Sex should be fun, but for some, birth control can make it complicated. To have control over one’s reproductive health, birth control can be a transformative choice. However, depending upon individual to individual, Birth Control measures (pills, etc) can sometimes decrease Libido.
A decrease in Libido, aka Sex Drive, can be frustrating and sometimes even a roadblock in a relationship. Especially for couples who choose birth control measures for family planning, sudden loss of Libido can be challenging to deal with.
As frustrating as it may get, luckily, there are measures to increase Libido while on Birth Control. Here’s more about the same.
Birth Control Measures And Their Effect On Libido
Although Birth Control is a prevention for unwanted pregnancy, sometimes the results can go haywire. Birth control measures, especially the ones that involve rings, pills, and patches, are known to decrease the sex drive. Typically, these hormonal birth control measures conceal the monthly egg release phenomenon, which is known as Ovulation. As these methods break Ovulation, it results in lowering the testosterone levels that control the Libido (or desire for sex).
Natural Ways To Increase Libido While On Birth Control
Birth Control may decrease your sex drive, but worry not since there are plenty of natural ways to increase it:
1. Communicate With Your Partner
Sex involves two people, and if you feel birth control is effective in your desire for intimacy, talk to your partner. Intimacy is a collective experience involving physical, emotional, and intellectual connections between two people. Communicating with your partner will help you come up with different ideas to initiate sex drive.
2. Address Stress And Anxiety
Addressing stress and anxiety through deep-breathing exercises, yoga, and meditation can lead to an increased desire for sexual activities. Remember, birth control alone isn’t consistently decreasing your Libido, and high-stress levels have a significant role to play in the same.
3. Spice Things Up
Changes are good, and your sexual life desires the same. Get out of your bedroom and explore different places in your house. Or introduce sex toys, read or watch something erotic together, and bring role-play into the scene. Explore each other’s fantasies, ensuring both of you are comfortable and satisfied with new ideas.
4. Ensure A Nutritious Diet
A nutritious diet plays an essential role in supporting a healthy sex life. A well-balanced nutritious diet that contributes to good cardiovascular health can increase Libido. Healthy fats, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates contribute to the hormonal balance. Women with conditions like PCOS and PCOD must focus on their diet to ensure a happy and healthy sex life.
5. Herbal Remedies
Herbal Remedies for years have been known for addressing sexual functions. Although there is limited research supporting the same, herbs like Maca, Ginseng, Ginko Biloba, and Tribulus may have potential benefits for improved sexual desire and overall intimacy.
6. Sex Therapy
To address decreased Libido, Sex Therapy can prove a precious approach. Although its effectiveness may vary from person to person, being involved in a few sessions with a certified sex therapist can have a positive impact. Although Sex Therapy isn’t limited to individual counseling, it explores relationship counseling as well.
7. Maintain A Healthy Weight And Overall Healthy Lifestyle
While many individuals may overlook obesity, an unhealthy lifestyle (including practices like smoking) can decrease the sex drive. Inadequate sleep can also be linked to the quality of Libido. Therefore, focus on your weight, physical activities, and overall sleep cycle/ quality.
Birth Control Measures That Don’t Decrease Libido
Not all Birth Control measures decrease Libido, and if you are worried about intimacy, these can be a great choice:
- Hormonal and Nonhomonal (copper) intrauterine devices (IUDs) are highly effective birth control methods. In fact, instead of decreasing the desire for sex, they may increase Libido and physical arousal.
- Condoms, the physical barrier that acts as birth control, don’t mess with the hormonal levels and won’t come in between your sex desires.
- Diaphragm and Spermicide are other birth control methods that don’t affect hormonal balance or Libido at all.
Wrap Up
Remember, it isn’t always the Birth Control measure, but plenty of things affect your Libido. For personalized advice on your situation, it is better to consult a gynecologist, urologist, or sex therapist.
