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An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause

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The use of a pill containing ethinylestradiol-norgestimate improves female sexuality despite the decrease in

Maurizio Guida¹, Luciano Quercitelli¹, Pasquale De Franciscis²

¹University Federico II, Naples, Italy.

The European Journal of Contraception & Reproductive Health Care : the Official Journal of the European Society of Contraception

|June 28, 2024

Summary

This study found that combined oral contraceptives (COCs) containing ethinyl-estradiol and norgestimate improved female sexuality scores. Despite significant decreases in testosterone and DHEAS, sexual function did not decline in the short term.

Keywords:

DHEAS Norgestimate androgen contraception libido sex sexuality testosterone

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Area of Science:

Reproductive Endocrinology
Pharmacology

Background:

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are widely used for birth control.
The impact of COCs on female sexuality and androgen levels requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

To assess the short-term effects of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing ethinyl-estradiol (EE) and norgestimate (NGM) on female sexuality.
To evaluate the impact of this COC on circulating androgen levels, specifically testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS).

Main Methods:

A 6-month study involving 36 women using a monophasic pill with EE 35 µg and NGM 0.250 mg.
McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) and serum levels of T and DHEAS were measured before and after treatment.

Main Results:

Significant improvement in MFSQ scores (p < 0.0001) was observed, excluding the vaginal lubrication domain.
Concomitant significant decreases in serum testosterone (-4.45%, p < 0.0001) and DHEAS (-19.41%, p < 0.0001) were noted.

Conclusions:

Ethinyl-estradiol/norgestimate (EE/NGM) containing COCs showed a short-term, non-detrimental effect on female sexuality.
Female sexuality during COC use is multifactorial and not solely dependent on androgen levels.