Impact of common contraceptive methods on sexuality . a study in Hong Kong
Chinese women
R.H.W. Li (1), S.S.T. Lo (2), D.K.G. Teh (3), N.C. Tong (4), M.H.Y.
Tsui (1), K.B. Cheung (4), T.K.H. Chung (1)
Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, The Chinese University of Hong
Kong, Hong Kong (1); The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
(2); Department of Health, Hong Kong Government, Hong Kong (3); Department of
Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Tuen Mun Hospital, Hong Kong (4)
Background: The combined oral contraceptive (COC) pills, injectables,
intrauterine contraceptive device (IUCD) and female sterilization are the most
common contraceptive methods used by women. Women’s choice, compliance and
satisfaction with the specific contraceptive methods are influenced by their
personal experience or anticipation about the impact of the method on their
sexual life. Anxiety regarding possible adverse effects of the contraceptive
methods on their sexual life is one of the common concerns. Currently there is
limited data in the literature addressing this issue.
Objectives: The study aims at determining the impact of the
above-mentioned contraceptive methods on sexual function.
Design and Methods: This was a prospective observational questionnaire
study on a group of Hong Kong Chinese women, carried out in the family planning
clinics and general gynaecology clinics of the participating institutions.
During the period between January 2003 and March 2004, we recruited 442 women
who were first time users of the following contraceptive methods: (1) COC pills
(n=117), (2) injectables (n=80), (3) IUCD (n=115), and (4) female sterilization
(n=130). Clients who had a recent pregnancy or abortion within the recent 6
weeks were excluded. Sexual function of the subjects was assessed before and 3.4
months after use of the contraceptive method by a standardized questionnaire.
The questions were adopted from the body image, sexual satisfaction and sexual
drive subscales of the Derogatis Sexual Functioning Inventory (DSFI)(Chinese
version).
Results: We found a significantly improved DSFI score for sexual
satisfaction (p=0.004) and sexual drive (p=0.003) in the female sterilization
group 3.4 months after sterilization. However, the scores for body image were
not significantly different (p>0.05). No significant difference in the sexual
satisfaction, body image and sexual drive scores was demonstrated after use of
COC pills, injectables and IUCD (p>0.05).
Conclusions: The COC pills, injectables, IUCD and female sterilization
all do not have significant adverse impact on sexual function. After female
sterilization, there is a significant improvement in sexual satisfaction as
perceived by the women.
