A prospective study of the effects of oral contraceptives on sexuality andwell-being and their relationship to discontinuation

The purpose of the study was to explore predictors of discontinuation of or al contraceptives (OC) including pre-OC use characteristics and adverse phy sical, emotional, and sexual effects of OCs. Women aged 18+ years in commit ted, sexually active relationships were assessed before starting OC and rea ssessed at 3, 6, and 12 months or shortly after discontinuation. Assessment included pre-OC use attitudes and expectations about the pill; self-report ed side effects and perimenstrual symptoms including premenstrual syndrome (PMS); physical and emotional well-being; and sexual interest, enjoyment, a nd frequency of sexual activity. Seventy-nine women completed the study, 38 % continued OCs, 47% discontinued, and 14% switched to another OC. Emotiona l side effects, worsening of PMS, decreased frequency of sexual thoughts, a nd decreased psychosexual arousability correctly categorized 87% of cases b y using logistic regression. Emotional and sexual side effects were the bes t predictors of discontinuation/switching, yet such OC effects have been la rgely ignored in the research literature. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. Al l rights reserved.