Birth control is a great way to prevent pregnancy, but it can affect your libido. Hormonal birth control methods like the pill, implant, or ring change hormone levels to stop the ovaries from releasing an egg and making you pregnant.
If you’re on a hormonal birth control method and notice low libido, there are a few things you can try to get your mojo back.
1. Eat Healthy Foods
Many women who take hormonal birth control experience decreased libido. However, it’s important to remember that sex drive can decrease for a number of reasons, not just because of the pill. It’s also important to understand that not everyone experiences this side effect, and the change in desire may not be permanent.
Eating a healthy diet filled with a variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains and healthy fats can help to increase libido. It is important to avoid eating too many processed and high-sugar foods, as these can have a negative impact on libido.
Taking herbal supplements like maca root and ginseng can also increase libido. However, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new herbal supplement.
If you’re not seeing results from your attempts to increase libido, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional. They can provide further information and suggest treatment options. If you’re interested in exploring other birth control methods, there are several long-lasting options, such as IUDs and contraceptive implants, which do not affect libido. If you’re not ready to have children, you can also discuss longer-term birth control methods such as tubal ligation or sterilization.
2. Exercise
While the hormonal changes from birth control can sometimes decrease libido, exercise is a good way to get your body back in the mood. Hitting the gym or a yoga class may help to increase your energy levels, and a recent study found that doing so can even lead to orgasms.
Stress can also lower your libido, so focusing on self-care and taking steps to reduce it will make you feel better overall. Try journaling, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to relieve stress and keep your hormones balanced.
A low libido can be caused by many different factors, including your hormones, lifestyle habits, and relationship status. Using the tips above, as well as practicing healthy behaviors and communicating with your partner, can help you enjoy a healthy sex life while on birth control. Keep in mind that everyone’s bodies are different, so it may take time to see the results you want. If you are still experiencing a lack of sexual drive, consider switching to a different type of birth control. There are many options available, and non-hormonal methods like the pill or implant typically don’t affect libido.
3. Stay Relaxed
Getting enough rest and finding ways to relax can help increase libido. Stress can lead to a lack of interest in sex because it causes an imbalance in hormones like estrogen and testosterone. Try doing activities that help you relax, such as exercising, taking a bath, and practicing mindfulness.
Some forms of hormonal birth control can cause low libido in some women because they lower estrogen and progesterone levels, which can impact sexual desire. Some women may also experience dry vaginal lubrication, which can affect enjoyment of sex. However, other women may find that their libido improves on certain forms of hormonal birth control. For example, some studies have shown that a levonorgestrel-releasing IUD like the Mirena IUD might help boost libido in some people.
Regardless of which type of birth control you use, if you’re experiencing a low libido, it’s important to talk with your doctor. Together, you can determine what’s causing your low libido and come up with a plan to address it. You may even decide to switch to a different type of birth control altogether.
4. Get Enough Sleep
It’s probably the biggest irony in women’s health that hormonal birth control, which is designed to prevent pregnancy, can actually decrease libido. But don’t give up hope just yet — there are plenty of ways you can boost your libido while on the pill (or another form of hormonal birth control).
Hormonal birth control is known to affect a woman’s libido in different ways depending on the type of medication she’s taking and other factors like age, stress, and relationships. But if you notice a major decrease in your libido since starting a new form of birth control, it might be time to talk to your doctor about switching to something else.
You might also consider trying a libido-boosting supplement, like ASYSTEM Female Libido Gummies, which uses a blend of natural ingredients that’s been clinically shown to increase a woman’s libido. Getting enough sleep and staying relaxed can also help improve your mood, which is important for sexual desire.
5. Communicate with Your Partner
Many of the myths around birth control—that some forms don’t protect against STIs or are only for young people—are still out there, and that can contribute to a lack of libido. Have an honest and open discussion with your partner about the issue. Choose a time when you can talk in person and without distractions. It may be helpful to use a free, mad-lib style “Let’s Talk About Sex” guide to help you get started.
It can be difficult to have a conversation about sexual desire while on birth control, but it is essential for your relationship. You might find that your partner is more receptive to discussing these issues than you expected, and that is a great sign! A supportive partner will not make you feel embarrassed about a lack of interest in sex, and should be on board with prioritizing your health.
If you and your doctor have tried talking about the issue and switching your birth control method, but you still experience low libido, it might be time to consider alternative methods like acupuncture or massage. You can also consult a therapist specializing in sexual health to discuss your concerns.
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