However, what made those physical changes even harder was the fact that nearly a quarter of those polled said that their partner didn’t understand the physical and emotional struggles caused by their hormones. They felt alone and misunderstood, which only added to the growing distance.

Indeed, the study found that hormonal contraception wasn’t just contributing to relationship tensions, but also breakups – almost a quarter of women admitted that their relationship or marriage ended as a result of taking hormonal contraception. Of those women, 46% initiated the split, but 64% later regretted the decision. 

Whether it’s partners not having the knowledge or resources to support them, a lack of physical intimacy or feeling like you’re no longer attracted to their partner, it’s clear that the pill, which is prescribed to nine in 10 women who receive contraception from a GP or pharmacy, is having a very real impact on our lives.

Like me, 65% of women said that they had to come off or switch to a different type of contraception because the side effects affected their relationship. And, sadly, 73% of women fear that the changes caused by hormonal contraception will negatively impact their relationships in the future.

A new study says 85% of women admit hormonal contraception has harmed their romantic relationships