Survey study, 2016
Does hormonal birth control affect sexual desire across the menstrual cycle?
This study of 89 couples found that women on hormonal birth control pills did not show cycle-related changes in sexual desire that naturally cycling women have. Sexual intercourse frequency declined slightly toward the end of pill cycles.
What they did
Prospective diary study with 89 heterosexual couples who tracked sexual desire, sexual behavior, and mood daily. Women were using one of four contraceptive methods: nonhormonal contraception or three types of hormonal birth control pills.
What they found
No cycle effects of sexual desire were established in the hormonal pill groups. Frequency of sexual intercourse declined in the last days of active pill taking in both female and male partners. Negative affect did not vary with sexual desire.
What it means for you
This study suggests that hormonal birth control may reduce the typical menstrual cycle effects on sexual desire seen in naturally cycling women. A limitation is that different women used different types of pills, so it is unclear if all pills have similar effects. Findings are based on self-reported behavior.
89
heterosexual couples
4
contraceptive methods tested
About the study
- Original title
- Cycle-Related Changes in Mood, Sexual Desire, and Sexual Activity in Oral Contraception-Using and Nonhormonal-Contraception-Using Couples
- Authors
- Elaut E, Buysse A, De Sutter P et al.
- Journal
- Journal of sex research
- Year
- 2016
- Study design
- Survey study
- What was tested
- Four contraceptive methods including nonhormonal contraception and three types of hormonal pills
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/00224499.2014.976780
Topics
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