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VESSA
A hand beside a birth-control pill pack and a glass of water on ivory fabric

BIRTH CONTROL + DESIRE

Birth control
is killing your
sex drive

Birth control shifts multiple pathways that can result in a lower sex drive for women. Keep reading to understand the connection — and what may get yours back.

PLACEBO-CONTROLLED RESEARCH

Desire. Arousal. Pleasure.

340women

Women taking the pill reported lower scores in these categories when compared to placebo.

Zethraeus et al., 2016 · 340 women randomized

ITS NOT YOUR FAULT

The hormonal shift is real.

Natural hormone production drops

The pill suppresses your normal ovarian cycle to prevent ovulation. As a result, your ovaries produce less estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

Testosterone availability plummets

Estrogen in your birth control increases SHBG—a protein that binds testosterone. As more gets bound up, less is available for your body to use.

Hormone evidence: Zimmerman et al., 2014

WHAT THIS CHANGES

Hormones influence more than your cycle.

Sex hormones act in the brain as well as the body. Changes in their signaling may affect sexual interest and response.

Sexual motivation

Estrogen and testosterone are two main drivers of sexual interest. Shifted balance and reduced availability commonly result in a lack of sex drive.

Mood + stress

Estrogen and progesterone interact with serotonin signaling and stress-response systems. Hormonal shifts can have an intense effect on mood. A shifted mood, anxiety, and stress can all make it harder to get in the mood for sex.

Physical arousal

Genital tissues respond to estrogen and androgens. Changes in that signaling may affect lubrication and blood-flow responses, contributing to dryness or less physical responsiveness in some women.

Serotonin: Larsen, 2020 · Stress: Hamilton & Meston, 2013 · Physical arousal: Handy et al., 2023

Explore the research

Does this sound familiar?

You've stopped making the first move

You used to never be able to get enough. But now that “I need you” feeling is gone.

The little things don't turn you on anymore

A lingering kiss. A flirty text. You'd think all day about what will happen when you get home.

Sex feels like a chore

They're hot. You love them. But getting in the mood takes effort.

“This shouldn't be happening to me”

AND THE ADVICE YOU KEEP HEARING?

“Just stop taking it.”

But it may not be that simple.

You’re taking it for a reason. Giving up a method you trust can feel like trading one problem for another.

You rely on it.

Pregnancy prevention matters. Giving up a method you trust is a big decision.

It helps with more than preventing pregnancy

Maybe your pill helps with painful periods or acne. You don’t want those problems back.

You’re tired of starting over.

You may have already switched methods and worked through side effects. Another round of trial and error can feel exhausting.

WHAT WE BELIEVE

You shouldn’t have
to choose.

Your reasons for staying on birth control are real. So is wanting to feel like yourself again.

We believe you should be able to have both

So we created Pulse.

MEET VESSA PULSE

Have your birth control,
and great sex too

Pulse is a daily desire + arousal formula designed to support the sex drive you've been missing without giving up your birth control

VESSA Pulse daily intimacy support, 60 capsules, on travertine with burgundy silk

5 disclosed
actives

2 capsules
daily

30-day
supply

Three roles.
One daily formula.

Your sex drive is influenced by several pathways. Pulse brings them all together with one targeted formula.

Ignite your sex drive

Libifem® is included for sexual desire and arousal, with human research at the 600 mg daily dose used in Pulse.

Lift your mood

Saffron + KSM-66® are included for sexual response, mood, and a healthy response to everyday stress.

Fuel your hormone pathways

DHEA + pregnenolone are precursors the body uses to make steroid hormones.

GET PULSE

30-day money-back guarantee

Ingredient evidence varies. Pulse has not been clinically tested.Explore the ingredients and research below.

WHAT’S INSIDE PULSE

Informed by research.Made for desire.

Explore the role, research, and exact daily dose of every active ingredient.

Golden fenugreek seeds in a beige stone bowl Libifem® Fenugreek Seed Extract600 mg PRIMARY DESIRE + AROUSAL SUPPORT The formula’s lead ingredient for desire and arousal.

