are the most common ones:

• The relationship between you and your partner can play a major role in how often you feel like having sex. If things aren't going well between you, it's understandable that you'll feel less like having sex.
• Social factors , especially busy times like work and school, can mean that you're not really in the mood for sex.
• Your libido can also depend on your personality . If you're shy and introverted, you're likely to have a lower sex drive overall.
• Stress, anxiety or depression also make it more difficult to feel like doing something.
• Certain medications can also lower your libido.
• Some (not so healthy) lifestyle habits such as little sleep, unhealthy eating or excessive alcohol consumption can also affect your libido.
• Puberty, menopause and even breastfeeding can also have a major impact on your libido.

You see, a lower libido isn't just due to the pill. Many different factors contribute to your sex drive, and researchers are still discovering more about how your libido works. So don't be hard on yourself if you don't feel as lustful as you used to – there could be many different reasons.

What can you do to increase your libido?

Many women experience a change in their libido when using hormonal contraceptives. The good news is that there's a lot you can do to get your sex drive back.

Talk

Let's talk about sex, baby, let's talk about you and me… If you notice your libido has changed since starting the pill, it's important to let your partner know.

Not only does talking about your desires and what you like often lead to better sex, but it can also help you discover what turns you on and get back to having fun between the sheets.

From sharing your wildest fantasies to spicing up the day with some dirty texts, being open about your sexual desires can lead to an exciting and intimate exploration. So don't hold back—talk about it, and you'll see if you change your plans tonight...

Reduce your stress

When you're overwhelmed and stressed, your body releases cortisol—a hormone that can disrupt your sex hormones. High levels of stress can directly lead to low libido . Stress can even reduce blood flow to your genitals, making it harder to become aroused and decreasing your sex drive.

But don't worry, stress is truly manageable. Whether you prefer to work up a sweat with a killer workout, find your zen with a half-hour meditation, or simply cuddle with your pet, finding a way to manage stress is the key to getting back in the mood. So take some time for yourself and let the good vibes flow.

Want to learn more about stress and how it affects your cycle? Read our article about it here .

Try something new

If you're feeling a bit down, it's a good idea to do something a bit different. Trying something new in the bedroom, or even exploring fantasies outside the bedroom, might be just what you need to reignite that spark. Whether you enjoy role-playing, reading or watching erotica, or using a new sex toy, there are plenty of options to explore. You might even discover something that rekindles your sex drive. Be creative and let your ideas flow!

Go for self-care

Self-care is a key part of boosting your libido. Self-care can mean anything from basics like getting enough sleep to a healthy diet to treating yourself to a spa day.

But one aspect of self-care that's often overlooked when it comes to sex is making sure you're getting what you need in the bedroom.

Many women need clitoral stimulation to achieve orgasm, and many women need enjoyable foreplay to become aroused.

Don't be afraid to share what you need with your partner—no one can read your mind! Experiment with new methods, toys, or positions to enhance your pleasure. Scared? Try it for yourself first before sharing it with your partner. Because if you enjoy sex, you're more likely to want to do it again.

Talk to a doctor

If you're experiencing a dip in your libido and think it might be related to your hormonal contraception, consider talking to your doctor or healthcare provider. It can be awkward to bring it up, but remember: your doctor or gynecologist is there to help.

They can talk to you about any physical or psychological issues you might be experiencing that could be contributing to the problem, and they can help you explore other contraceptive methods that are better for your libido. Don't suffer in silence – take the first step and ask for help!

Not ready to talk to your doctor yet? Chat with us . We're experts in all things women's health, and our team is here to listen and offer advice and support.

Maintain a balance in your hormones

If you're using birth control and have low sex drive, there are ways to balance your hormone levels. You can do this by adding a supplement to your routine, for example, to support your cycle and sex drive. If you'd like to learn more about which supplements are best and why you should take one while on the pill, read on. here is our blog post about it.

Besides supplements, there are also lifestyle changes that can help balance your hormones, such as regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, and managing stress. By getting your hormones under control, you'll notice your sex drive returning to normal.

Know what the pill does to your libido

It's important to remember that the effects of contraception on your body vary from person to person. Read more about this in our blog .

Don't be afraid to ask for advice if you're experiencing low libido. Remember, you can always talk to us or ask questions (anonymously) to our amazing community !

Understanding your chosen contraceptive and its potential side effects can help you take the necessary steps to restore your sex drive.

And don't forget that taking charge of your sexual health can empower you, which in turn can lead to increased sexual desire. So don't wait any longer to discuss your desires, wishes, and doubts and seek the help you need for a blissful sex life.