Effects of oral contraceptives on sexual behavior
Cohen, J.
Contraception Fertilite Sexualite 4(8): 677-682
1976
ISSN/ISBN: 0301-861X PMID: 12229583 Document Number: 107288
Reported effects of the pill on various aspects of sexuality are widely divergent. The frequency of sexual relations range from unchanged to increased in 34-54%. Similarly, orgasm is said to be unchanged, improved in 32%, or improved in several respects in another study. Frigidity is reported in 5 and 6% in 2 rigorous studies, and in 30% in a placebo study. In contrast, dysmenorrhea and premenstrual syndrome are usually improved due to inhibition of ovulation. The author found that 9% of his patients questioned complained of painful penetration, 3% during and 9% after intercourse, probably because of mycoses and insufficient vaginal lubrication. 1 proven effect of the pill is a mild to severe deficiency of Vitamin-B6, causing depression, irritability, and loss of libido. Research in monkeys shows that female pheromones are dependent on natural hormone levels. Finally, the symbolic significance of taking a contraceptive pill, and the fact that a particular population of women will select this type of contraception, may lead to a predisposition to sexual behavior problems. Giving Vitamin-B6 to women with associated depression, searching for vaginal infection in those with complaints of dyspareunia, and changing the pill usually to a lower dose, in cases of general malaise, are suggested.