THE EFFECT OF MALE CONDOM AND WITHDRAWAL METHODS ON WOMAN’S SEXUAL LIFE

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the study is to determine the effect of male condom and withdrawal method on women's sexual life. Method: A cross-sectional and analytical study was conducted among married women aged 15-49 who were protected by condom and withdrawal method in Family Health Centers (FHCs) No. 2 and 12 in Aydın city center (N= 518, C: 58.1%, WD: % 41.8). Data were collected in women's homes by self-reporting method using the Data Collection Form and the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square, Mann Whitney U, Kruskall Wallis H and multiple regression analysis were used to evaluate the data, and p<0.05 was considered as significant. Results: Among women with an average age of 34.97±6.49, the rate of those receiving method-specific counseling was lower for withdrwal method (13.4% vs 23.3%, p<0.05). Satisfaction and sexual desire are higher in those who use withdrawal, and the perception of a good sexual life is higher in those who use condoms (p<0.05). 38% of the participants have a FSFI score of 29.78±5.73. Sexual dysfunction is 35.9% for condom and 41% for withdrawal. With condom, there is less sexual dysfunction in dimensions other than sexual satisfaction (p<0.05). The number of times a week one had sexual intercourse, the method used and the woman's sexual evaluation of herself have a positive effect on her sexual functions, while having problems with sexual life and the duration of using the method have a negative effect. These variables explain 20.1% of female sexual disfunction, and the currently used method explains 1.1% (p<0.05). Conclusion: Male condom and withdrawal method affect women's sexual life and sexual dysfunction increases with withdrawal method. For this reason, awareness training should be organized for couples about the effects of male contraceptives on sexual life, family planning services should include sexual counseling, and its continuity should be ensured by starting before marriage.