His and Her Health

Hello! I was wondering if the resident GYN would be willing to answer a couple rather technical questions about some of the active ingredients in birth control methods. <P>Background: My girlfriend and I are 18 and 21, respectively. I've been with my girlfriend for three years, and we've been monogamous - we are both tested clean for all STDs. Throughout this time she has had great trouble orgasming. As we've taken things slowly and she has learned about her body, she has eventually been able to orgasm through the help of a vibrator, and manual/oral sex. However, she doesn't believe it comes as easily as it should and her contractception has something to do with it. In addition, intercourse feels nice, but doesn't "get her anywhere". <P>For the first two years or so, she took++++++ but eventually quit due to weight gain. In the last year she has been using the ********* which contains Etonogestral as the active hormonal ingredient. She also utilizes an estrogen patch on her "off week" during her period, which was prescribed for her period related migranes.<P>I am told that effects of hormonal birthcontrol fall into primarily Estrogenic, Progestenic, and Androgenic. <P>We were wondering if a switch to the ******IUD, which contains levonorgestrel, would increase libido, vaginal, clitoral, and nipple sensation, as well as breast size, without substantial weight gain? I have a female friend who takes ******, if I remember correctly is a levonorgestrel oral contraceptive, and has experienced the positive effects above. <P>I know that everyone's body reacts differently, but my research thus far suggests levonorgestrel has some positive effects. Would the ******IUD or other levonorgestrel-based method be a possibility for her? She does not feel that she could take a pill every day, so oral methods are out. Are there any other levonorgestrel non-oral methods available? <P>In closing, is there some truth to what I've written above or have I missed some critical data somewhere? <P>Thank you for your time, Dr.<P>**Moderator's Note<BR>You may find the answer to many of your questions in the article "Whats New in Birth Control". Just scroll down the front page at <A HREF="www.ourgyn.com" TARGET=_blank>www.ourgyn.com</A> <p>[Note: This message has been edited by NEWSHE Moderator]

Got it. Thanks. While this does answer many questions, it doesn't mention sensation/libido increase specifically - the lack of Estrogen related effects could infer the positives, but I would appreciate a more concrete answer if one is available.<P>Another little question: I have run into conflicting reports if the IUD (hormonal...I suppose we can't use brand names) can be inserted in women who have NOT had children? Some doctors and websites say they won't do it, others say that they've had success and they merely do it toward the end of the woman's period in order to minimally bother the cervix.