can birth control affect your libido?
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Can hormonal birth control affect libido? The synthetic hormones in the pill and other hormonal contraceptives can lower libido in some women. It is estimated that between 5% and 10% of all women who take the pill will experience a decrease in sex drive.
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Most hormonal birth control prevents ovulation Hormonal birth control pills prevent ovulation, so in theory, they can improve PMS/PMDD symptoms by preventing ovulation-related hormone changes.
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But if women have low levels, to begin with, the Pill could reduce androgens to a level that might suppress women's libido. The Pill has many effects that may increase erotic interest and improve sexual function. When used properly, it's highly effective, eliminating anxieties about unintended pregnancy.
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25, 2001 -- Most women take birth control pills to prevent pregnancy, but oral contraceptive use may have unwanted sexual side effects. A study appearing today in Human Reproduction found women taking a birth control pill were less sensitive to scents, which may negatively affect their sex drives.
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They found that, when the pill inhibits ovulation, it also eliminates a monthly period when a woman's attractiveness rises. The theory goes like this: Over the course of a menstrual cycle, hormonal fluctuation slightly alters woman's facial appearance, her vocal pitch, even body odor.
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The pill (various brands) In a 2013 review of studies published since the 1970s on the pill and sexual function, researchers found that more than 6 in 10 people using the pill had no changes in libido, more than 2 in 10 had an increase in libido, and about 1 in 10 did report a decrease in libido (2).
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You might feel friskier. A small number of women find that the pill drives their libido down, especially if they take some very low-dose pills. So a few women, about 15% in one study, may find themselves in the mood more often after they stop their birth control.
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Generally, yes. Birth control pills should not have an adverse effect on heavy periods and can help, as described above. However, when you initially have a heavy period, you should consult with your doctor to determine the cause.
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We know plenty about the ways oral contraceptives can affect our physical health. Common side effects include headaches and dizziness, nausea, decreased libido, and breast tenderness. Many of these side effects are temporary and will go away as you continue to take the pill.
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Hormonal birth control Using these types of birth control, including the birth control pill, can lead to more discharge, because hormone levels may be affected. The increase is not usually a cause for concern unless there are any other symptoms.
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The estrogen in most birth control pills works to suppress ovulation, hence pregnancy. Here's exactly what to do when you're thinking about starting a family: “I recommend to stop taking birth control pills three months before you actually want to start trying,” says Dr.
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In one study, 16.3% of women reported that the birth control pill worsened their mood premenstrually, compared to 12.3% of women who said that the pill improved their mood (9). A study in 2016 made news when it reported that hormonal birth control use is associated with depression (10).
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It can cause irregular periods, unwanted hair growth, and acne. Taking birth control pills can improve these symptoms by balancing your hormones, lowering the level of testosterone, and regulating your period.
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Hormonal birth control pills alter the body's natural hormone levels. Although many people use hormonal contraceptives to shorten or regulate their periods, they can sometimes result in heavier or prolonged periods. Abnormal periods are common during the first few months of taking a new hormonal medication.
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Hormonal birth control pills prevent ovulation, so in theory, they can improve PMS/PMDD symptoms by preventing ovulation-related hormone changes.
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While some women with a history of mood issues — depression, anxiety, even insomnia — tend to see an increase in their symptoms' severity once they go on some birth control pills, others report that going on the Pill improves their mood, according to a study conducted by the National Library of Medicine. 14.
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In short, the hormones in birth control probably won't affect you, but if they do, they could make you feel more easily annoyed, depressed, anxious or angry than normal. Of course, these are completely normal emotions that you'll experience regardless of whether or not you use hormonal birth control.