WHY IT’S HERE

Libifem® is the anchor of Pulse because the biggest thing we’re targeting is the loss of wanting. It’s here to support sexual interest, desire, and arousal — not just the physical side of sex.

HOW IT SUPPORTS YOU

Libifem® has been studied in women with low sexual desire, where it was associated with improvements in both desire and arousal. It also produced changes in sex-hormone availability, giving it a strong fit for the desire-first approach behind Pulse.

WHAT THE LABEL SAYS

600 mg per two-capsule daily serving.

Ashwagandha root pieces on cream stone KSM-66® Ashwagandha Extract300 mg STRESS SUPPORT Helps create the lower-stress state where desire can come more naturally.

WHY IT’S HERE

Desire is harder to access when your mind and body are stuck in stress mode. KSM-66® is included to help lower that background stress load and make more room for interest, spontaneity, and sexual engagement.

HOW IT SUPPORTS YOU

Standardized ashwagandha has been studied in women for sexual function, with improvements reported across arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and overall sexual-function scores. It also has human data supporting reductions in perceived stress and cortisol.

WHAT THE LABEL SAYS

300 mg per two-capsule daily serving.

Red saffron threads with a purple crocus flower Saffron Extract30 mg CENTRAL AROUSAL + MOOD SUPPORT Supports the brain-based side of feeling turned on.

WHY IT’S HERE

Wanting sex isn’t only about hormones. Your brain also has to feel engaged, receptive, and interested. Saffron is included to support that central side of arousal and sexual response.

HOW IT SUPPORTS YOU

Saffron has been studied in women at the same 30 mg daily amount used in Pulse, with improvements in overall sexual function and significant improvements in arousal and lubrication.

WHAT THE LABEL SAYS

30 mg per two-capsule daily serving.

Abstract pearl-gold molecular illustration representing DHEA DHEA25 mg HORMONAL PRECURSOR SUPPORT Provides precursor support for hormone pathways involved in desire and sexual response.

WHY IT’S HERE

Hormonal birth control can meaningfully change sex-hormone availability. DHEA is included to support the precursor side of that equation and give the body additional substrate for downstream androgen and estrogen pathways.

HOW IT SUPPORTS YOU

DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid precursor that can be converted into downstream androgens and estrogens. In oral-contraceptive research, DHEA supplementation has been shown to increase or preserve free-testosterone availability during contraceptive use.

WHAT THE LABEL SAYS

25 mg per two-capsule daily serving.

Abstract branching pearl illustration representing pregnenolone Pregnenolone10 mg UPSTREAM HORMONE + NEUROSTEROID SUPPORT Broadens the formula’s support upstream of both steroid-hormone and neurosteroid pathways.

WHY IT’S HERE

Pregnenolone sits near the top of the body’s steroid-production pathway, making it a natural complement to DHEA. It’s included to broaden Pulse’s precursor support rather than relying on a single downstream pathway.

HOW IT SUPPORTS YOU

Pregnenolone is an upstream precursor involved in the production of multiple steroid hormones, including DHEA, while also participating in neurosteroid pathways involved in brain signaling and nervous-system function.

WHAT THE LABEL SAYS

10 mg per two-capsule daily serving.

Young woman with VESSA Pulse, two capsules and a glass of water

YOUR DAILY ROUTINE

Two capsules.
Once a day.

A small daily habit, with room for the rest of your life.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Not a “take it at 7,
have sex at 8” supplement.

Pulse works through consistent daily use. Its support builds over time, and you notice the change where it matters: in your sex life.

  • You’re thinking about sex again.

    Not because you’re trying to. Because it’s crossing your mind on its own more often.

  • You’re the one starting it.

    You’re initiating more, leaning in faster, or feeling that “I want you” energy showing up again.

  • Sex feels more spontaneous again.

    A look, a touch, or a moment can turn into something more — without everything having to be planned.

  • Getting into it feels more natural.

    When intimacy starts, you feel more mentally engaged — like desire is meeting the moment instead of lagging behind it.

