Nearly every method of birth control could cause some or other type of side effect. Although the effect you may experience can vary according to the method you opt for, for instance, any type of birth control might affect your libido. However, the side effects are relatively minor for many people.
Female sexual desires naturally fluctuate over the years. Highs and lows associated with sexual desire commonly transpire with the beginning or end of a relationship or with major life changes, such as pregnancy, menopause, or illness. Some medications taken for mood disorders also can cause low libido in women.
Non-hormonal Birth Controls
Spermicide is a non-hormonal birth control method that comes in different forms such as creams, condoms, gels, foams, films, cervical caps, and diaphragm. These products are utilized for blocking the cervix to avoid sperm from reaching an egg or making it difficult for sperm to enter the female body. But these products do have some side effects associated with their usage.
To elaborate, condoms might cause vaginal irritation and discomfort, and with a diaphragm, sponge, or cervical cap, you will make use of spermicide which could cause swelling, itching, and irritation. Sometimes it can also lead to urinary tract infections (UTIs) and that lowers your interest in sexual intimacy.
Non-hormonal birth control methods do not cause major effects on libido. As many of these methods are highly effective but some of these are not as effective as the hormonal birth control methods which spark anxiety and make women deliberately avoid sexual interaction. Fear of accidental pregnancy can decrease your desire for sex eventually. Thus, you could still see some minor changes in your libido.
Hormonal Birth Controls
Mostly, the hormonal birth control method is sometimes known for affecting the libido and it can also contribute to some undesirable side effects. It is, however, an extremely effective solution for avoiding pregnancy. It works by releasing pregnancy-preventing hormones in your body.
Hormonal birth control can cause various physical, psychological, and sexual side effects such as fatigue, nausea, dizziness, depression, weight gain, bloating, painful or tender breasts, anxiety, irregular periods, yeast infection, cramping, vaginal dryness, etc. These side effects can impact your sexual desire.
Birth controls pills contain the female hormones known as estrogen and progestin. They are also called combined pills. Most combined pills lower your testosterone which is a sex hormone that increases your desire for sex. It is abundantly present in males and is also called a male sex hormone. However, women have it too, just not as much.
It is quite normal to hesitate from indulging in sexual activity, especially if you are afraid of conceiving. Hormonal birth control can be extremely helpful in relieving these fears, which can boost your desire for sex.
In case you use hormonal birth control to relieve the symptoms of health conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, you could notice your sex drive has increased as a result of an improvement in symptoms.
Alternative Function Of Hormonal Birth Control
It is not necessary that one may lose interest in sex due to the consumption of the pill. Some women may still experience a healthy sexual desire. It might be an effect of diminished fear of getting pregnant. You might as well feel healthier than usual because of lighter periods.
Other Factors Affecting Libido
For women, the way they see their bodies can have a huge impact on their feelings of sexual desire and their ability to become aroused. If you do not like the way you look, it can be hard to enjoy intimate moments with your partner.
Moreover, some decline in your usual libido can also be caused by several factors including, age, relationship strains, physiological health concerns such as obesity, digestive issues, diabetes, and psychological conditions like mood, or mental health symptoms, stress, anger, and anxiety can literally kill the mood. Also, some sexual disorders can decrease your desire for sex.
Lifestyle Changes To Boost Your Sex Drive
In case you are struggling to enjoy your intimate moments while using birth control, some lifestyle changes can prove to be beneficial in bringing your sexual desire back on track, they are:
Get Some Exercise
In general, females have significantly lower testosterone levels than males. Consistent aerobic exercises like running, walking, swimming, cycling, etc., as well as some anaerobic exercises, can help to build strength and increase testosterone levels.
Exercising regularly helps boost the level of oxygen in the blood and keeps a range of medical illnesses at bay. These exercises improve mood, promote better sleep, and increase stamina.
You do not need to be hard on yourself just practice some simple exercises by making them a part of your daily routine. Kegels and yoga boost the blood supply to the reproductive organs and also. And it ultimately boosts sexual desire in women.
Eat Consciously
Try adding some nuts such as walnuts, peanuts, and pistachio that are rich in L-arginine which is an amino acid. In addition, add more leafy green vegetables like spinach and fruits like bananas, watermelon, avocado, citrus fruits, pears, strawberries, and blueberries to your diet. These are great for increasing the libido in women.
Stay away from junk and high-fat meals as that can increase the chances of risk due to high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, obesity, etc. which can heavily affect the sex drive.
Almonds, pumpkin seeds, chicken, and shellfish are some of the rich sources of zinc which is the mineral responsible for boosting the production of testosterone in the body.
Treat Yourself With Dark Chocolate
Cocoa products like cocoa powder and cacao nibs are high in magnesium and flavonoid antioxidants, both of which are important for testosterone. This sweet treat of dark chocolate is a good source of both zinc and magnesium, both of which have been shown to boost testosterone levels. However, make sure it is 70% dark chocolate and contains the least amounts of sugar.
To Ascertain
Hormonal birth control pills do have an impact on the sex drive of women. However, there are some other physical and emotional factors as well that have an impact on testosterone levels in women. Sexual disorders can also contribute to low sex drive. Whatever the reason, you can still try to increase it by making certain lifestyle changes or you can consult a physician who can guide you in the right direction.