As this is quite an intimate topic, I'm not going to talk about my own personal experience, but instead globalities.
Sex
Libido in people with bipolar disorder fluctuates , as it does in the general population, but in a more extreme way. When depressed people with bipolar have an extremely low libido, and when manic an extremely high one.
It is wise to always keep a condom on you, which should have a CE logo on it, to show that it abides by EU regulations. Regularly check the date of condoms, as old ones which have passed their expiration date may split. If a condom does split, and you believe that you have been exposed to HIV, you should go to A&E within 48 hours, but ideally within four hours, as an urgent treatment can be given which reduces the risk of contamination.
Contraception
Avoid contraception that has to be taken regularly like the pill, as it is very easy to forget to take it when manic. There are 13 types of contraception so you should be able to find one that fits your needs, but remember that only condoms protect against STDs.
A link has been found between hormonal contraception and both depression and low libido, so it may be preferable to use a non-hormonal contraception like the copper coil. However it's worth bearing in mind that this form of contracet may cause long periods, heavy bleeding, and increased cramping.
Pregnancy
When deciding to start a family a person with bipolar needs to plan ahead, as certain medications are not compatible with pregnancy and you may need to be weaned off and gradually put on new medication over the course of six to eight months. In the case of an accidental pregnancy, you should talk to your psychiatrist or GP as soon as possible.
Be wary of doctors saying that you should completely come off all medications, as while there is always a small risk of complications, there are medications which are safe for pregnancy, and being unmedicated can be dangerous for the mother, which in turn is dangerous for the baby, particularly if the mother then has a relapse and has to take stronger medication. If you want to find out if your medication is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding you can look at the French searchable website CRAT, or for anglophones, these websites may be useful
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=341&language=English
https://www.aboutkidshealth.ca/Article?contentid=341&language=English
Bear in mind that being unmedicated in pregnancy may also increase the chances of post natal depression, or indeed post natal psychosis, which can be dangerous for both you and your baby. You may be told that you can't breastfeed if you take certain medications, so it's worth discussing alternatives with your doctor, but you should also bear in mind that bottle feeding may allow for more sleep if you have a partner who can help with night feedings, and as we know a lack of sleep can provoke relapses.
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