Take Pulse every day and give the change room to build. Look for more sexual thoughts, more interest in initiating, and an easier time getting into the moment.

You’re not chasing the moment.
The moment starts finding you again.

KEEP WHAT WORKS

You’re taking birth control on purpose.
We take that seriously.

Compatibility shouldn’t be a footnote. Here are the questions we’d want answered too.

Will Pulse make my birth control less effective?

No. Pulse does not make your birth control less effective.

It supports desire and arousal alongside your contraception; it does not replace or change your method. If you use prescription medication or manage a health condition, you can review the ingredient list with your doctor.

Does Pulse contain hormones?

Pulse does not contain added estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or a contraceptive hormone.

It does contain DHEA and pregnenolone, which are upstream steroid precursors. Think of them as building blocks your body can use in downstream hormone pathways, rather than active sex hormones added to the formula. Their role is precursor support, not contraception or hormone replacement.

Can I take Pulse with other medications?

That depends on the medication.

If you take prescription medication, have your doctor or pharmacist review the fully disclosed ingredient list before use.

Do I need to stop or change my birth control?

No. Pulse is designed to work alongside the birth control you value while supporting desire and arousal.

It is not a recommendation to stop, switch, or alter your contraception, and it does not replace your contraceptive method.

Know what you’re taking.
Ask the questions that matter.

OUR 30-DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE

Try Pulse.
If it’s not for you,
get your money back.

Your purchase is backed for 30 days after delivery.

VESSA Pulse bottle on travertine, surrounded by blush silk 30-DAYMONEY-BACK
GUARANTEE

Email us for a refund. No return required.

BEFORE YOU TRY PULSE

Your questions answered

YOUR SEX LIFE

What is Pulse designed to support?

Pulse is designed to support sexual desire, arousal, spontaneity, and feeling more mentally engaged in sex again.

The formula is desire-first: Libifem® supports desire and arousal, saffron supports central sexual response, KSM-66® supports a lower-stress state, and DHEA + pregnenolone provide hormonal precursor support.

What could a change actually feel like?

With consistent daily use, support builds over time. You begin to notice it in your sex life: sex crosses your mind more often, you feel more interested when intimacy starts, and initiating or getting into the moment feels easier.

It is a gradual shift toward desire and arousal feeling more natural and easier to access.

What if my main problem is low desire?

That is exactly where Pulse is most intentionally focused.

Pulse was built around the experience of not wanting sex the way you used to. Libifem® is the primary desire-focused ingredient in the formula, with saffron, KSM-66®, DHEA, and pregnenolone supporting complementary parts of sexual response.

What if I still want sex, but I just don’t get as aroused?

Yes. Pulse is designed to support both desire and arousal.

Desire and arousal are connected, but they are not identical. Libifem® and saffron are both included because Pulse is designed to support not only sexual interest, but also the process of becoming more mentally and physically engaged once intimacy starts.

Will Pulse help with lubrication?

Lubrication is one part of sexual arousal, which Pulse is designed to support.

Saffron has been studied in women experiencing fluoxetine-associated sexual dysfunction at 30 mg daily, the same daily amount used in Pulse, with significant improvements reported in arousal and lubrication.

Will Pulse improve orgasms or sensitivity?

Pulse is primarily focused on desire, arousal, and sexual engagement.

Standardized ashwagandha has also been studied in women with improvements reported across several sexual-function domains, including orgasm and satisfaction.

Will Pulse make me uncontrollably horny?

No. Pulse supports healthy desire and arousal so that wanting sex may feel more available and natural—not overwhelming or artificial.

Do I take Pulse before sex?

No.

Pulse is designed for consistent daily use, not as an on-demand supplement you take right before sex.

Take two capsules once daily, preferably with food.

How quickly does Pulse work?

Pulse is a daily supplement, not something you take right before sex. Take it consistently and let the support build over time.

The change shows up in your sex life: more sexual thoughts, more interest in initiating, and arousal and engagement that feel easier to access. Notice how those moments develop as daily use becomes part of your routine.

