The use of a pill containing ethinylestradiol-norgestimate improves female sexuality despite the decrease in circulating androgens: a pilot study

Abstract

Purpose

To evaluate the initial impact of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing norgestimate (NGM) on female sexuality and on circulating androgen levels in users.

Materials and methods

Six months modification in the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) and testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) serum levels in women starting a monophasic pill containing ethinyl-estradiol (EE) 35 µg and NGM 0.250 mg.

Results

The study was completed by 36 subjects. There was a significant increase in MFSQ during treatment (p < 0.0001) (and its domains with the exclusion of vaginal lubrication domain) with concomitant decreases in T (−4.45%, p < 0.0001) and DHEAS (−19.41%, p < 0.0001) serum levels.

Conclusions

Contraception with EE/NGM was associated with a short term non-deteriorating effect on sexuality despite the evident decrease in androgen levels. Female sexuality during COC use is a complex topic and is not only linked with changes in serum androgen levels.

SHORT CONDENSATION

EE/NGM treatment has a short term non-deteriorating effect on sexuality despite the evident decrease in androgen serum levels.

Keywords:

• Norgestimate
• sexuality
• testosterone
• DHEAS
• androgen
• contraception
• libido
• sex

Disclosure statement

G. Grandi received honoraria for sponsored lectures and participation in advisory boards from Bayer AG, Teva/Theramex, Sandoz Novartis, Exeltis Italy, Merck Sharp & Dohme and Italfarmaco/Effik Italy. The authors have no other relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript apart from those disclosed.

Data availability statement

Data available on request from the authors.

Additional information

Funding

No funds to declare for this study.