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Today, 05 July 2009

> Lions roar in Johannesburg

> United States of Africa?

> Planet De Villiers

> 'ANC, IFP should unite'

> Incest monster in SA?

Yesterday, 04 July 2009

> IRB called in on Botha ban

> Lions roar in Johannesburg

> Rugby live scoring

> United States of Africa?

> The iafrica.com debate

Question

I have a nine-month-old son and am on Depo Provera®. I have a very low sex drive which is starting to affect my marriage. Is this associated with the Depo Provera® and what can I do about it?

Answer

This is such a common problem with women who have young children. The Depo Provera® may have something to do with it, but I suspect that your lack of sex drive is a perfectly normal response to having a nine-month-old baby.

Think about it. Your body went through nine months of pregnancy, with all the changes associated with this. You then had a child - more major hormonal changes, particularly if you are breast-feeding. You are now looking after a small person who demands all your time - waking and sleeping. You are chronically sleep-deprived, tired, and adjusting to major changes in your lifestyle. It really isn't surprising that you are not very interested in sex and your husband must learn to understand this.

As your child grows, sleeps better and generally gets into more of a routine, you will find that you start to settle down again as well. But this can take many months, even the first two years. Your life will never be the way it was before you had the baby and both you and your husband must work together to make the adjustments which are necessary when you have a child. Your interest in sex will return with patience, love and a bit more sleep!