Sexual function in first-time contraceptive ring and contraceptive patch users.
OBJECTIVE
To assess sexual function of first-time users of the contraceptive ring and contraceptive patch.


METHODS
Open-label randomized trial.


METHODS
Multicenter study.


METHODS
A total of 500 healthy, premenopausal, nonpregnant women who had recently used combined oral contraceptives.


METHODS
Contraceptive ring vs. contraceptive patch.


METHODS
Subjects completed the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) before randomization to the study product and after 3 months. Unadjusted and adjusted changes in total and domain FSFI scores from baseline to exit were compared between treatment groups using linear regression (intention-to-treat approach).


RESULTS
Final adjusted mean total FSFI scores increased by 0.32 points in the patch group and decreased by 0.74 points in the ring group. Subjects in the ring group had worsening scores in the areas of arousal (score change -0.169 ring vs 0.010 patch), lubrication (score change -0.202 ring vs. 0.031 patch), and pain (score change -0.162 ring vs. 0.182 patch).


CONCLUSIONS
Among recent combined oral contraceptive users, slight decrements in sexual function scores were noted with contraceptive ring use overall and in several domains of sexual functioning, whereas slight increases were noted with patch use. However, for both products, these changes are not likely to be clinically significant.
Gracia
Clarisa R
CR
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA. cgracia@obgyn.upenn.edu
Sammel
Mary D
MD
Charlesworth
Sarah
S
Lin
Hui
H
Barnhart
Kurt T
KT
Creinin
Mitchell D
MD
D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000282:Administration, Intravaginal; D000328:Adult; D003267:Contraception / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D003274:Contraceptive Devices, Female / Q000009:adverse effects; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D017135:Desogestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000031:analogs & derivatives; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D012747:Sexual Partners; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States; D055815:Young Adult
D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined; D004338:Drug Combinations; C516519:NuvaRing; D004997:Ethinyl Estradiol; D017135:Desogestrel