Dr. Alexandra Dubinksaya, Sensera’s Medical Advisor, Urogynecologist, Reconstructive Pelvic Surgeon, and Sexual Medicine Specialist
Sex drive. Libido. That elusive mix of desire, arousal, and connection that fuels our intimate relationships and sense of self. But what happens when that drive takes a nosedive? For many women, one of the culprits may be hiding in plain sight: their birth control pills.
Let’s unpack this—playfully but thoughtfully.
What Is Sex Drive, Anyway?
Sex drive is the desire to engage in sexual activity. It can be physical, emotional, or relational, and it varies wildly from person to person and even within the same person over time.
There are generally two types of sex drive:
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Spontaneous desire: Think of it as a lightning bolt out of nowhere. You're minding your business and suddenly—bam—you want sex.
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Responsive desire: This one shows up more subtly. You might not feel aroused until you’re already in a romantic situation. It’s common, especially for women, and completely normal.
Biopsychosocial Model
Your libido doesn’t live in a vacuum. It’s influenced by an intricate web of biology, psychology, and social factors. Meaning—our hormones, mental stressors, relationship dynamics, and yes, even kids who won’t nap—all play a part in how we experience desire and connection.Let’s break this down with examples:
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Biological: Low testosterone, vaginal dryness, chronic illness, medications (including—you guessed it—birth control).
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Psychological: Depression, anxiety, poor body image, or past trauma.
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Social: Relationship conflict, lack of privacy, stress from work or caregiving.
So how do we approach low sex drive? Holistically. That means not just running hormone labs, but asking about mental health, lifestyle, and communication with a partner.
How Contraceptive Pills Work
Combination oral contraceptive pills contain synthetic versions of estrogen and progestin. These hormones prevent ovulation, thicken cervical mucus, and thin the uterine lining. Great for avoiding pregnancy—but they can also mess with your libido.
Here’s the science-y bit: hormonal contraceptives can increase levels of sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This protein binds to testosterone in the bloodstream, making it unavailable to your body. And testosterone, though often labeled a "male hormone," plays a key role in female libido, energy, and sexual sensation.
Some women on the pill feel perfectly fine. Others, however, report a noticeable dip in desire, decreased lubrication, or reduced orgasm intensity.
So What Can You Do?
If you suspect your birth control is cramping your sex life, don’t just suffer in silence. Here are some options to explore:
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Switch methods: Not all contraceptives affect libido equally. Some women do better on lower-dose pills, progestin-only pills, hormonal IUDs, or non-hormonal options like copper IUDs or condoms.
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Test hormone levels: This can help identify if SHBG is elevated or if other hormonal imbalances are present.
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Lifestyle support: Stress reduction, sleep, and exercise can make a big difference. So can prioritizing pleasure—which leads us to our next point.
Pleasure Is Medicine
Pleasure isn’t a luxury; it’s a health-promoting force. Experiencing sexual pleasure releases oxytocin, reduces stress hormones, and reinforces your brain’s connection to desire. This is where positive reinforcement comes in: the more enjoyable and rewarding the experience, the more your brain seeks it out. It's psychology-meets-biology.
Tools like the Sensera wellness device are designed to help reignite that spark. Sensera combines vibration (to enhance blood flow and sensitivity) with personalized guidance to support arousal and comfort. For women experiencing dryness, low desire, or difficulty orgasming, this kind of support can be empowering and restorative.
Sensera isn’t just a wellness gadget—it’s a permission slip to reconnect with your body and remind yourself: I deserve to feel good.
Final Thoughts
Yes, birth control pills can affect your sex drive. But the story doesn’t end there. By understanding how libido works, identifying the root causes of change, and taking action—whether that means switching contraception, exploring hormonal health, or inviting more pleasure into your life—you can reclaim your desire.
Because your libido matters. Your pleasure matters. And if your birth control is getting in the way, you’ve got options. You don’t have to choose between protection and passion.
