No association between body size and frequency of sexual intercourse among oral contraceptive users

Abstract

Purpose This study aimed to describe frequency of sexual intercourse and whether body size was associated with weekly sexual intercourse among a diverse group of women using oral contraceptives. Methods This longitudinal, prospective cohort study recruited participants (n=185) from several clinics in Charlotte, NC. Body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) were used as measures of body size and sexual intercourse frequency was determined from self-reported information provided on daily diaries. Mean monthly frequencies of sexual intercourse were calculated and linear mixed models were used to assess if means remained constant over time. Generalized estimating equations were used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results Mean monthly frequency of sexual intercourse was similar for women classified as normal/underweight or obese by BMI during each month of data collection, but was highest for women classified as overweight. After adjustment, obesity-sexual intercourse associations were attenuated (BMI ≥30 vs. <25.0: OR=0.78, 95% CI: 0.43, 1.42 and WHR ≥0.85 vs. <0.85: OR=1.11; 95% CI: 0.62, 2.01). Conclusions This study found no association between BMI or WHR and weekly sexual intercourse. However, more research is warranted given the importance of this possible relationship for future studies of fertility, contraceptive effectiveness, and sexual health.