Effects of intrauterine devices on female sexual function: a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the differences in sexual functions between women using copper intrauterine device (Cu-IUD) and levonorgestrel intrauterine system (LND-IUS).

Methods: A total of 125 women between the ages of 20 and 40 were included in the study. The demographic data of all participants were recorded. Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) was performed to all participants. Study participants were divided into 3 groups; 42 Cu-IUD users, 42 LND-IUS users, and 41 control (not use contraceptive) group, then compared. Women with a total score lower than ≤ 26.5 were considered as having sexual dysfunction.

Results: The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) was 56.8% among the participants. The total FSFI scores of Cu-IUD and LNG-IUS groups were similar. Moreover, the FSFI score of both IUD users was lower than the control group, and the difference was statistically significant (p < 0.001). The presence of Cu-IUD affected arousal more than pain, satisfaction, lubrication and orgasm scores (p = 0.016). Pain score was similar among IUD groups and significantly lower than controls (p < 0.001). Moreover, orgasm and satisfaction scores were found to be significantly higher in the control group than in the both IUD groups (p < 0.001). All of three groups were also similar about desire and lubrication domains of FSFI.

Conclusions: In conclusion, this study found that Cu-IUD and LNG-IUS users did not differ in terms of sexual function according to scores calculated by FSFI.

Keywords

• Female sexual dysfunction
• female sexual function index
• copper intrauterine device
• levonorgestrel intrauterine device
• sexuality

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