title: Sexual functioning in women using levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine systems as compared to copper intrauterine devices.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There has been little research published on the impact of intrauterine contraceptive (IUC) methods on sexual functioning.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This study aimed: (i) to assess different aspects of sexual functioning, including the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in women using a levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LNG-IUS); (ii) to compare this prevalence with that among copper-releasing intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) users; and (iii) to identify the relationship between psychological variables and sexual functioning in women using one of the aforementioned IUCs.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a multicenter cross-sectional study, 845 women with an IUC were invited to fill out a questionnaire. The latter was returned by 402 (48%) of them: 353 women were LNG-IUS users (88%) and 49 were Cu-IUD users (12%). The questions asked pertained to depression, well-being, marital relation quality, and sexual functioning.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sexual functioning was measured with the short sexual functioning scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One-third of LNG-IUS users (33%) reported a sexual dysfunction. Of those, 20% reported an increased sexual desire, 25% a decreased sexual desire, 5% arousal problems, and 8% orgasm problems. Women using a LNG-IUS did not differ significantly in distribution, type, or prevalence (32.9% vs. 36.7%) of sexual dysfunction, nor in depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory score; 4.7 vs. 3.9; P = 0.33), general well-being (WHO-5 well-being scale score; 16.8 vs. 17.7; P = 0.170), or partner relationship quality (Dyadic Adjustment Scale score; 107 vs. 108; P = 0.74) compared to Cu-IUD users. Overall, the perceived influence of IUCs on sexual functioning was in the lower range and did not differentiate LNG-IUS greatly from Cu-IUD-users.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Women using a LNG-IUS do not differ from those wearing a Cu-IUD with regard to psychological and sexual functioning. The perceived impact of IUD use on sexuality should not be overestimated.
authors.affiliation: Catholic University Leuven-Institute for Family and Sexuality Studies, Leuven, Belgium. paul.enzlin@uzleuven.be
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Enzlin
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Weyers
authors.forename: Dirk
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Janssens
authors.forename: Willy
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Poppe
authors.forename: Christa
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Eelen
authors.forename: Els
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Pazmany
authors.forename: Els
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elaut
authors.forename: Jean-Jacques
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Amy
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001143:Arousal / Q000187:drug effects; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D007435:Intrauterine Devices, Copper; D007436:Intrauterine Devices, Medicated; D016912:Levonorgestrel / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects; D008875:Middle Aged; D009948:Orgasm / Q000187:drug effects; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects*; D012735:Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D020018:Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D013223:Statistics as Topic; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D016912:Levonorgestrel