No abstract

Women with ongoing or previous mental disorders or risk use of alcohol have greater risk of COC-induced mood symptoms. This may be worth noting during family planning and contraceptive counselling.

ObjectiveThe effect of combined oral contraceptives (COCs) on female sexuality has long been a matter of discussion, but placebo-controlled studies are lacking. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate if an oestradiol-containing COC influences sexual function.DesignInvestigator-initiated, randomised, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial where 202 healthy women were randomised to a combined oral contraceptive (1.5 mg oestradiol and 2.5 mg nomegestrol acetate) or placebo for three treatment cycles.MethodsSexual function at baseline and during the last week of the final treatment cycle was evaluated by the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire. Serum and hair testosterone levels were assessed at the same time points.ResultsCompared to placebo, COC use was associated with a small decrease in sexual interest (COC median change score: −2.0; interquartile range (IQR): −5.0 to 0.5 vs placebo: −1.0; IQR: −3.0 to 2.0, P = 0.019), which remained following adjustment for change in self-rated depressive symptoms (B = −0.80 ± 0.30, Wald = 7.08, P = 0.008). However, the proportion of women who reported a clinically relevant deterioration in sexual interest did not differ between COC or placebo users (COC 18 (22.2%) vs placebo 16 (17.8%), P = 0.47). Change in other measured aspects of sexual function as well as total score of sexual function did not differ between the two treatments.ConclusionsThis study suggests that use of oestradiol-based COCs is associated with reduced sexual interest. However, the changes are minute, and probably not of clinical relevance.

No abstract

Objective: To increase the understanding of women who experience negative effects on sexual function when using hormonal contraception. Methods: We performed 24 in-depth interviews with women who had previously experienced negative sexual function effects while using hormonal contraceptives. The thematic analysis method was used. Results: 'After experience comes insight', 'Lubrication and desire go hand in hand', 'Mental wellbeing comes before desire' and 'The contraceptive counsellor potentially facilitates insight and decision-making' were the main themes found in the study. Conclusions: This selected group of women described lubrication difficulties and decreased sexual desire associated with both contraceptive use and the menstrual cycle. Contraceptive use became easier with age and with better understanding. The contraceptive counsellor could facilitate the process. Further choice between hormonal or non-hormonal contraceptive methods depended primarily on experienced adverse effects on mood, and secondarily on sexual function, weighed against the advantages or disadvantages experienced during the person's own menstrual cycle.