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Published on: October 2, 2018
Sexual function and metabolic/hormonal changes in women using long-term hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptives: a
Igor Fernando de Aquino Moreira1,2, Maria Passos Bianchini1, Gabrielle Rodrigues Campos Moreira1
1Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Instituto de Pós-graduação, Alameda Ezequiel Dias, 275 - Centro, Belo Horizonte, MG, 30110-130, Brazil.
Non-hormonal long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) may improve female sexual function, while hormonal etonogestrel implants appear to negatively impact it. Further research is needed to confirm these findings on sexual health outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive Health
- Endocrinology
- Sexual Medicine
Background:
- Female sexual dysfunction is prevalent and impacts quality of life.
- Long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are increasingly used for birth control.
- Limited research exists on the impact of LARCs on female sexual function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in sexual function after LARC placement.
- To assess metabolic and hormonal parameters in women using LARCs.
- To compare the effects of hormonal and non-hormonal LARCs on sexual health.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 80 women undergoing LARC placement.
- Participants divided into four groups: etonogestrel implant (ENG), levonorgestrel IUD (LNG), copper IUD (CuIUD), and copper-silver IUD (SIUD).
- Sexual function assessed using FSFI and QS-F questionnaires pre- and post-LARC; blood tests for metabolic and hormonal markers.
Main Results:
- Etonogestrel implants (ENG) worsened sexual function across all domains.
- A decrease in sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) was observed in all groups.
- Non-hormonal LARCs, particularly SIUD, showed a trend towards improved sexual function, though not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Non-hormonal LARCs demonstrated a potential to improve female sexual function.
- Hormonal etonogestrel implants negatively influenced sexual function, possibly by suppressing ovarian activity and reducing sex hormone production.
- The findings suggest a differential impact of LARC types on sexual health.
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