How Birth Control Can Impact Your Sex Life - Doctor Explains

Maybe you have been feeling like something is off with your sex life and you can’t quite put your finger on it. Than you might be surprised to learn that this sometimes can be caused by your choice of birth control.
This video is part of a videoseries on sex and urinal tract related medical problem. Find the playlists here: • Sex Related Medical Pr...
Types of birth control:
- Hormonal birth control: this includes the pill, the patch, the ring, the shot, the implant and the IUD (which stand for Intrauterine Device). All these methods work by releasing hormones into the body to prevent pregnancy.
- Barrier methods: this includes condoms, diaphragms, birth control sponge, spermicide gel and cervical caps. These methods work by either physically blocking the sperm from entering the vagina or by killing the sperm immediately once it enters the vagina.
- Fertility awareness methods: these consist out of natural family planning (which involves monitoring the menstrual cycle and avoiding intercourse during the fertile period), pull out method and breastfeeding as a form of birth control.
- Surgical methods; sterilization for women and a vasectomy for men.
Effects of birth control:
- Hormonal birth control: these alter hormones levels in the female body. Those with high doses can reduce libido, can cause problems with lubrication due to a decreased mucus production of the vagina and can make it harder to achieve an orgasm.
In addition, hormonal birth control could cause several other side effects, like changes in menstrual bleeding patterns, painful breasts, pelvic pain, nausea, mood changes and headaches. When severe, these could also impact your sex drive and thus sex life.
- Barrier methods: they may affect your sexual experiences. For example, condoms are made of latex or polyurethane. They are worn over the penis or into the vagina during intercourse. Some people may find that the sensation of wearing a condom can reduce sensitivity and pleasure during intercourse. The same can be said for diaphragms and cervical cap. Some users describe them als disruptive.
- Fertility awareness methods can have different effects in each and everyone of us. Some people may find that monitoring their menstrual cycle and identifying their fertile window can lead to more spontaneous, enjoyable and satisfying sexual experiences. While others may find that it puts a strain on their libido by having to follow strict rules and monitoring constantly.
- Surgical methods: they do not affect your hormonal status, your sexual desire nor the sensation it brings. So you are good there.
- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -
Literature:
1: NHS. (2022). Your contraception guide. NHS.
2: Planned Parenthood. (2022). Birth Control. Planned Parenthood.
3: M Boutot. (2019). Birth control and sex drive. Your Privacy.
* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from www.canva.com/.
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[@melvayaredaguilar]

I had no symptoms

[@dailydoseofmedicinee]

🗯👏

[@matovicmmilan]

"Breastfeeding as a form of birth control"
What's that?