bcp and lubrication

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-29-2004
bcp and lubrication
2
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 9:26pm
Has anyone found a bcp that does not reduce or elimate your ability to lubricate before/during sex? I am currently on Desogen, and also had this problem with Mircette.

Any feedback would be appreciated!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-12-2004
Thu, 07-29-2004 - 9:43pm
Hi,

I have been taking Orth Tri-Cyclen (28 day) for 3 years and I have had no problems with lubrication before or during sex. hope that helps a bit :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Fri, 07-30-2004 - 8:00am
You may want to talk to your doctor about a pill with a different type of progestin in it. Desogen and Mircette both contain the same type of progestin (desogestrel), but Mircette has 20mcg of estrogen and Desogen has 30. The progestin in the pill will tend to dry you out, the estrogen will tend to help lubricate, and these two hormones are obviously in competition with each other. Sometimes adjusting the balance (like switching from Mircette to Desogen) will help, but other times it's the progestin itself that's making the difference. I know that when I take pills that contain levonorgestrel or norgestimate (norgestimate is derived from levonorgestrel) I have a terrible problem with vaginal dryness.

Another idea that my former gyn had when we were working out my lubrication issue (as well as others) was to prescribe Nuvaring. Because the hormones are secreted directly into the vaginal tissue, his theory was that the estrogen would more effectively help with lubrication because it was applied where it was needed, rather than going through the digestive system. Between that and the vagina's natural tendency to lubricate when there is a foreign object in it, it seemed to make sense, and it worked.

I hope you can find a solution! Lack of lubrication is uncomfortable, to say the least, and really painful when you need it!

Judie
Co-cl for Birth Control
Judie Cl for Birth Control