Abstract
To compare sexual function and quality of life (QOL) among intrauterine contraceptive (copper-intrauterine device [Cu-IUD] or the 52-mg 20 µg/day levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system [LNG-IUS]) users. This was part of a cross-sectional study. Women aged between 18 and 49 years old, in a heterosexual relationship, reporting sexual intercourse in the previous 4 weeks, using Cu-IUD (Group 1) or LNG-IUS (Group 2) responded to a questionnaire with sociodemographic information, to the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), to the World Health Organization QOL Questionnaire Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and to a questionnaire about the contraceptive method used. The Student t-test, the Pearson χ2 test or the Fisher exact test, and the Mann-Whitney test were used for the analysis. For the adjusted comparison, we have used the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). A multiple regression analyzing factors related to FSFI ≤ 26.55 was done. Significance was established at p < 0.05. A total of 347 women in Group 1 (mean age of 32.3 ± 7.5 years old) and of 298 in Group 2 (mean age of 32.7 ± 6.4 years old) completed the questionnaires. Most women had ≥ 8 years of schooling, were in a monogamous relationship, and had had ≤ 2 pregnancies. A total of 122 Cu-IUD and of 87 LNG-IUS users scored ≤ 26.55 on the FSFI. Significant lower scores in physical, environmental, and overall QOL domains in the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire were found in Group 1. More women using the Cu-IUD were not satisfied with the method. We did not find significant differences in sexual function; there was a lower score in some domains of QOL among women who used the Cu-IUD. It was not possible to ensure that those differences were related to the contraceptive method.
Highlights
Satisfactory sexual life is one of the main components of health and quality of life (QOL).[1]
We did not find significant differences in sexual function; there was a lower score in some domains of QOL among women who used the Cu-intrauterine device (IUD)
The participants filled out a questionnaire containing sociodemographic information, the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI), which corresponds to the gold standard method to determine female sexual functioning,[2] the World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire, Abbreviated Version (WHOQOL-BREF), and a questionnaire formulated for the present study regarding the method in use
Summary
Satisfactory sexual life is one of the main components of health and quality of life (QOL).[1]. LARC methods may present some side-effects that might affect the general health of women, such as their QOL and sexual health. The Cu-IUD can cause changes in the menstrual pattern, such as spotting or heavier or long menstrual bleeding, and can cause lower abdominal cramps.[1,7] The LNG-IUS induces, in many cases, amenorrhea, as well as infrequent or light bleeding, which may be viewed as a benefit by the users because of its convenience; this has been reported as one of the reasons for discontinuation, since many women prefer methods that do not change their menstrual pattern.[7,8]
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