'The Pill' = Permenant Loss of Sex Drive

I really do hate 'the pill'. No, I have never had need of it.
Unfortunately I was not blessed with fertility and I had to
have a hyterectomy. But I still hate the pill. Why? Because
it is so unhealthy for women. There HAS TO BE a better
solution than the pill. We put people on the moon decades
ago, and still the best form of birth control that we have is
a pill that wonks out a woman's bodily functions in so many
different ways? UGH.


news.independent.co.uk...
Excerpt coming -

The Pill may cause permanent loss of sex drive
By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor
26 May 2005
Independent.Co.UK

The contraceptive pill, celebrated for liberating women's sexuality, may do
the opposite, according to American researchers who have warned that women who take the Pill may experience a permanent decline in sexual
desire.

Loss of libido is a well-known side-effect of oral contraceptives in some
women and is listed in the leaflet on the contraceptive pill handed out by
the Family Planning Association. But the research suggests the effect
might be long-lasting or even permanent.

Oral contraceptives work by curbing the production of testosterone,
which governs sex drive in both women and men, and by raising levels
of a substance called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which ties
up testosterone and blocks its effects. Some women suffer side-effects,
including dulled libido, muted or non-existent orgasms and painful
intercourse.

More at the site - Including the study that came up with the
reduced sex drive results -
news.independent.co.uk...

[edit on 5/26/2005 by FlyersFan]

Well there is always the option of having the "tubes tied" which is a common procedure.

As for losing sex drive. Most of the women I have dated were on the pill, I can assure you no sex drive had been lost.

What would American and European women be like if they weren't on the pill

Most would be healthier. Of course, most would also be less likely
to have sex while dating ... which would lead to the REAL question -

What would American and European men be like if the women weren't
on the pill.

It's more of a guy question. Most women (those who aren't taking
it for medical reasons) would have a healthier body and lead a
healthier lifestyle (no sex = no chance of catching 'things').

My wife is on depo.

A shot every now and then, and no worries. Also, it lessens (sometimes even eliminates) their period, which they (and we) really like.

I seriously don't know why anyone is still using the pill.

As for reduced sex drive...that's caused more by a wedding ring.

There certainly ARE alternatives (and cheaper ones), but there's an insurmountable public resistance to them.

It's called "condoms" and "vasectomies."

(insert 70's style feminist rant on "birth control ALWAYS seems to be shoved off onto the women")

That said, there are some instances when birth control pills are a blessing -- irregular periods, heavy bleeding, menopause, etc, etc, when having regulated hormones makes it so much easier and more pleasant for the woman.

The research would ALSO explain why low sex drive in women (when you can get the doctors to Pay Attention) is often treated with testosterone.

Well said, Byrd

I had many problems with birth control during the short time I took it, and it was not worth it. It made me feel very unhealthy, not to mention that blood clot that showed up in my leg. I want nothing to do with birth control that puts more hormones in my body. As Byrd pointed out, there are cheap and effective measures that aren't so detrimental to the health of women.