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Combination oral contraceptive does not affect overall sexual function
Overall sexual function in women is not negatively affected with levonorgestrel-containing oral contraceptive, according to findings published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
Angelica Lindén Hirschberg, MD, PhD, of the department of obstetrics and gynecology at Karolinska University Hospital in Stockholm, and colleagues evaluated 332 women randomly assigned to a combined oral contraceptive (150 µg levonorgestrel and 30 µg ethinylestradiol) or placebo for 3 months to determine whether oral contraceptives affect sexuality.
No significant difference was found between the groups for the primary outcome measure of overall sexual function. Oral contraceptives resulted in a negative effect on desire (P = .032), arousal (P = .031) and pleasure (P = .037) on the Profile of Female Sexual Function (PFSF) scale. There were no significant differences between the groups on the Personal Distress Scale, Sexual Activity Log or orgasm, concern, responsiveness and self-image on the PFSF scale.
“The present data support that a levonorgestrel-containing [oral contraceptive] can have an adverse effect on some aspects of sexual function in young women,” the researchers wrote. “Although the effect was quite small, it may represent a clinically important side effect for individual women. This possible side effect should be recognized and considered during contraceptive counseling and may be relevant for the choice of hormonal method. Future placebo-controlled studies are needed to evaluate effects on sexual function by alternative [oral contraceptive] combinations.” – by Amber Cox
Disclosure: One researcher reports personal fees from Endoceutics.