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Current Sexual Health Reports
Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports 4/2018

01-12-2018 | Female Sexual Dysfunction and Disorders (T Lorenz and R Nappi, Section Editors)

Hormonal Contraception and Sexuality

Authors: Santiago Palacios, Mariella Lilue

Published in: Current Sexual Health Reports | Issue 4/2018

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this review is to discuss controversies about hormonal contraception (HC) and sexuality, as well as to analyze sexual function according to the type of HC.

Recent Findings

HC has negative effects on sexual desire and lubrication, and may contribute to increased vestibular pain. Although there are several different types of HC, all alter the androgenic environment, which may have negative effects on sexual function. On the other hand, there may be reasons to support the use of HCs, and there can be improvement in sexuality associated with their use. For instance, there may be benefits for benign gynecological disorders such as endometriosis, menorrhagia, and dysmenorrhea. In addition, owing their contraceptive capacity, HC helps alleviate the fear of pregnancy, increasing the pleasure of the sexual experience. Another important aspect may be the relationship between hormonal contraceptives, body image and appearance, self-esteem, and sexuality.

Summary

There is sufficient evidence that HC may have both a positive and a negative impact on female sexuality. Additional research is needed on several key issues: searching for an HC without negative effects on sexuality, or with as little effect as possible; detecting women at risk of sexual dysfunction following initiation of HC; and finally, the possibility of adding androgens to HCs to minimize sexual side effects.
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Metadata
Title
Hormonal Contraception and Sexuality
Authors
Santiago Palacios
Mariella Lilue
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Sexual Health Reports / Issue 4/2018
Print ISSN: 1548-3584
Electronic ISSN: 1548-3592
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11930-018-0181-2

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