Combined oral contraceptives with natural estrogen and sexual function: the optimal method of contraception for women of different ages

Abstract

Background. Combined oral contraceptives (COCs) are the most common method of prevention of unwanted pregnancies in women from the early reproductive period to perimenopause, therefore their impact on quality of life, sexual function and general well-being remains the subject of active discussion. Some studies revealed various manifestations of sexual dysfunction in patients receiving COCs, therefore such questions, as well as the advantages / disadvantages of individual components (their type and dose) of drugs, are of interest to the clinician. Aim. Assess mechanisms of influence of COCs on female sexual function. Materials and methods. In order to write this review domestic and foreign publications were searched in Russian and international search systems (PubMed, elibrary, etc.) for the last 2-15 years. Relevant articles from the peer-reviewed literature were included. Results. Many studies proved a beneficial effect of estradiol valerate (E2V) which is estrogen identical to natural one in a combination with dienogest (DNG) which is 4th generation progestin in a dynamic dosing regimen on quality of life and sexual function. This beneficial effect is achieved due to combined effects of both components of the drug as well as its reception mode. Conclusion. The combination of estradiol valerate (E2V) which is estrogen identical to natural one with dienogest (DNG) which is 4th generation progestin may be the optimal method of contraception for women of any age, including the young, with decreased libido while taking other COCs.