THE INFLUENCE OF HORMONAL CONTRACEPTIVE IN WOMEN SEXUALITY

Abstract

The authors review published articles whose main objective was to assess the influence of hormonal contraception (HC) on female sexuality. There is wide variability in the response of women to HC and there is still no way to predict which women will present sexual side effects. These effects, however, may be the cause of abandonment of the method and therefore should be properly valued. HC cause a reduction of endogenous androgen levels and a concomitant increase in SHBG. These changes appear to be reversible after the discontinuation of these medications. Oral HC containing a low dose of EE, 15 _g, seem to have a negative impact on sexuality related to a worse control of the cycle and a reduced vaginal lubrication. Oral HC containing 20 or 30 _g EE seem to show good acceptability regarding sexuality. The minipill does not interfere with female sexuality and the vaginal ring seems to have the best effects, increasing the fantasies and the sexual interest of the couple. Couples with a good degree of marital adjustment seem to have a greater chance to suffer an eventual negative impact related to the use of HC.