There are several good reasons why women prefer the pill over the IUD, but satisfying sex is not one of them.
Of sexually active women who use contraception, 21 percent take birth control pills, and 13 percent rely on intrauterine devices. Both the pill and IUDs offer advantages and disadvantages. Women can talk to Planned family planning counselors to find out which of the dozens of methods is best for them. Parenthood and other contraceptives.
But those interested in sexual satisfaction will enjoy it more if they choose the IUD over the pill. A recent rigorous study in Brazil showed that compared to IUD users, women taking the pill had reduced arousal (p < 0.05), more sexual pain (p < 0.05), more worry and depression (p < 0.03) and less sexual satisfaction (p < 0.05).
Does the pill have any dirty secrets?
Some studies show that there is no connection between the pill and women’s sexual problems. But Brazil’s finding is no mean feat. Other studies have linked the pill to a wide range of sexual problems:
- Polish researchers interviewed 495 women, of whom 237 used the pill, and the rest relied on other methods. 14 percent of those using methods other than the pill reported sexual problems. Among pill users, the proportion was much higher, at 22 percent.
- Women’s health experts from across the US have reviewed research linking the pill to sexual side effects. Their conclusion: Birth control pills “have negative effects on arousal, lubrication, and sex. orgasmand appears to be associated with vaginal pain during intercourse. Sexual side effects are a strong predictor of discontinuation of oral contraceptives. In other words, sexual problems associated with the pill are the main reason women stop using birth control pills.
Why do birth control pills cause sexual problems?
Birth control pills contain one or two female sex hormones hormones, estrogen and/or progestin. The monthly hormonal changes of the menstrual cycle change many women’s moods and how they experience sex. It’s reasonable to believe that the hormone(s) in the pill can do the same.
Compared to 30 years ago, today’s birth control pills contain lower doses of hormones. But even at low doses, existing studies show that the pill can cause sexual problems. Sexual problems associated with the pill usually begin weeks to months after starting.
What to do
Assess your situation. Do you feel like you’ve had more sexual problems since you started taking birth control pills? Top sexual side effects include: decreased arousal, decreased vaginal self-lubrication, pain in the pelvis or vagina, and less sexual satisfaction. In addition, many pill users report increased anxiety and depression, which can interfere with sex.
Consult the doctor who prescribed the pills for you. Discuss your experience. Ask what the clinician knows about sexual problems associated with the pill. You may bring a copy of this post.
Consider switching to another method. You can switch temporarily to see if you get more pleasure from sex using another method. If so, you may want to consider making the change permanent. A Brazilian study shows that the IUD is less likely to cause sexual problems than the pill. In addition, diaphragms, condoms and ovulation detection methods cannot cause problems with sex.
Involve your partner. If your partner is a woman, she will probably sympathize with your situation. But if you’re with a man, he might not be. Ask him to read this message. You two can try a condom. If he thinks they diminish the fun, ask him to read my book previous post about condoms.
