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Question:
Hello, I have a question concerning my orgasms and birth conrol pills. For the past few months, it has been a lot harder for me to reach orgasm and the ones that I do have are very small ones. Sometimes I feel the orgasmic contractions happening, but I don't get that wave of pleasure that I'm used to getting. This happens when I'm by myself and when I'm with my boyfriend. I'm usually multi-orgasmic, and it's especially frustrating when I feel the contractions in a series like I would be having multiple orgasms, but then I'm left unsatisfied. I also feel like I want sex less, and that's been in the month. I usually want sex much more than I have been recently. I'm 21 and I have lupus and scleroderma. I've been diagnosed for 7 years. Right now, I'm on Progestin-only birth control pills. This problem has come up since I've been on them. Is it possible that they're causing my problem, or could it be related to something else? What could I do about the problem? How do I achieve stronger orgasms?

Answer:
by S. Chris Saad:
(06/07/2004)
Hello, Oral contraceptives don't usually affect sexual desire or ability to have an orgasm, but you might want to discuss this with your gynecologist to be sure. Many medications used for scleroderm and lupus (for example, blood pressure medications) can affect desire and ability to orgasm, however. Has your medication regimen changed at all? If so, please discuss this with your physician. Please note that it can be dangerous to just stop taking certain medications, so do not stop without first talking with your physician. Antidepressants can also affect sexual desire and ability to orgasm. If you are on an antidepressant, you might consider changing to a different one. Please talk with your physician about it. You do not mention whether you lubricate (get wet). Many people with autoimmune conditions also have Sjogren's syndrome, which causes dry eyes, dry mouth, and dry vagina. Use of a water soluble lubricant such as KY Jelly can help. If you live in or near a city with sex stores such as Condom Nation, you can experiment with the different lubricants sold there. You can get KY Jelly at any drugstore. Furthermore, research shows that many women with scleroderma and lupus experience impaired desire and have difficulty reaching orgasm. You may find it helpful to expore different options, such as manual and oral alternatives to intercourse. Some women who can't orgasm from intercourse can orgasm from manual or oral stimulation or with use of a vibrator. You might also check out Betty Dodson's books and videos, which are about how women can have stronger orgasms and multiple orgasms. Finally, think about your mental state. Is something worrying you? Have your feelings about your partner changed? Are you having qualms or negative feelings about anything in your life? Sometimes decreased ardor is simply a symptom that something else is wrong in the person's life, and when the other problem is resolved, ths sexual problem resolves itself. I hope this helps. Son't hesitate to ask if you have further questions. S. Chris Saad, PhD

Reviewed by Sexual Health Editorial Team

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