Psychosocial and Physiological Mechanisms in the Effect of Hormonal Contraception on the Female Sexual Desire

Psychosocial and Physiological Mechanisms in the Effect of Hormonal Contraception on the Female Sexual Desire

75 heterosexual women are asked to use 3 different types of contraception (Nuvaring, low-dose combination pill, minipill), each during 3 months. On a monthly basis, questionnaires are filled out about sexual desire and psychosocial, relational en sexual parameters. Also the sexual desire of the partner is questioned. On a three-monthly basis, blood samples are drawn to determine changes in hormonal parameters (one sample per product period).

75 lesbian women are doing the same trial, but during an extra 3 months period, they are asked to have their natural menstrual cyclus as a control condition. Blood samples during these extra months will be drawn at the third or fourth day after start of the menses.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Heterosexual or lesbian women
• Aged between 18 and 45 years
• Stable monogameous relationship
• Normal menstrual cyclus

Exclusion Criteria:

• Polycystic ovarial syndrome
• Normal exclusion criteria for the use of contraception
• Use of medication known to influence sexual desire and/or androgen levels
• Women who wants to become pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding