Oral Contraceptives, Depression, and Libido

Herzberg, Brenda; Draper, Katharine; Johnson, Anthony L.; Nicol, Gillian C.

doi:10.1097/00006254-197210000-00019

Cited by 5 publications

(6 citation statements)

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“…Two years later, Herzberg et al. prospectively assessed side effects in 218 women on COC and also found a loss of libido in 5% [57]. Other retrospective trials from the late 1960s and early 1970s reported loss of libido in 14–32% of patients.…”

Section: Mixed Effects On Female Sexualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Female Sexuality: A Review

Burrows¹,

Basha

Goldstein

2012

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

200

131

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Section: Mixed Effects On Female Sexualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

The Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Female Sexuality: A Review

Burrows¹,

Basha

Goldstein

2012

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

200

131

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“…However, little is known about the effects of hormonal birth control on mental health, and the findings reported in the literature are contradictory and inconsistent. In an earlier study by Herzberg et al (1971), it was reported that mean depression scores decreased in women continuing the use of an intrauterine device or an OC, while they increased in women stopping or changing OCs. More recent studies have shown no significant association between OC use and depression (Duke et al, 2007;O'Connell et al, 2007).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 94%

Hormonal contraception and mental health: results of a population-based study

et al. 2011

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The influence of hormonal birth control on mental health is modest and mainly favourable. The length of current OC use seems to have some beneficial effects on mood although the longer the duration of use, the greater the association with a diagnosis of alcohol dependence. Knowledge of the use of hormonal contraception might be of value when assessing psychopathology in women. The cross-sectional design, with partly retrospective data collection, precludes any causal conclusions.

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“…Barriers such as cost, negative side effects, concerns regarding hormone use, partner influences, and misinformation about contraception impede more widespread acceptance and utilization of highly effective methods [6,7]. Additionally, diminished sexual pleasure experienced by some women who use hormonal contraceptive methods may also be a barrier to use [8–16].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The negative impact of oral contraceptives on women's sexual desire and arousal has been reported in the literature, with few efforts to explain or address these effects [10–16]. For almost four decades, researchers and clinicians have known that oral contraception has been linked to side effects such as depression, headaches, and loss of libido; however, few clinical remedies or recommendations exist for women experiencing these sexual side effects [16–19]. Davison and colleagues found that premenopausal women using an oral method reported significantly lower frequencies of sexual thoughts, interest, and sexual events per month as compared with nonusers [13].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hormonal Contraception and Female Pain, Orgasm and Sexual Pleasure

Smith

Jozkowski

Sanders

2014

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

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Introduction Almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintentional, unplanned, or mistimed. Most unplanned pregnancies result from inconsistent, incorrect, or nonuse of a contraceptive method. Diminished sexual function and pleasure may be a barrier to using hormonal contraception. Aim This study explores sexual function and behaviors of women in relation to the use of hormonal vs. nonhormonal methods of contraception. Methods Data were collected as part of an online health and sexuality study of women. Main Outcome Measures Main outcomes variables assess frequencies in two domains: (i) sexual function (proportion of sexual events with experiences of pain or discomfort, arousal, contentment and satisfaction, pleasure and enjoyment, lubrication difficulty, and orgasm) and (ii) sexual behavior (number of times engaged in sexual activity, proportion of sexual events initiated by the woman, and proportion of sexual events for which a lubricant was used). Sociodemographic variables and contraceptive use were used as sample descriptors and correlates. The recall period was the past 4 weeks. Results The sample included 1,101 women with approximately half (n = 535) using a hormonal contraceptive method exclusively or a combination of a hormonal and nonhormonal method, and about half (n = 566) using a nonhormonal method of contraception exclusively. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the relation of hormonal contraceptive use to each of the dependent variables. Women using a hormonal contraceptive method experienced less frequent sexual activity, arousal, pleasure, and orgasm and more difficulty with lubrication even when controlling for sociodemographic variables. Conclusions This study adds to the literature on the potential negative sexual side effects experienced by many women using hormonal contraception. Prospective research with diverse women is needed to enhance the understanding of potential negative sexual side effects of hormonal contraceptives, their prevalence, and possible mechanisms. Clinical and counseling implications are discussed.

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Oral Contraceptives, Depression, and Libido

Cited by 5 publications

References 1 publication

The Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Female Sexuality: A Review

The Effects of Hormonal Contraceptives on Female Sexuality: A Review

Hormonal contraception and mental health: results of a population-based study

Hormonal Contraception and Female Pain, Orgasm and Sexual Pleasure

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