Birth Control Pill and Libido

Libido, also called a sex drive, is one’s natural desire for sexual contact. There have been varying studies over 40 years regarding a link between birth control pills and libido. Some studies show a link between hormonal birth control and libido, others do not, and this question is likely to continue to be debated until some full-proof research provides a concrete answer. A link between birth control pills and libido is possible. Some studies show between 5-10% of women may experience reduced libido because of birth control. All medications, no matter how basic they may seem, have side effects.

Women tend to feel that because birth control provides added estrogen, their hormones are being affected and thus their sex drives would logically be affected also. This is not necessarily the case. Some research suggests that the hormone has a very small role in one’s sex drive, and thus the added hormones from birth control may not demonstrate any link between birth control pills and libido. Testosterone is even shown to be an important hormone in sex drive, perhaps more than estrogen.

A link between birth control pills and libido is possible, but it’s important to remember how complex the female sex drive is. Hormones, physical, and psychological issues all come into play in a woman’s libido, so demonstrating a direct link between birth control pills and libido is difficult.

If you think you may be experiencing reduced libido because of birth control, speak with your doctor. Simply changing from one brand of birth control to another may resolve any issues you have with birth control pills and libido. Similarly, the problem may be more complex and not have anything to do with birth control at all. Seeing your physician is the first step to resolving any concerns you may have about birth control pills and libido.

Dimitrov, D. (2006). The pill and libido. Planned Parenthood. Retrieved June 4, 2007 from http://www.plannedparenthood.org/news-articles-press/politics-policy-issues/medical-sexual-health/pill-libido-6381.htm.

Rodewald, Wendy. (2007). Are your birth control pills hurting your sex drive? Fitness Magazine. Retrieved June 4 2007 from http://www.fitnessmagazine.com/fitness/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/fitness/story/data/1177440311569.xml