Sexual function changes attributed to hormonal contraception use – a qualitative study of women experiencing negative effects

Abstract

Objective: To increase the understanding of women who experience negative effects on sexual function when using hormonal contraception.

Methods: We performed 24 in-depth interviews with women who had previously experienced negative sexual function effects while using hormonal contraceptives. The thematic analysis method was used.

Results: ‘After experience comes insight’, ‘Lubrication and desire go hand in hand’, ‘Mental wellbeing comes before desire’ and ‘The contraceptive counsellor potentially facilitates insight and decision-making’ were the main themes found in the study.

Conclusions: This selected group of women described lubrication difficulties and decreased sexual desire associated with both contraceptive use and the menstrual cycle. Contraceptive use became easier with age and with better understanding. The contraceptive counsellor could facilitate the process. Further choice between hormonal or non-hormonal contraceptive methods depended primarily on experienced adverse effects on mood, and secondarily on sexual function, weighed against the advantages or disadvantages experienced during the person’s own menstrual cycle.

摘要

目的：增加对应用激素避孕对性功能有负面影响的妇女的了解。

方法：我们对曾在使用激素避孕药时经历过性功能负面影响的女性进行了24次深入访谈。使用专题分析方法。

结果：研究中发现的主题是“经验之后的洞察力”, “润滑和欲望是相辅相成的”, “心理健康比欲望更重要”和“避孕咨询师可能有助于洞察力和决策”。

结论：这组被选中的女性描述了与应用避孕药和月经周期有关的润滑困难和性欲下降。随着年龄的增长和对避孕方法的更好理解, 避孕方法的应用变得更加容易。避孕咨询师可以帮助实现这一过程。选择激素类或非激素类的避孕方法主要取决于对情绪的不良影响, 其次是对性功能的不良影响, 并与个人在月经周期中经历的有利或不利因素进行权衡。

Keywords:

• Contraceptive counselling
• hormonal contraceptive
• sexual desire
• sexual function
• Sweden

Disclosure statement

None of the authors declares any conflict of interest.