Considering a new method of birth control? You’ve probably also spared a few thoughts (worries, even) for all those potential side effects you’ve heard about, such as decreased libido.

It’s true that nearly every birth control method could cause some type of side effect. Yet for many people, side effects are relatively minor and worth the benefits of:

Any type of birth control might affect libido, though the specific effects you experience can vary depending on the method you choose.

Condoms might factor into vaginal irritation and other discomfort, while spermicide products could cause itching and other irritation.

Hormonal birth control is incredibly effective at preventing pregnancy, but it can also contribute to some unwanted side effects, including decreased libido.

When it comes to sexuality, your libido is only one part to consider. Physical arousal, the ability to orgasm, and any pain or irritation you experience during sex can all affect your interest in sexual activity.

You could have a high libido, but find it difficult to feel aroused. (Yep, they’re two different things.) Perhaps you don’t have any trouble getting in the mood or experiencing arousal, but you often experience pain during sex. Maybe you have trouble climaxing easily, if at all.

A few possible explanations for why you may experience a heightened libido:

  • It’s understandable to feel less interested in sex if you’re worried about getting pregnant. Birth control can help relieve those fears, which might then increase your desire for sex.
  • Choosing a method of birth control you don’t have to use right before sex can make it easier to stay in the moment with your partner(s). This can make it easier to fully enjoy yourself without any distractions or worries about finding the right moment to hit pause.
  • If you use hormonal birth control to help ease symptoms of health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, you could also notice a higher libido as your symptoms improve.

Hormonal contraceptives work by releasing pregnancy-preventing hormones into your body. For some people, these hormones might cause various physical and sexual side effects, including:

Any of these side effects can leave you less interested in having sex.

Some experts have theorized changes in libido may happen because hormonal birth control reduces testosterone in your body. But researchers have yet to find conclusive support for this idea.

The participants in a 2024 study reported decrease sexual drive and lubrication when using contraceptives.

Another 2020 study concluded that women using contraceptives had lower sexual function and satisfaction and experienced higher anxiety and depression levels than women using nonrhormal contraceptive methods.

With nonhormonal birth control methods, you won’t have to worry about any hormone-related physical or emotional changes. But you could still notice some changes in libido.

One potential explanation? Worries about unplanned pregnancy. With perfect use, many of these methods are highly effective, but most aren’t as effective as hormonal birth control. Awareness of this fact can contribute to anxiety and unease that leaves you less interested in sex.

With the sponge, diaphragm, or cervical cap, you’ll generally use spermicide, which could cause itching, swelling, and other irritation. Spermicide can also cause urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you’ve never had a UTI, well, let’s just say they tend to leave your libido hovering right around zero.

Timing can also affect libido. You can insert some of these, like sponges and internal condoms, before sex, so there’s no need to pause when things get heated.

Your chosen method of birth control is far from the only thing that can dampen your libido.

If you’ve noticed some decline in your usual libido, it could relate to any of the following factors:

It’s also not uncommon to experience regular shifts in libido over the course of your menstrual cycle. In other words, you might notice your libido rises at certain times in the month and falls at other times.

Plenty of things can affect your libido. If you’ve noticed changes in libido that you can’t trace to any clear source, a healthcare professional can offer more insight into possible causes.

The key to effective birth control lies in balancing your desired outcome, such as pregnancy prevention, with any potential side effects. With a little trial and error, you may be able to find a method that offers more benefits than downsides.

Simply knowing you’re taking steps to control your reproductive health can have an empowering effect that boosts your desire for sex, particularly when your chosen method works well for you.