Practicing safer sex is an important part of reducing an individual’s risk of developing sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Over the years, many forms of hormonal birth control have been developed. While these pills, shots and patches may help prevent pregnancy, it’s important to remember that they do not protect against STDs.
A recent study conducted by Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion studied the newest forms of hormonal contraceptives and examined how they affect the women who take them. Researchers discovered that although many advancements have been made, these birth control methods are still hampering women’s sexual satisfaction.
“A great effort has been made to make condoms more pleasurable for men,” said researcher Nicole Smith. “But you don’t hear about this same effort going toward reducing the negative impact of contraception on women’s sexual functioning.”
These findings suggest that more efforts need to be made to develop a greater variety of birth control options for women, including ones that will protect against STDs.
Tags: birth control, sexually transmitted diseases, STDs