Your 30-day money-back guarantee begins when your order is delivered, giving you time to try Pulse consistently and check in with your experience.

Should I take Pulse with food?

Yes.

We recommend taking two capsules with food once daily. Taking supplements with a meal may also help reduce the chance of stomach or GI discomfort.

Do I need to be sexually active every day for Pulse to work?

No.

Take Pulse every day whether or not you plan to have sex. It is designed to support desire and arousal over time rather than only on days you are sexually active.

What if my sex drive naturally changes from week to week?

That is normal.

Sexual desire can shift with stress, sleep, mood, your relationship, health, your cycle, and other factors. That is why we recommend looking at your overall experience after consistent daily use instead of judging Pulse based on one day or one sexual encounter.

More questions? Explore the full FAQShow fewer questions

THE FORMULA

What are the five active ingredients?

Each two-capsule daily serving contains:

  • Libifem® Fenugreek Seed Extract — 600 mg
  • KSM-66® Ashwagandha Extract — 300 mg
  • Saffron Extract — 30 mg
  • DHEA — 25 mg
  • Pregnenolone — 10 mg

Every active ingredient and every amount is disclosed on the label.

Why these five ingredients?

Because we wanted the formula to address more than one part of desire.

  • Libifem® supports desire + arousal.
  • Saffron supports central sexual response.
  • KSM-66® supports a lower-stress state.
  • DHEA provides hormonal precursor support.
  • Pregnenolone broadens upstream hormone + neurosteroid precursor support.

Together, they give Pulse a wider desire-first architecture instead of relying on one single mechanism.

Is Pulse a proprietary blend?

No.

There is no hidden blend, no mystery “complex,” and no undisclosed amount.

You can see exactly what every active ingredient is and exactly how much you are getting.

Why Libifem®?

Libifem® is the anchor of Pulse because the formula is built around wanting sex again.

It is a standardized fenugreek extract studied in women reporting low sexual drive at the same 600 mg daily amount used in Pulse, with improvements reported in sexual desire and arousal.

Why saffron?

Because sexual response is not only hormonal.

Saffron is included to support the brain-based side of sexual response and arousal. It has been studied in women experiencing fluoxetine-associated sexual dysfunction at the same 30 mg daily amount used in Pulse, with improvements reported in overall sexual-function measures, including significant improvements in arousal and lubrication.

Why KSM-66®?

Because stress can make desire harder to access.

KSM-66® ashwagandha is included to support a lower-stress mental and physical state, helping create more room for sexual interest, spontaneity, and engagement.

Standardized ashwagandha has also been studied in women for sexual function, with improvements reported across several sexual-function domains. Its role in Pulse is stress support.

Why DHEA?

DHEA is a naturally occurring steroid precursor that the body can use in downstream androgen and estrogen pathways.

Hormonal contraceptives can change androgen availability, including increasing SHBG and reducing circulating free testosterone. DHEA has been studied alongside combined oral contraceptives for its effects on androgen availability during contraceptive use.

DHEA in Pulse does not reduce the effectiveness of your birth control. Its role is precursor support for downstream hormone pathways, not to block or replace contraceptive hormones.

As with any supplement used alongside prescription medication, it is a good idea to review the fully disclosed ingredient list with your doctor.

Why pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone is an upstream steroid precursor and also participates in neurosteroid biology.

It is included to broaden the precursor-support side of Pulse, supporting upstream hormone-related and neurosteroid pathways rather than relying on DHEA alone.

Does Pulse contain hormones?

Pulse does not contain added estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, or a contraceptive hormone.

It contains DHEA and pregnenolone, which are naturally occurring steroid precursors. Think of them as building blocks the body can use in downstream hormone pathways, rather than active sex hormones added to the formula.

Their role in Pulse is precursor support, not contraception or hormone replacement.

Does Pulse “balance hormones”?

That is not how we describe it.

Pulse is not based on a vague “hormone balancing” promise.

