Scientists Seeking Answers for Diminished Libido Among Women Taking Oral Contraceptives

A recent report at Time.com explores research findings of the Ohio State University College of Medicine. According to the report, women who take birth control pills with synthetic estrogen and progestin have a lower libido than women who don't use them. Research at Ohio State explored the possible reasons for this by comparing women who took birth control pills with women who received progestin injections to avoid pregnancy. It was widely hypothesized that birth control pills harmed a women's sex drive by lowering testosterone levels. Progestin injections, on the other hand, do not lower testosterone levels. Contrary to anticipated findings, the women who received progestin injections had no differences in sexual satisfaction or interest than their pill-taking counterparts. The scientists learned that the diminished libido is apparently not the result of decreased testosterone, but rather some still-unrecognized factor.

Women with decreased libido should talk with their physician, regardless of whether they take birth control pills or not. A variety of treatments are available. Help is also available for men with low sexual interest. Untreated loss of libido can lead to a lowered quality of life and dissatisfaction in intimate relationships while a healthy libido can improve relationships and overall happiness.

Read more: http://healthland.time.com/2010/11/29/study-does-the-pill-lower-sex-drive/