Women have a variety of contraceptive options, such as oral contraceptives (birth control pills), intrauterine devices (IUDs), condoms, and tubal ligation surgery (getting one’s “ tubes tied”).

However, the degree to which these methods affect sexual function is a matter of debate. Some studies have found that contraceptives can interfere with sexual arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pleasure.

Other studies report that some women find sex more satisfying when they use contraceptives. With less anxiety over an unplanned pregnancy, they might enjoy sex even more.

To learn more, a team of researchers conducted a review of medical studies and published their findings in 2020 in the Journal of Sexual Medicine.

The researchers analyzed 12 studies that included 9,427 women overall. The average ages of the women ranged from 23 to 38. In each study, the women’s sexual function was assessed with a tool called the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The FSFI is considered a “gold standard” tool and is often used in studies of women’s sexual health. In particular, it assesses six specific domains: sexual desire, arousal, vaginal lubrication, orgasm, sexual satisfaction, and sexual pain.

When the scientists compared the FSFI scores of contraceptive users with women who did not use contraceptives, they found no significant differences except for the domain of desire.

Oral contraceptives in particular are often thought to dampen sexual desire. Women have also reported problems with arousal, vaginal dryness, and orgasm when using oral contraceptives.

Learn more:

What medications might lower a person’s libido?

If you think your birth control method might be causing sexual problems, we encourage you to talk to your healthcare provider. It’s possible that a different type of birth control could help, and your doctor can guide you on the best plan for you.

Resources

• International Society for Sexual Medicine - “What are some common sexual side effects of oral contraceptives (birth control pills)?”
  https://www.issm.info/sexual-health-qa/what-are-some-common-sexual-side-effects-of-oral-contraceptives-birth-contr/
  
  
• The Journal of Sexual Medicine - “Is There an Association Between Contraception and Sexual Dysfunction in Women? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Based on Female Sexual Function Index”
  Huang, Minger, MB, et al.
  (Full-text. Published: July 18, 2020)
  https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(20)30711-6/fulltext