Evaluation of Female Sexual Functions in Progestogen-only Contraceptive Users

Female sexual dysfunction is age-related, progressive, and very common condition. The physiology of the female sexual function is a complex condition affected by emotional, medical and hormonal elements.

Progestogen-only contraception relies on progestogens alone to achieve contraception. There are several progestogen only contraceptive methods include progestogen only pill (minipill), subdermal implants, Depo-Provera (DMPA) and levonorgestrel intrauterine system. Many studies in literature reported the negative effect of combined oral contraceptive pills (COCs) on female sexual function due to decrease in bioavailability of testosterone and increase level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) which leads to decrease in free testosterone level contributes to dysfunction.

However, the progesterone only methods contains no estrogen, so it has less effect on sex hormone binding globulin and therefore less effect on free testosterone. DMPA (injectable progestins) is an injectable progestin is a highly reliable form of contraception. Nelson in 1996 found that about 6% of women using DMPA reported either lost or decreased libido. More recent study by Fortenberry in 2011 reported that DMPA had no effect on sexual interest compared with nonusers of any hormonal method of contraception in an adolescent population. The etonogestrel implant (Implanon) is a single rod that is inserted into the medial side of non dominant upper arm. Although in general, it is very effective and has relatively low side effect, a decreased libido has been noted.

Cerazette is a progestogen-only contraceptive pill containing 75 micrograms of desogestrel. It acts mainly by inhibiting ovulation. Cerazette users also may complain of decreased libido.

The estrogen is the main hormone which responsible for vitality of the pelvic organ especially the vagina. The main mechanism of action of the DMPA, Implanon and Cerazette is inhibition of ovulation, which leads to decrease in the estrogen level, which causes a drop in blood flow in uterine artery and accordingly the vagina artery. That can affect vaginal lubrication, causing the vagina to be too dry for comfortable sex.