Natural Ways To Increase Libido While On Birth Control

Side effects of birth control or contraceptives are not uncommon. Many women are subject to unwanted secondary effects after using birth control. There are various methods of birth control available in the market. They come in the form of pills, patches, rings, injections, IUDs, and implants.  The side effects may vary depending on the type of birth control method chosen.  

After using birth control, women may develop mild symptoms. Some might experience severe forms of side effects. Although birth control comes with a plethora of side effects, it is also possible that some might not even develop any side effects at all.

The type of unwanted secondary effects and their intensity may vary from one person to another. Mostly, the usage of birth control gives rise to problems like:

• Loss of interest in sex
• Low libido (sex drive)
• Vaginal dryness  
• Pain or discomfort during sexual intercourse

Effects of birth control on libido

Libido refers to the sexual drive or desire. People with high libido have a higher desire for sexual activity. Those with low libido lack the desire to engage in sexual interactions.

Libido can vary from one person to another. It is influenced by age, physiological, psychological, emotional, and hormonal factors. Some people have a high libido, while others struggle in their sex life because of low libido.

Birth control can impact the libido by changing the hormonal levels. Hormonal imbalances contribute to the avoidance of sex.

The effects of contraceptives can also influence psychological function. Impact on psychological well-being interferes with sexual function.

Ways to boost libido naturally  

Birth control is important. It helps prevent unintended pregnancies. But to reduce its ill effects on your libido, you can incorporate the following techniques.

Practice mindfulness

Mindfulness techniques like meditation and deep breathing exercises bring down stress levels. Stress can impact the libido significantly. It triggers physiological, psychological, emotional, as well as hormonal changes.

Stress affects the sex drive in the following ways:

• Psychological changes - Prolonged stress can give rise to feelings of anxiety, depression, and bad mood.  
• Physiological changes - Stress can affect the sexual response. It can constrict the blood vessels and prevent blood circulation in the sexual organs. This decreases the person’s sensitivity to sexual arousal.
• Hormonal changes - Chronic stress leads to high levels of cortisol in the body. Cortisol is a hormone that suppresses the sex hormones and lowers the libido. As a result, stressed individuals find it difficult to attain sexual pleasure.  
• It is necessary to manage the stress. Learning some mindfulness techniques can be extremely beneficial. Practicing them regularly will increase your relaxation.    

Exercise

• Routine exercise enhances blood circulation throughout the body. It also boosts the levels of sex hormones. Certain exercises that can boost sex drive include:
• Kegels – Kegels are pelvic floor exercises that strengthen the pelvic muscles. Such exercises can relieve the muscle tension and increase relaxation. Practicing Kegels regularly increases sexual satisfaction.
• Yoga – Yoga involves the combination of deep mindful breathing and physical postures. Certain postures can target the pelvic floor muscles and promote sexual sensitivity.
• Aerobic exercises – Running, walking, brisk walking, dancing, etc. can elevate your mood and increase your confidence. Such exercises reduce the levels of cortisol and trigger the release of feel-good hormones.

Try some aphrodisiacs

Aphrodisiacs are foods and herbs that boost the libido. Certain foods can regulate your hormone levels and increase your sexual pleasure.

Some popular examples of aphrodisiacs are:

• Chocolate – It contains mood-enhancing compounds, which boost its aphrodisiac effects.
• Honey – It helps restore the balance of sex hormones in the body.
• Oysters – Oysters are a rich source of zinc, which is a compound that is essential for a healthy sexual function.
• Ginger – Ginger can enhance blood circulation and stimulate sexual arousal.
• Fenugreek – It can restore hormonal balance and enhance libido.
• Maca – Maca root extract can enhance sexual desire by aiding hormonal balance.
• Watermelon – It contains L-citrulline, which is an amino acid that is essential for sexual function.

Communicate with your partner  

It is necessary to have an honest communication with your partner. You must bring your sexual difficulties to their awareness. Doing so will help them to understand what is lacking between you two.

Talking it out will reduce the conflicts and you can figure out ways to enhance more intimacy and pleasure in your relationship. Emotional closeness will enhance your sexual experience altogether.

The lowdown  

The impact of birth control can diminish the desire for sex. This happens due to the side effects of contraceptives. Low libido is a common side effect of using birth control.

As a result, women tend to lose interest in sex. However, this difficulty can be managed by incorporating natural ways of increasing libido while continuing the usage of birth control.