Going off BC to improve libido?

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-07-2003
Going off BC to improve libido?
3
Sun, 04-23-2006 - 12:58am

Hi all. I have read through quite a few posts and have gathered some great information. I'm hoping for some hope. :-) Sorry this will be a little long.

I've been struggling with my libido (lack thereof) and related issues (dryness, very tender breasts all the time, feeling emotionally numb, etc.) for about 2 1/2 years, about 4 months after I met my boyfriend who is now my fiance.

In 2003 (September?) I went on Zoloft for depression, then switched to Wellbutrin when I started getting stressed about libido, I think spring 2004. At some point - I think about January 2004 - I went on the pill, tried several versions, then went on NuvaRing. Can't remember all the pill names or dates. (Note to self: must write these things down.) I think I started the BC after I started on Zoloft, because initially I didn't have any trouble with Zoloft.

I've been in counseling for about a year; I've gone off the Wellbutrin (didn't need it anymore anyway); I had a mammogram to check for breast problems; I've had my thyroid tested; I've started exercising; I've started taking a multi-vitamin and calcium/D supplements; I've been tested for hormones (pretty close to normal but a little low in the Pg/E2 ratio) and have been using progesterone/testosterone cream for about 3 months; and still, nothing.

He has been patient and supportive and wonderful, but my relationship with my fiance is really suffering. The only thing I haven't changed is that I am still using hormonal BC.

I'm planning to stop using the ring when my cycle is up (unless I can take it out sooner w/o ill effects?) to see if it will help. We have a very low pregnancy risk b/c fiance has some medical issues, plus we will use foam or condoms, so not too worried about it now, though I was Very Concerned before we were engaged, which is why I've been on BC. (Ironic, if the BC has killed my sex drive.)

It looks like I should add a B complex supplement. I've read about various herbal remedies and acupuncture. What else can I do to encourage my libido to come back??? Are there other treatment options I haven't tried??? It's so discouraging and I'm really afraid. Help.

Elizabeth

iVillage Member
Registered: 12-30-2003
Sun, 04-23-2006 - 11:50am

Hi ebeth_wy, welcome!


      Jill

    

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-20-2006
Sat, 04-29-2006 - 10:35am
I don't know if bc kills libido but I know antidepressants do . I take paxil and it has done that.If you plan on using condoms please use spermicide with it. We used condoms alone and I got pregnant. Although I love my daughter to pieces-it was a total shock!A pleasant one though.
Good luck,
Amy
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-29-2006
Sat, 04-29-2006 - 9:49pm

Antidepressants and birth control can both decrease your libido. I recently stopped taking both, and it's helped a lot. I got a Paragard IUD instead, which has been working out well. It has no hormones in it, so it doesn't mess with your libido.

Good luck,

Becki

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