IMR Press / CEOG / Volume 48 / Issue 2 / DOI: 10.31083/j.ceog.2021.02.2358
Open Access Original Research
Comparison of sexual function scale scores in women according to the contraception method used as part of family planning strategy in Turkey
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1 Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Amasya University Sabuncuoglu Serefeddin Training and Research Hospital, 05000 Amasya, Turkey
2 Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zonguldak Bülent Ecevit University, 267000 Zonguldak, Turkey
3 Gynecology and Obstetrics Department, Turhal State Hospital, 60300 Tokat, Turkey
4 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, IVF Unit, Medicana International Hospital, 34520 Samsun, Turkey
*Correspondence: banuhansahin@gmail.com (Banuhan Şahin)
Clin. Exp. Obstet. Gynecol. 2021, 48(2), 347–352; https://doi.org/10.31083/j.ceog.2021.02.2358
Submitted: 12 November 2020 | Revised: 23 December 2020 | Accepted: 31 December 2020 | Published: 15 April 2021
Copyright: © 2021 The Authors. Published by IMR Press.
This is an open access article under the CC BY 4.0 license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
Abstract

Background: Continuation of sexuality is essential for a healthy partnership. However, the contraceptive method used by women of reproductive age may affect their sexual function. Aim: This study was aimed to compare sexual function scale scores in women according to the contraception method used as part of family planning strategy in Turkey. Methods: We surveyed sexually active women who used any contraceptive method served as family planning services in Turkey (ethinylestradiol/levonorgestrel pills, copper intrauterine device, condoms) and also tubal sterilisation, or coitus interruptus. Women completed an online questionnaire which asked for information on sociodemographic factors and sexual intercourse characteristics, including items from the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). A total FSFI score less than 26.55 was considered to indicate sexual dysfunction. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 242 women between the ages of 18 and 40 years. Condoms (34.7%) were the most frequent and tubal sterilisation (8.3%) was the least frequent contraception method among the women. The lowest total FSFI domain score was observed in the coitus interruptus group (24.31 ± 6.92), and scores for arousal, lubrication, orgasm, and pain subgroups were at the lowest levels in this group. Female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was mostly seen in women whose partner used the coitus interruptus method (P = 0.038). Conclusion: Women who used coitus interruptus had the highest rates of sexual dysfunction compared to all other women. The prevalence of FSD was very high in this traditional contraception method group, which may be attributed to the fear of getting pregnant. We conclude that counselling on modern contraception methods as part of family planning strategy in Turkey is an excellent way to enhance female sexuality.

Keywords
Contraception
Female sexual dysfunction
Female sexual function index
Sexuality
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