Effects of Combined Oral Contraceptives on Women’s Sexual Function, Eje Cafetero, Colombia, 2016-2020

Abstract

Introduction: The sexual function of women could be affected by the use of combined oral contraceptives.

Objective: To evaluate the sexual function of women users of combined oral contraceptives and to know the adverse events.

Materials and methods: Cross-sectional study in 224 women over 18 years of age, sexually active, users of combined oral contraceptives (Estradiol Valerate/Dienogest: VE₂/DNG, ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel: EE₂/LNG and ethinylestradiol/drospirenone: EE₂/DSP), who attended three university clinics in the Coffee Region (Colombia); between 2016 and 2020. The Female Sexual Function Index (IFSF) instrument was used. Descriptive statistics were applied.

Results: The mean age of all the participants was 25.81 ± 3.79 years. At twelve months of follow-up, the IFSF score was higher with VE₂/DNG (29.07 ± 1.27), and lower with EE₂/DSP (26.62 ± 1.16) (p<0.05); observing a better score in the desire domain (4.85 ± 1.13 and 4.16 ± 1.16, respectively); EE₂/LNG showed a neutral effect. The frequency of weekly sexual relations with VE₂/DNG increased from 2 (at the beginning) to 5 (at the end), the range varied between 3 and 15. In the EE₂/DSP users, the frequency increased from 2 to 3, presenting the lowest rank of the three groups (1 to 9). VE₂/DNG users reported higher frequency of sexual thoughts and fantasies compared to EE₂/DSP and EE₂/LNG. 

Conclusions: The VE₂/DNG combination achieved the highest scores, both in the desire domain and in the total score of the IFSF; and greater increase in the frequency of weekly sexual relations. It is essential to know the sexual health of women before choosing a hormonal contraceptive.