DHEA and pregnenolone provide precursor support, while Libifem®, saffron, and KSM-66® address desire, arousal, central sexual response, and stress-related sexual wellness.

Why no citrulline or arginine?

Because Pulse was built around desire first, not blood flow first.

The primary problem we are trying to address is the loss of wanting, sexual interest, spontaneity, and engagement. That is why the formula prioritizes desire, central sexual response, stress support, and hormonal precursor support instead of making a vascular ingredient the centerpiece.

How many capsules do I take?

Take two capsules once daily, preferably with food.

Each bottle contains 60 capsules, which equals a 30-day supply.

BIRTH CONTROL + SAFETY

Do I need to stop or change my birth control?

No. Pulse is designed to work alongside the birth control you value while providing separate daily support for desire and arousal.

It is not a recommendation to stop, switch, or change your contraception, and it does not replace your contraceptive method.

Will Pulse make my birth control less effective?

No. Pulse does not make your birth control less effective.

It supports desire and arousal alongside your contraception; it does not replace or change your method. If you use prescription medication or manage a health condition, you can review the ingredient list with your doctor.

Does DHEA interfere with birth control?

No. DHEA in Pulse does not reduce the effectiveness of your birth control.

DHEA has been studied alongside combined oral contraceptives. Its role is to provide precursor support for downstream hormone pathways, not to block or replace contraceptive hormones.

As with any supplement used alongside prescription medication, it is a good idea to review the fully disclosed ingredient list with your doctor.

What if I use an IUD, implant, ring, patch, or injection instead of the pill?

Pulse is designed as separate daily support alongside your contraception, whether you use the pill, an IUD, an implant, a ring, a patch, or an injection.

Pulse does not reduce the effectiveness of these birth-control methods. It does not replace or change your method, and you can review the ingredient list with your doctor.

What if birth control is not actually what is affecting my sex drive?

Pulse can still be relevant.

Sexual desire can be influenced by stress, mood, sleep, medications, health, pain, relationship context, hormonal changes, and many other factors.

Hormonal birth control is one possible contributor, not the only explanation. Some women report worse sexual function on contraception, while others experience no change or even improvement.

Pulse is built around systems involved in healthy desire and arousal, so birth control does not have to be the only reason you are experiencing changes for the formula’s overall approach to be relevant.

Can I take Pulse with other medications?

That depends on the medication.

If you take prescription medication, show your doctor or pharmacist Pulse’s fully disclosed ingredient list before use.

What if I have a thyroid condition?

KSM-66® contains ashwagandha, which can affect thyroid parameters in some users.

If you have a thyroid condition or take thyroid medication, speak with your healthcare provider before using Pulse.

What if I have a hormone-sensitive condition?

Pulse contains DHEA and pregnenolone, which participate in steroid-hormone pathways.

If you have a hormone-sensitive medical condition, review Pulse with your healthcare provider before use.

Can I take Pulse while pregnant?

No. Do not use Pulse during pregnancy.

Ashwagandha should be avoided during pregnancy. Speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate alternatives.

Can I take Pulse while breastfeeding?

Do not use Pulse while breastfeeding.

Ashwagandha should not be used while breastfeeding. Speak with your healthcare provider about appropriate alternatives.

Can I take Pulse if I’m trying to conceive?

Check with your healthcare provider before use.

Pulse contains biologically active botanicals and steroid precursors, so trying to conceive is a situation where healthcare-provider review is appropriate.

Can I take Pulse with antidepressants?

Saffron has been studied in women experiencing fluoxetine-associated sexual dysfunction.

If you take an antidepressant or other psychiatric medication, have your prescriber or pharmacist review the fully disclosed formula before use.

Can I take Pulse with thyroid medication?

Check with your healthcare provider first.

Ashwagandha can affect thyroid parameters, so combining it with thyroid medication deserves clinician review.

Can I take Pulse with blood pressure or blood sugar medication?

If you take prescription medication for blood pressure, blood sugar, or another chronic condition, review the full formula with your clinician or pharmacist before use.

