The factors affecting female sexual function and the relation with different contraception methods

S.E. Akhan, U. Oskay, E. Alici, C. Iyibozkurt, S. Topuz, O Yalcin

Istanbul Medical Faculty, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Istanbul, Turkey

Introduction Our aim is to evaluate the possible relation between birth control methods and female sexual function in reproductive period, and other factors affecting on female sexual function.

Material and method A total of 399 cases in reproductive period, sexually active and having no malign disease constituted our material. With the questions, which we believe, can affect female sexuality and FSFI (Female Sexual Function Index) that is validated by us were applied to all women. Findings were evaluated with binary logistic regression analysis and Pearson correlation tests.

Results Totally 349 cases were taken into consideration. They were 32,59 ± 7.04 old in average and the number of weekly intercourse were 2,36 ± 1,34 in average. 6.6% (23/349) were single. While 39.8% of women were being protected with coitus interruptus, 21.5% with IUD, 16.3% with condom, 10% with oral contraceptive, 5.2% with tubal ligation and 7.2% of them were using none of the methods. 24.6% of them were masturbating with different frequencies, 5% were making anal sex and 26.1% were making oral sex. 36.7% were complaining of dyspareunia. Sexual dysfunction was determined in 24.4% of the partners. When regression analysis was applied, we found that only use of oral contraceptive have a negative effect just on arousal (p=0.0450; RR=2.23) and other contraceptive methods, as independent risk factors, have no effect on female sexual function index. Number of intercourse showed negative correlation with age (-0.151; p=0.005) and the number of deliveries (-0.140; p=0.009). As the number of deliveries increase, the number of intercourse decreases and the domains, desire, arousal and satisfaction were influencing negatively. The common factors which have a negative effect in all domains were partner having sexual dysfunction and being sexually inactive before marriage. It is interesting that women making oral sex was an independent factor which has a positive effect on arousal (p=0.02; RR=0.54; [95%CI: 0.32-0.909]), orgasm (p=0.0045; RR=0.48; [95%CI:0.29-0.8]) and total score(p=0.016; RR=0.505; [95%CI:0.28-0.88]). 

Conclusion Although our research shows that the oral contraceptives have a negative effect only on arousal while other contraceptive methods have no significant effect on female sexual function; it is an interesting finding in order to indicate the factors affecting female sexuality of women who are in reproductive period in Turkey.