| Dr. James "Jim" Honeycutt | ||
| Ask Dr. Jim
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Dr. Honeycutt, a Professor of Speech Communication at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, has spent more than 25 years researching and writing about personal communication. Dr. Honeycutt's approachable style incorporates his years of research and experience which he translates into information anyone can understand and use. Dr. Honeycutt has published over 50 articles and his advice has been featured in such publications as Woman's Day and Family Circle magazines, and he is a sought after guest with numerous television appearances. His new book, Cognition, Communication and Romantic Relationships (published by Lawrence Erlbaum) addresses how thoughts influence communication and how communication influences relationships. He explains that we must recognize how and why we think the way we do in order to effect lasting and positive changes in our relationships. |
RELATIONSHIPS 2007
Interested in communicating more effectively in your relationships? Who isn't? How would you like to have access to an expert who can help you to be more successful with your spouse, parents and children? with your friends and roommate? with your co-workers and boss? Whatever your question, we have the definitive answer: "Dr.Jim" Honeycutt.
ASK DR. JIM
August 4, 2007
Question from: Marie
Can birth control pills dramatically decrease one's interest in sex? I once had an insatiable desire for sex but since I've been on the pill,
I've noticed that I would rather read a book than be intimate. My boyfriend is an excellent lover; hence the concern I have over my
diminished sex drive. I'm in my mid-2o's and about to graduate from college. Could those be factors influencing my dilemma?
Answer:
I am not a medical doctor, but a professor. However, there are individual differences to side effects of contraception including weight
changes, tactile stimulation differences, and in some cases, changes in intensity and desire as noted in medical journals. Actually, if there
is a decrease in desire on your part, there are other types of contraception. Some women feel more stimulation from using a fitted IUD
or diaphragm. You could consider alternative forms of contraception. Talk with your physician and boyfriend.
Yet, stress is a major factor in sexual responsiveness as is verbal and nonverbal communication. The fact you are about to graduate from
college may be stressful. You alluded to that. I don't know if your boyfriend has graduated or what his situation in regards to your graduation is?
You may be in a state of learned helplessness if you think you are going to be separated from your boyfriend after graduation;
so a self-fulfilling prophecy could be started by you. Withhold yourself so that when and if you are separated from your boyfriend,
you are accustomed to the lack of sex. In essence, the impending separation is more tolerant for you. Again, this is mere speculation
on my part since I don't have enough information here.
If you are going to be together, then talk with your physician and boyfriend and consider alternative forms of contraception. Good Luck
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