Ashwagandha may interact with blood pressure and diabetes medicines. Biologically active botanicals and steroid precursors deserve review alongside your specific medication.

What side effects can happen?

Pulse is designed for daily use as directed. As with any supplement, some people may experience digestive discomfort, nausea, loose stool, stomach upset, or drowsiness.

Taking Pulse with food may help reduce GI discomfort. If you experience a significant or concerning reaction, stop use and speak with a healthcare professional.

What if I have liver problems?

Check with your healthcare provider before use.

Ashwagandha has rare reports of liver injury, so anyone with known liver disease or significant liver concerns should obtain medical guidance before using a product that contains it.

Is Pulse safe for long-term use?

Pulse is designed for consistent daily use as directed.

If you take prescription medication or manage an ongoing health condition, discuss continued use with your healthcare provider.

Is Pulse for women under 18?

No.

Pulse is intended for adults 18 and older.

ORDER + GUARANTEE

Which supply should I choose?

Choose based on how much time you want to give yourself and how much you want to save.

  • 30 days ? 1 bottle ? $36.99
    Best if you want the lowest upfront commitment.
  • 60 days ? 2 bottles ? $49.98
    A longer supply with savings on each bottle.
  • 90 days ? 3 bottles ? $59.97
    Best value per bottle.
Why would I buy more than one bottle?

Because Pulse is designed for consistent daily use, not one-night use.

A multi-bottle supply gives you more time to stay consistent while lowering your cost per bottle.

What if Pulse isn’t for me?

You are covered by our 30-day money-back guarantee.

Try Pulse consistently. If it is not for you, contact VESSA within 30 days of delivery and we will refund your eligible order according to our guarantee.

Do I have to return the bottle?

No.

If you qualify for the 30-day money-back guarantee, you do not need to mail the bottle back. No return shipment is required.

Can I get a refund if I bought multiple bottles?

Yes.

If you purchase a multi-bottle supply and decide Pulse is not for you within 30 days of delivery, contact us and we will process your eligible refund under the 30-day money-back guarantee.

How do I request a refund?

Contact VESSA within 30 days of delivery through the customer-support contact listed on the site.

Tell us you would like to use the 30-day money-back guarantee, and we will process the request.

No return shipment is required.

What if I forget a dose?

Do not double up.

Take your next normal two-capsule serving and continue your regular once-daily routine.

Can I take more than two capsules?

No.

Take Pulse only as directed: two capsules once daily.

Do not exceed the recommended serving unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you otherwise.

Can I split the two capsules up?

You can take the two-capsule daily serving together, which is the intended routine.

There is no need to split the serving throughout the day.

What time of day should I take Pulse?

There is no need to time Pulse around sex.

Choose a time you can take it consistently each day, preferably with a meal, and make it part of your normal routine.

What if I miss several days?

Resume your normal two-capsule daily serving.

Do not take extra capsules to make up for missed days.

Consistency over time matters more than trying to “catch up.”

How should I store Pulse?

Store Pulse tightly closed in a cool, dry place away from excessive heat and moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.

How long does one bottle last?

One bottle contains 60 capsules.

At two capsules per day, one bottle lasts 30 days.

How long does the 2-bottle supply last?

Two bottles provide 60 days of daily use.

How long does the 3-bottle supply last?

Three bottles provide 90 days of daily use.

Is the formula fully disclosed?

Yes.

Every active ingredient and its amount appears on the label.

Pulse does not use a proprietary blend.

What if I still have questions before ordering?

Contact VESSA before purchasing.

YOUR SEX LIFE DESERVES IT

Hot sex starts
with wanting it.

The thoughts. The tension. The “I want you” energy. Pulse was built to support the desire and arousal behind those moments.

Want it. Start it.
Get into it.

Make your
move.

DESIRE+AROUSAL

VESSA Pulse

For women who want their sex drive back — and still value their birth control.

60 capsules · 30-day supply · 2 daily

Make your move.

One bottle to start. More bottles, more savings.

5 disclosed
actives
2 capsules
daily
30-day
supply
VESSA Pulse