Contraceptive pills does not lower women’s sex drive, according to new research.
The study dispels the popular belief that taking the pill decreases sexual desire.
Instead, it suggests other aspects of a relationship may be responsible for changes in a couple’s sex life.
Study leader Dr Kristen Mark, from the University of Kentucky, said: “Sometimes women are looking for something to explain changes in their sexual desire, which is not fixed throughout her life.
“The message that hormonal pills decrease desire is really prevalent. Our findings are clear – the pill doesn’t kill desire.”
The research, which is published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, examined the contraceptive use of 900 heterosexual couples.
Dr Mark and her team also measured the libido of the women using a questionnaire called the Sexual Desire Inventory.
They found women who were using non-hormonal contraceptives reported higher levels of desire when they were on their own.
Women taking oral contraceptives had higher levels of desire when with a partner.
But when they accounted for the length of the women’s relationship and their age, these differences disappeared.
Dr Mark said: “This suggests that it’s not the contraceptive type but the context that has the biggest effect on desire.
“This makes sense logically – when you are on a contraceptive method you know is reliable, you can sexually express yourself more freely as you’re protected against things you don’t intend to happen, like pregnancy.
“This research helps to bust those myths and hopefully eventually get rid of this common cultural script in our society.”
The study comes after experts called for the morning after pill to be made more accessible to women, by offering it for sale on the shelves in chemists.
Currently women have to endure a consultation with a pharmacist before they are allowed to buy the emergency contraceptive.
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