title: Prospective study on sexual behavior of women using 30 microg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone oral contraceptive.
abstract: The aim of the study was to determine the changes, if any, on the sexual behavior of women using an oral contraceptive containing 30 microg ethinylestradiol (EE) and 3 mg drospirenone (DRSP). Eighty healthy volunteer women (age range, 19-31 years), with regular menstrual cycle length (mean 27.6+/-3.1) and ovulation, participated in this prospective study. Sexual behavior was assessed using the self-administered Personal Experience Questionnaire, at baseline and at 3, 6 and 9 cycles of pill use. Women reported increased (i) sexual enjoyment (p < .001), (ii) orgasm frequency (p < .05) and (iii) satisfaction with sexual activity (p < .05) during all periods of pill intake with respect to baseline. Both arousal and frequency of sexual activity improved at the sixth and ninth cycle of pill use (p < .05) with respect to baseline. Moreover, women reported decreased genital pain associated with intercourse during pill intake (p < .05). Desire did not change during the use of the pill (p = NS). The mild dose of EE may have improved vaginal lubrication, sexual arousal and decreased dyspareunia. Consequently, women may have experienced increased sexual performance. In addition, improved sexual activity could have been the result of the effects of DRSP, with its antimineralocorticoid effects which could improve pill compliance, with a more satisfied sexual life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Microbiological Science and Gynaecological Science, University of Catania, Ospedale S. Bambino, Via Torre del Vescovo, 95124 Catania, Italy. scaruso@unict.it
authors.forename: Salvatore
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Caruso
authors.forename: Carmela
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Agnello
authors.forename: Giorgia
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Intelisano
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Farina
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Di Mari
authors.forename: Lucia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Sparacino
authors.forename: Antonio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cianci
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000736:Androstenes / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D015992:Body Mass Index; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D000736:Androstenes; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; C035144:drospirenone