How Does Contraceptive Use Affect Women’s Sexuality? A Novel Look at Sexual Acceptability

Abstract

Among the components of a healthy life, sexuality is essential, contributing to both the psychophysical and social well-being of women and, consequently, to their quality of life. A poorly investigated standpoint is the acceptability of contraceptive methods, both in terms of their tolerability and metabolic neutrality and in terms of their impact on sexual life. In this context, we will provide an overview of the different methods of contraception and their effects on female sexuality, from biological changes to organic, social, and psychological factors, which can all shape sexuality. A MEDLINE/PubMed review of the literature between 2010 and 2021 was conducted using the following key words and phrases: hormonal contraception, contraceptives, female sexual function, libido, sexual arousal and desire, and sexual pain. Recent studies have supported the effects of contraceptives on women’s sexuality, describing a variety of positive and negative events in several domains of sexual function (desire, arousal, orgasm, pain, enjoyment). However, satisfaction with sexual activity depends on factors that extend beyond sexual functioning alone. A more holistic approach is needed to better understand the multitude of factors linked to women’s sexuality and contraception. Contraceptive counseling must consider these important elements since they are closely related to good compliance and maximize non-contraceptive health benefits.

Male partner influence on Women's choices and utilisation of family planning services in Mufulira district, Zambia

“…The World Health Organisation (WHO) defines FP as a voluntary decision by an individual or a couple to decide on the number of children to have and when to have them [ 8 ]. As such, control of fertility is key in steering women toward great health benefits including personal, economic, and cultural autonomy to psychological and physical welfare [ 9 ].…”

Women’s sexual health improvement: sexual quality of life and pelvic floor muscle assessment in asymptomatic women

“…The contraception methods (non-medical and medical) had no influence on SQOL results. Furthermore, large cross-sectional and longitudinal studies “have not shown a correlation of[ sic ] medical contraceptive methods (hormonal and intrauterine devices) and sexual function in women” ( 45 ).…”

Early removal of the etonogestrel contraceptive implant in Spanish women: a prospective cohort study

“…The collected reasons are women’s perceptions, unproven but sufficient for them to decide to remove the implant. Changes in bleeding pattern is well-documented in the scientific literature ( 30 , 31 ), however, there is no consistent evidence of the effect of the implant on weight gain ( 32 ) on mood ( 33 , 34 ) or libido and sexual function ( 35 ), and it has even been found that perceived weight gain may be inaccurate and poorly correlated with actual weight ( 36 ). The mood disturbance and cessation of sexual intercourse was the seconds most frequently cited reasons for implant removal, but as in all cases this reason was accompanied by unsatisfactory bleeding; we cannot discriminate which of these reasons was more important in the woman’s decision.…”