His and Her Health

Hello - I'm new to this chat room and don't know if this question has already been answered. I am wondering if anyone has experienced a low (or no!) sex drive while taking the bc pill Yasmin.<P>A few years ago my insurance company decided to stop covering the pill I had been successfully taking for several years (gotta love those insurance companies!). After trying about 3 different kinds with varying side effects (bloating, acne, breast tenderness, etc.) I settled on Yasmin which didn't seem to negatively effect me at all. However, over the past year and a half I've noticed a decreased interest in sex. I'm at the point now that I could care less if I ever had sex again! I'm only 34 and have been married for almost a year. My husband is being very supportive, but he's got the libido of a teenager and if this keeps up I'm afraid we're going to have major problems down the road. I'm in the process of switching doctors (after my Gyn twice told me it's all in my head) and plan to ask that my hormone levels be checked. Other than hormones and this one specific pill I don't know what could be causing this problem.<P>Sorry so long and thanks in advance for any feedback.

I only have a few short time.<P>In short, all oral hormonal BC can cause libido issues. Other methods of hormonal BC and their issues are a bit more fuzzy.<P>In short, oral estrogens increase SHBG (sex hormone binding globulen) levels. Higher SHBG levels mean lower free testosterone levels, because SHBG binds tightly to testosterone. This can mean that you have a high or higher total testosterone level, but most of the testosterone is bound to SHBG and thus you have low free testosterone levels. Free testosterone is the only portion of your total testosterone that is available for the body to use.<P>Testosterone is linked to desire (libido) as well as ability to orgasm, intensity of orgasm, lubrication and sensation of the sex organs and breasts/nipples.<P>This mechanism may not be the cause of your specific issues however.<P>You might try a transdermal method of birth-control, such as Evra or Nuvaring. These two methods should not cause the dramaitic and seemingly cumulative increase in SHBG.<P>For other birth-control methods, see planned parenthood's site. It is very comprehensive and explains most everything.<P><A HREF="www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/" TARGET=_blank>www.plannedparenthood.org/bc/</A><P>There are other things that can cause libido issues.<P>Are you on any other medications? Anti-depressants etc?<P>What is the status of your relationship with your partner?<P>Perhaps you ought to consider a couple of books... These are all good.<P>I'm Not in the Mood: What Every Woman Should Know about Improving Her Libido, by Judith Reichman - Score, 9/10 <P><BR>For Women Only: A Revolutionary Guide to Overcoming Sexual Dysfunction and Reclaiming Your Sex Life, by Jennifer Berman - Score 8/10 <P><BR>Resurrecting Sex: Resolving Sexual Problems and Rejuvenating Your Relationship by David Schnarch (One really doesn't need both of David Schnarch's books, but both are good and somewhat different. Resurrecting Sex discusses medical causes for sexual dysfunction, where Passionate Marriage only reviews the psychological, though it's an excellent book.)<P><BR>I hope that answers some of your questions. If you have more, just ask and someone will be more than glad to answer your questions.<P>Best wishes,<BR>Greg