Effects of Different Progestins in Oral Contraceptives on Sexual Function and Well-Being of Women

Abstract

To compare the effects of different progestins in combined oral contraceptives (COC) on sexual functions and well-being of women. In this prospective and observational study, 52 participants used drosperinone, 48 participants used gestodene, 55 participants used levonorgestrele and 60 participants used non- hormonal contraception. All participants completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) at baseline and after six cycles of treatment. There was a statistically significant improvement between FSFI scores at baseline and after six cycles of treatment compared with each other. There was no significant difference between FSFI scores compared with each other. In the hormonal contraception group, there was a statistically significant increase between BDI scores at baseline and after six cycles of treatment. In each hormonal contraception subgroup, there was no significant difference between BDI scores. These data show that COC pills make positive effects on female sexuality. Androgenic or antiandrogenic progestins have similar improvements on female sexual function. In addition, COC pills have negative impacts on depression. © 2015 Yuzuncu Yil Universitesi Tip Fakultesi. All rights reserved.