Oral contraceptive

Oral contraceptives are chemicals taken by mouth to inhibit normal fertility. All act on the hormonal system. Female oral contraceptives have been on the market since the early 1960s, and enjoy great popularity. They are used by millions of women around the world, though the acceptance varies by region: approximately one-third of sexually active women in the United Kingdom, but much less in countries such as Japan. Male oral contraceptives remain a subject of research and development, and are not widely available to the public.

Effects on sexuality

The effect of the Pill on a woman?s sexuality are difficult to judge; depending on the individual and the particular formula, the Pill may enhance or disrupt a woman?s (or couple?s) sex life. Neither the woman who uses the Pill nor her partner need take any special action before or during intercourse, which makes birth control ?invisible? and sex spontaneous and more natural. When combined with the Pill?s high degree of effectiveness, this may enable the couple, and especially the woman, to relax more easily during sex. Masters and Johnson, among others, reported more than one woman who experienced her first orgasm during intercourse shortly after going on the Pill.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

On the other hand, the Pill?s various side effects may prove disruptive on a physiological or even a psychological level. The hormonal disruption caused by the Pill may result in mood swings, lower libido, excessive or insufficient vaginal lubrication during intercourse, and possibly an injured self-image due to weight gain. Some women who use the Pill despite the teachings of their religious traditions may feel conscious or unconscious guilt; others may not fully trust an ?invisible? method of birth control. This wide range of variables makes prediction of the Pill?s effect on sexuality difficult, but the fact that the Pill can and does have an impact in this area, for good or for ill, is well-documented.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~