title: Cycle-Related Changes in Mood, Sexual Desire, and Sexual Activity in Oral Contraception-Using and Nonhormonal-Contraception-Using Couples.
abstract: Findings on women's sexuality across the menstrual cycle are inconsistent. One relatively consistent finding is a midcycle and premenstrual peak in sexual desire in freely cycling women. Results on the cycle-related effects on sexual behavior are less clear. Large proportions of reproductive-aged women use combined oral contraception (COC), but studies on potential cycle-related shifts in sexual desire and behavior are sparse. A prospective diary study assessed sexual desire, sexual behavior, and mood in 89 heterosexual couples. Women were using one of four contraceptive methods: (1) nonhormonal contraception, (2) low-dose COC containing 20 mcg ethinylestradiol and 75 mcg gestoden or desogestrel, (3) COC containing 35 mcg ethinylestradiol and 2 mg cyproteronacetate, and (4) COC containing 30 mcg ethinylestradiol and 3 mg drospirenone. No cycle effects of sexual desire were established in the COC group, but frequency of sexual intercourse declined in the last days of active pill taking. These results were similar in both female and male partners. Negative affect did not covary with sexual desire.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Sexology and Gender Problems , Ghent University Hospital.
authors.forename: Els
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Elaut
authors.affiliation: b Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology , Ghent University.
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Buysse
authors.affiliation: c Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology , Ghent University Hospital.
authors.forename: Petra
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: De Sutter
authors.affiliation: c Department of Reproductive Medicine, Obstetrics, and Gynaecology , Ghent University Hospital.
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Gerris
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Sexology and Gender Problems , Ghent University Hospital.
authors.forename: Griet
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Cuypere
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Sexology and Gender Problems , Ghent University Hospital.|d Department of Endocrinology , Ghent University Hospital.
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: T'Sjoen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D003267:Contraception / Q000523:psychology*; D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007989:Libido / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D008297:Male; D008597:Menstrual Cycle / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012725:Sexual Behavior / Q000187:drug effects / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D003277:Contraceptives, Oral, Combined