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.