Effects of sex hormones in oral contraceptives on the female sexual function score: a study in German female medical students☆☆☆★
Received 22 October 2009; received in revised form 23 December 2009; accepted 30 December 2009. published online 11 February 2010.
Abstract
Background
The survey was conducted to compare the influence of sex hormones in oral contraceptives (OCs) on female sexual function.
Methods
One thousand eighty-six female German medical students completed an online-based questionnaire incorporating the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Oral contraceptives used were classified into those containing androgenic or antiandrogenic progestins and by ethinylestradiol (EE) dosage (20 mcg, 30 mcg and >30 mcg). Female Sexual Function Index scores in women using OCs were compared to those in nonusers.
Results
Seven hundred fifty-two of 1086 participating women used OCs. No statistically significant differences in FSFI scores were found among women using OCs containing androgenic or antiandrogenic progestins, nor were any seen between different EE dosages. In general, OC users had lower FSFI scores than nonusers.
Conclusion
Female Sexual Function Index scores were negatively influenced by the use of OCs. However, the impact of an androgenic or antiandrogenic progestin content or different dosages of EE as modulating factors of female sexual function seems negligible.
ABSTRACT