Effect of combined oral contraceptive containing 17β—estradiol on female sexual function, depression and quality of life

Abstract

The purpose — to evaluate the effect of combined oral contraceptive containing 17β-estradiol on sexuality, severity of depression and quality of life in women of reproductive age. Material and methods. The study involved 53 women in need of contraception aged 18 to 50 years. For the contraceptive purpose women used COC containing 1,5 mg of 17 β -estradiol (E2) and 2,5 mg of nomegestrol acetate (NOMAC) (E2/NOMAC). The questionnaires used in the study are: Female Sexuality Function Index (FSFI-6), Beck Depression Inventory, SF-36 — for evaluating Health-Related Quality of Life. The survey was conducted before and after six months of E2/NOMAC intake; the correlations between the studied parameters and the level of sex hormones in patient’s blood sample were determined. Results. The intake of E2/NOMAC for 6 months did not have negative effect on Female Sexuality Function Index. At the same time, a statistically significant improvement up to 5 points was revealed in such parameters as sexual satisfaction (p = 0,03) and lubrication (p < 0,001). There was a significant decrease in the frequency and severity of depression measured by the Beck Depression Inventory. The Short Form-36 Health Survey revealed a tendency to improve the physical and mental health components of the quality of life (p> 0,05). The change in total testosterone level had a moderate negative relationship with the change in Female Sexuality Function Index (r = — 0,32; p = 0,02). Conclusion. The intake of combined oral contraceptive containing 17β-estradiol for 6 months was associated with no adverse impact on female sexuality and quality of life in women of reproductive age, and reduced the levels of frequency and severity of depression.