Birth Control: What It Is And How It Affects Your Sex Life

Birth Control: What Is It and How Does it Affect Your Sex Life

Listen up, humans with uteruses, it has come to my attention that people want to learn more about birth control and how it affects your sex life!

This little miracle of modern science doesn't just prevent surprise babies, but it also changes things within your body. Whether you're 16 and figuring out what the hell is happening to your hormones, or 35 and wondering why your libido suddenly dipped out, this guide is for you.

Plot Twist: Birth Control Does More Than Just Cockblock Sperm

First of all, birth control isn't just pregnancy prevention in a pretty package. According to Rebecca Buffum Taylor and MD Stephanie S. Gardner on WebMD, birth control actually has the potential to help reduce acne flare ups. The article also states that Ortho Tri-Cyclen and Yaz are the most effective birth control pills for combatting acne. Funnily enough though, birth control pills also have the potential to have opposite effect resulting in more acne breakouts on the skin.

YAYA isn't it so fun to have a uterus?!

It really just depends on how you react to the medication. Certain mixed pills of estrogen and progesterone as well as the IUD has the potential to make your acne actually worse.

Everyone's body is different, and when you start messing with your hormones things are bound to change both physically and mentally. Some other side effects include changes in your menstrual cycle and pain management for endometriosis says the Cleveland Clinic. So while we're absolutely going to spill the tea on how it affects your bedroom gymnastics, remember there's a whole buffet of bodily changes that may occur when/if you decide on taking birth control.

The Birth Control Buffet: What Should We Sample First?

Let's talk about some of the most common forms of birth control and what type of commitment each one is:

• The Daily Pill: Typically requires you to pop one pill daily and let those hormones do their thing. It's like having a tiny bouncer in your ovaries saying "not today, eggs!" Simple concept, but requires more commitment than your last three relationships combined.

• The Patch: Slap this bad boy on your skin and forget about it for a week. It's like a nicotine patch, but instead of helping you quit smoking, it helps you avoid tiny humans. Genius, really.

• The Vaginal Ring: This flexible little circle chills in your vagina for three weeks, releasing hormones like the world's most useful houseguest. Then it takes a week off, and your period comes.

• The Shot: Commitment Issues? We got you with one injection, which results in three months of "nope" to pregnancy. Perfect for anyone who can't be trusted to remember a daily pill but can handle four doctor visits a year.

• The Implant: A tiny rod that lives under your arm skin for up to three years, working harder than your last intern. It's basically the Energizer Bunny of birth control.

• IUDs: These T-shaped legends get inserted into your uterus and just... work. Like, really well. Hormonal IUDs (Mirena, Kyleena, Liletta, Skyla): Release progestin and last 3-7 years. They're the marathon runners of contraception. Copper IUD (Paragard): This hormone-free badass uses copper to create a "fuck no" environment for sperm and eggs. Can last 10 years because it's committed to the cause.

• Barrier Methods: Condoms, diaphragms, cervical caps, sponges are your physical barriers that tell sperm "you shall not pass!" Think of them as tiny nightclub bouncers for your cervix.

• Sterilization: (This one is pretty serious) involving tubal ligation for vulva-havers or a vasectomy for penis-havers. This is the "never having children" choice.

How Birth Control Fucks With Your Sex Life (And Sometimes in Good Ways)

Let's start with the obvious win: birth control gives you that sweet peace of mind that lets you be spontaneous without doing mental math about fertile windows. Freedom tastes like not having to sprint to CVS for Plan B on a Sunday morning. When pregnancy anxiety isn't killing your vibe, you can actually focus on the fun stuff.

But here's where things get interesting and unpredictable. Hormonal birth control is basically sexual Russian roulette, it can really work for you or really suck.

Your sex drive could go one of three ways: some people's libido goes completely MIA, others feel no change and continue being their horny selves, and some lucky souls actually get MORE turned on because they're not stressed about pregnancy. It's a total wildcard, and there's no way to predict which camp you'll fall into until you try it. Here's something they don't put on the pamphlets: some hormonal methods can cause vaginal dryness, which makes sex about as fun as sandpaper on sensitive skin. But here's your PSA: LUBE IS YOUR FRIEND. Good lube can turn a friction-heavy situation into a slippery good time.

It's not just physical either. According to research from Martell et al. at the National Library of Medicine, hormonal contraceptives mess with more than just your reproductive system, they can trigger an influx of emotions and affect your mood, libido, and overall emotional well-being. So if you're feeling off mentally, it might not be all in your head. It may be your birth control messing with you.

In addition to high emotions, birth control can also make you spot constantly. If you're always bleeding (even if it's just a little), it's kind of a downer. Not exactly the mood you're going for.

On the bright side though, birth control can help reduce menstrual pain, according to Planned Parenthood. So while you might be dealing with spotting, at least your actual period might be less of a nightmare.

The Bottom Line

There's no guarantee that any particular type of birth control will work better than others since everyone's body is different. It's worth trying different options to find what works for you.

And if you're dealing with mood swings, constant bleeding, acne, and potential weight changes, welcome to the wonderful world of hormonal contraception. The key is finding what works for your body and your sex life, because at the end of the day, good sex shouldn't require a degree in chemistry or a prayer circle.

The Weight Debate and Putting Rubber on the Meat

Let's be real, some people swear birth control made them gain weight, others say it's bullshit. The jury's still out scientifically, but if you don't feel good in your body, you're probably not going to feel like a sex goddess. But if you opt out of hormonal birth control and decide on barrier methods, the logistics can sometimes interrupt the flow of your intimate moment. Having to pause make out to fumble with a condom or insert a diaphragm can definitely kill the spontaneous vibe. BUT (and this is important) you're also protecting yourself from STIs and pregnancy which is pretty amazing stuff.

FAQs: Your Burning Birth Control Questions, Answered!

Q: I'm worried about weight gain. Will birth control make me chunky?

A: This is a common concern! While some women report weight changes, studies have not confirmed the validity of this claim. If you're concerned, talk to your doctor!

Q: My libido has taken a nosedive since starting birth control. What gives?

A: You're not alone! Hormonal birth control can affect libido for some women. It's often due to changes in hormone levels. Don't suffer in silence! There might be another method or even non-hormonal solutions to explore.

Q: Does birth control protect against STIs?

A: This is super important to remember: No! The vast majority of birth control methods (pills, patches, rings, shots, implants, IUDs) do not protect against sexually transmitted infections. Only condoms (male and female) offer protection against STIs. Always use condoms if you're not in a mutually monogamous relationship or don't know your partner's STI status.

Q: Can I skip my period on birth control?

A: Depending on the method, absolutely! With some pills, patches, or rings, you can continuously use them without the placebo week to skip your period. Many hormonal IUDs also significantly lighten or eliminate periods.

Q: I'm over 35/40. Is birth control still an option for me?

A: Absolutely! Birth control is for women of all ages. Many methods are perfectly safe and effective for older women, even those approaching menopause. In fact, some can help manage perimenopausal symptoms. Your doctor can help you choose the best option based on your health history.

Q: How do I know which birth control is right for me?

A: That is totally up to you. It really depends on your particular circumstance and body's reaction to birth control.

Don't be afraid to ask questions at the doctor and discuss all your options! Don't settle for something that makes you uncomfortable or unhappy! Your sex life, and your body, deserve all the good vibes.

So get your freak on, and explore what the world of horniness has in store for you at ToyChats.com.