14 DAY TRIAL // It has been known from previous studies that pain sensations during intercourse, decreased desire, arousal and lubrication, loss of libido, muted or non-existent orgasms are among the contraceptive pills' side-effects and that these side-effects disappear four weeks after the last pill is taken.
But a new study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine and cited by The Washington Times shows that side-effects can persist even up to one year after the women stop using them.
Dr Claudia Panzer, author of the seven year study, found that a chemical produced by the pill to stop ovulation continues to suppress testosterone levels, responsible for arousing desire in men and women, for up to a year after women stop taking it.
The study showed that women on the pill had in their blood a quantity of SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) four times higher than those who didn't use this contraceptive method. SHBG prevents the testosterone from circulating through the organism.
"It is important for physicians prescribing oral contraceptives to point out to their patients potential sexual side effects, such as decreased desire and arousal, decreased lubrication and increased sexual pain," said Dr. Claudia Panzer.
124 pre-menopausal women were analyzed and it was observed that even after six-twelve months after the treatment with contraceptive pills was interrupted, the level of the SBGH protein was still twice as high as non-pill users.
According to The Washington Times, Dr. Panzer said that this study suggests contraceptive pills could lead to temporary or permanent loss of sexual libido.