'Can birth control pills affect my sex drive?'

Resident #Trending sex therapist Jade Zwane answers our readers' burning sex questions.

Does birth control affect sex drive? My doctor put me on the pill and since then I just haven’t been in the mood for sex.

The impact of oral contraceptives on desire varies from woman to woman. Some experience no side effects while others may find a dip in their sex drive. Consult your doctor and see if she can help you find the pill more compatible with you. Talk to your partner about your feelings and low libido. Explain that it’s not them but the pill.

My husband has put on a lot of weight, and it’s affecting our sex life. We’re not having sex as often and when we do, it doesn’t last long. What can I do to help?

Your husband is probably experiencing some low self-esteem as his body has changed. Try taking up some physical activities together to help him lose some weight. He can also speed up the weight loss by watching what he eats. Talk to him, without sounding like an attack, about how you’d like to get your sex life back on track.

And remember that intimacy isn’t only penetration. The two of you can have foreplay to satisfy both of you while he works on his body image and self-confidence.

I’ve been very stressed and unable to finish a session of sex with my girlfriend. I get anxious and can’t seem to focus on sex. What can I do?

You should consult a mental healthcare professional to find the route cause of your anxiety.

Until that happens, don’t put pressure on yourself in terms of your sex life.

Do, however, talk to your girlfriend about your state of mind so she knows it’s not about her and so she’s able to understand, enabling her to exercise patience with you.