Comparison profiles of cycle control, side effects and sexual satisfaction of three hormonal contraceptives

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to compare cycle control, tolerability and sexual well-being with the use of three hormonal contraceptives.

Methods: In this prospective randomized study, the effects of two combined oral contraceptives [20 microg of ethinylestradiol (EE)/100 microg of levonorgestrel and 15 microg of EE/60 microg of gestodene] were compared with those of the vaginal ring (15 microg of EE/120 microg of etonogestrel). One-year data from 280 women were obtained. We investigated the pattern of menstrual cycle and the incidence of weight gain, nausea, headache, breast tenderness, irritability, depression and vaginal dryness. Moreover, desire and sexual satisfaction were evaluated. Finally, the cumulative rate of discontinuation in the three groups was estimated.

Conclusion: The analysis of adverse events revealed two crucial points for acceptability, compliance and continuation: poor cycle control and disturbance of sexual intercourse due to vaginal dryness and loss of desire.