Sometimes, hormonal birth control can affect libido. But, it’s important to know that this is not always the case!
It’s also important to remember that libido can go up and down during the menstrual cycle. Plus, there are many factors that can influence libido beyond hormones, such as stress and relationship problems.
1. Exercise regularly
Most people aren’t surprised to find that their libido drops a bit after they start using hormonal birth control. It can be difficult to reach orgasm and may cause some women and men to feel less sexually desirable, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing.
The key is to remember that libido isn’t just about hormones, it also depends on how we feel emotionally and physically, relationship issues, and other factors. The important thing is to not let low libido get you down and to focus on ways to increase your pleasure during intimate relationships and while exercising and working out.
Hormonal birth control works by changing the levels of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones prevent the ovaries from releasing an egg, making pregnancy impossible. However, many non-hormonal forms of birth control (like the copper intrauterine device, or IUD) don’t change hormones at all and still provide a high level of protection.
Incorporating aphrodisiac foods, exploring new activities, and using lubricants can all help with increasing sexual desire while on birth control. If these strategies don’t work, it’s worth talking to your doctor about switching to a different type of birth control.
2. Eat a healthy diet
While it’s common for hormonal birth control to decrease libido, it doesn’t eliminate it completely. Individuals respond differently to the pill and other birth control options, so everyone should consider all potential causes of a decreased libido, such as relationship issues, mental health, and more. In some cases, a person’s hormone levels may fluctuate with the menstrual cycle, which can also cause a drop in sexual drive.
Many women find that their libido improves once they switch to a different type of birth control. For example, some oral contraceptives, such as combined pills, boost estrogen and reduce progestin, which can increase a woman’s testosterone levels. This can help to boost libido, especially if you were already experiencing low testosterone to begin with.
It’s also important to eat a healthy diet that includes nutrient-dense foods to keep your energy up. Incorporating aphrodisiac foods like red meat, nuts, and whole grains can help. There are many natural supplements that can also aid in libido, but be sure to speak with your healthcare provider before trying any new supplements or medications.
While some women find that their libido takes a hit while using hormonal birth control, it’s important to remember that each person is unique and experiences the pill differently. It’s also normal for a woman’s libido to drop with age, and in long-term relationships or after pregnancy. Taking steps to prioritize self-care, try non-hormonal methods like the implant or IUD, and use lubricants and sexual stimulation to improve your overall sex life.
3. Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep can help boost your libido. It’s important to try your best to get between 7.5 and 8 hours of sleep each night to allow your body to rest. Make sure to also prioritize self-care and stress-management techniques, including exercise, meditation, and eating foods that are thought to have aphrodisiac properties like oysters, dark chocolate, and avocados.
It’s not uncommon for birth control to decrease libido in some people. However, it’s important to remember that libido is a complex thing and there are many factors that can affect it. It’s totally normal for libido to fluctuate from day to day and week to week, especially since hormones can change it throughout the month.
If you’re experiencing a sudden decrease in your libido while on hormonal birth control, it may be time to discuss your options with your doctor. They might recommend switching to a different form of birth control or even suggesting trying a non-hormonal method of contraception altogether.
It’s also important to remember that there is no right or wrong amount of sex that you should be having. Some people want sex several times a day, while others are perfectly satisfied going weeks or months without having any. It’s just a matter of finding what works for you and your partner, which may involve discussing your sexual desires and preferences with them.
4. Relax
Some people find that their libido increases when they switch to hormonal birth control, especially when their baseline levels of estrogen are lower. Changing your birth control method may help, but you should also focus on strategies like prioritizing self-care, exploring new ways to connect with your partner, and using lubricants to alleviate pain during intercourse.
Non-hormonal forms of birth control, such as the copper intrauterine device (IUD), don’t change hormone levels. Instead, they create a chemical reaction that essentially kills the sperm and prevents them from fertilizing an egg. This is the primary reason why some people experience a boost in their libido while on non-hormonal birth control.
Another reason for low libido while on birth control is simply because of how long you’ve been in a relationship. Research shows that long term monogamous relationships can seriously tank a woman’s libido.
In the end, there’s no right or wrong amount of sexual desire that you should have. However, if your libido is significantly lower than it used to be and you’re on birth control, it might be time to make an appointment with a sex therapist. A sex therapist can help you pinpoint any problems in your relationship or explore other ways to increase libido. They can even suggest a few non-hormonal methods of birth control that might work for you!