Background

Combined oral contraceptive pills containing ethinyl estradiol and levonorgestrel are the most common contraceptives that are used by women of the reproductive age. Moreover, sexual function is linked to sexual hormones.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sexual function of hormonal contraceptive (OCP) and non-hormonal contraceptive (traditional or withdrawal) methods in Iranian reproductive-age women referred to healthcare centers.

Material and methods

This was a cross-sectional study on 206 married women of the reproductive age (18–45). Ninety-six women used OCP to prevent pregnancy, and 110 women did not use any contraceptives, instead using a traditional (withdrawal) method for at least 6 months before the study. Data on sexual function was collected via the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) questionnaire. The independent t-test was used for statistical purposes.

Results

The results showed that there were no significant differences in all domains of sexual function in the two groups, except in the area of sexual arousal (3.87 in OCP users and 4.14 in withdrawal user methods) (p < 0.05). There was an association between the arousal domain and oral contraceptive use, but there was no relation between OCP and other domains of sexual function.

Conclusions

The combined oral and withdrawal contraceptive methods have no impact on sexual function, except in the area of sexual arousal.