Birth Control Pill Linked to a Loss in Women�s Sexual Desire The Women�s Sexual Health Foundation Calls for Added Research

(I-Newswire) February 1, 2006 - Birth Control Pill Linked to a Loss in Women's Sexual Desire
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation Calls for Added Research


Cincinnati, February 1, 2006 � The Journal of Sexual Medicine recently published a study that shows birth control pills may have a long-lasting adverse impact on women's sexual health. The study links a loss of sexual desire to the use of birth control pills. This loss is believed to possibly remain even after use of the pill has stopped. One women's advocacy group, The Women's Sexual Health Foundation (TWSHF), believes this is a beneficial discovery, but that women's sexual health and related disorders need more research.

"When it comes to women's sexual health issues, this study is the tip of the iceberg," said Lisa Martinez, RN/JD, Executive Director of TWSHF. "There has been limited research in the area of women's sexual health disorders compared to other areas of women's health and even male sexual disorders. Essentially, women have been ignored."

The research found that women taking birth control pills had a higher level of serum hormone binding globulin (SHBG), which might lead to a number of health problems, including loss of sexual desire. The study also found that women who had stopped taking birth control pills continued to have an increase in SHBG, a protein that lowers testosterone. Therefore, whether women continued to take birth controls pills or stopped taking them, their testosterone could be impacted.

"We most definitely need more research concerning women's sexual function and health, but women should know they do have some options to help them," said Martinez.

According to Martinez, doctors recommend everything from creams to natural products. Estrogen creams and tablets, such as Estrace and Vagifem, can help with vaginal dryness, as well as the newer all-natural over-the-counter products, such as Zestra, can address arousal and desire issues.

This study and the issues surrounding it will most definitely be one of the many topics at this April's annual Female Sexual Dysfunction (FSD) and Health Symposium sponsored by Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons Urology Department and TWSHF. Dr. Andre Guay, a clinical assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and Director of the Center for Sexual Dysfunction at Lahey Clinic Northshore in Peabody and one of the writers of the study, will be presenting at the Symposium. Dr. Guay also sits on the Professional Advisory Board of TWSHF.

About The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
Founded in April of 2003, The Women's Sexual Health Foundation is dedicated to addressing, enhancing and maintaining the sexual health of women. The nonprofit organization supports a multidisciplinary approach to the treatment of sexual health issues and serves as an educational resource for both the general public and healthcare professionals.

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Lisa Martinez
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation
513-638-2810
LMartinez@twshf.org

Company Contact Information
The Women's Sexual Health Foundation