Some women, under contraceptive pill, complain of a drop in sexual desire or even vaginal drought … myth or reality? What causes? What alternatives? What to do? Dr. Thierry Harvey, gynecologist, answers us.
Disorders of desire, pain during penetration, intimate drought, drop in lubrication, loss of pleasure … Can the pill really harm libido? What alternatives? Advice and explanations of Dr. Thierry Harvey, gynecologist and chief of maternity of Diaconesses, in Paris.
Does the pill lower the libido?
The impact on sexuality is variable depending on women.
“”It’s scientificsays Dr. Thierry Harvey. The pill contains hormones, more or less large quantities, which will act on the metabolism of an amino acid called Tryptophan. However, this is the source of the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine. These two hormones are chemical messengers of the nervous system which act, among other things, on sexual behavior. “”Their secretion thus promotes the disinhibition of sexual activity. Verdict: we are more inclined to make love. To sum up, these pleasure hormones are the barometers of our moods: if their brain levels are high, we are in a good mood and willing to have fun, if their rate is low, we are a little more depressed.” Moreover, “The hormones contained in the pill or other hormonal contraceptive increase the rate of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), a protein capable of making testosterone inactive (sex hormone manufactured by ovaries in women). And this drop in active testosterone can also play in sexual receptivity“He explains.
But the problem does not only come from the pill. All hormonal contraceptives, whether it be the hormonal IUD, the implant, the contraceptive patch or the vaginal ring, diffuse hormones in the body and the latter can influence pleasure or sexual desire. “”However, the impact on sexuality is variable depending on the couples“, Restresses Dr. Harvey.”Some women, under pill do not feel any drop in libido and on the contrary, have more sensations and more easily reach orgasm by being under hormonal contraception. Each woman is different“.
What is the cause of the drop in pill libido?
The woman has more sexual pleasure when she is the most fruitful. However, there is no more ovulation under certain pills.
The hormones contained in hormonal contraceptives can act on lubrication and cause pain during reports, a burning or tingling sensation. For example, estrogen or progesterone (deogestrel) block ovulation. However, as for most mammals, it is during ovulation that women secrete the most pheromonesa mixture of substances playing a role in sexuality. “”The cessation of ovulation can then lead to a decrease in libido, and if sexual desire is attenuated, vaginal lubrication – which is linked to sexual appetite – is also “explains Dr. Harvey. “”We discuss it together and we are considering either the use of a lubricant (this may be enough to regain fulfilling sexual intercourse), or the use of another contraception“. In addition, the drop in estrogens can promote intimate drought: women under pills weakly dosed in estrogens can thus have drier mucous membranes.”Above all, do not hesitate to ask your gynecologist for advice“, recommends the specialist. Finally, intimate drought can also be caused by an infection Assuming the vaginal wall and providing poor lubrication of the vagina. Regular visits to the gynecologist make it possible to detect possible infections, in order to be able to quickly treat them.
What to do and what alternatives?
From the moment she notices a difference in her sexual desire, being under contraceptive, the woman is invited to speak to her doctor or her gynecologist:
- First, the health professional questions the patient about her couple, her sex life, her morale … in order to detect if there is not behind, a rather psychological problem. Fatigue, stress, everyday concerns … are all factors that can explain a drop in libido.
- After having discussed with her and if he turns out that contraception is in question, we can offer her to change (less dosed pill, progesterone without pill, levonorgestrel pill which do not block ovulation …), or even Orient it towards a non -hormonal method (Copper diu, diaphragm, cape …).
“”Listen to the patient, reassure her, advise her to talk to her partner so that he does not feel guilty or even, bringing her an alternative already have a positive effect most of the time. In general, during the next consultation, we notice that she is already more optimistic about her sex life. Exchange and discussion have a strong placebo effect“Concludes the gynecologist.
Thank you to Dr. Thierry Harvey, gynecologist and maternity chief of the Diaconesses, in Paris.
