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. 2019 Jul;134(1):91-101.
doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000003331.

A Qualitative Study of the Contraceptive Effect on Women's Sexual Experiences: Beyond Hormonal Effects

Connie F Lu  1 , Sara E Vargas, Melissa Guillen, Jaime J Ramirez, Sofia L Carbone, Melissa L Getz, Yaa Frimpong, Kelley Alison Smith, Julia G Shaw, Iris Tong, Melanie Hill, Robert E Berry, Kate M Guthrie
Affiliations

A Qualitative Study of the Contraceptive Effect on Women's Sexual Experiences: Beyond Hormonal Effects

Connie F Lu et al. Obstet Gynecol. 2019 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: To elucidate the effects of the intravaginal ring, oral contraceptive pill (OCP), and spermicide plus condom on women's sexual experiences through an in-depth understanding of the physical characteristics of these contraceptive methods.

Methods: We conducted qualitative in-depth interviews with women (aged 18-45 years) who used up to three contraceptive methods (intravaginal ring, OCP, and spermicide plus condom). Women completed in-depth interviews after each 3-month use period. We used a summarized matrix framework and thematic content analysis to explore how each method affected participants' sexual experiences.

Results: Sixteen women completed interviews, yielding 33 transcripts. Women reported physical effects on their sexual experiences while using the intravaginal ring and spermicide plus condom. The OCP was often discussed as lacking these physical effects. Discussion themes included product administration (eg, navigating intravaginal ring removal) and physical product awareness (eg, spermicide as a lubricant). From these experiences, women often altered and individualized their use and subsequent opinions of the contraceptive method.

Conclusion: The range of contraceptive effects on women's sexual experiences shape their use and opinions of the product, leading to either increased motivation and consistent use or poor adherence and discontinuation. Awareness of these individualized experiences can help providers better understand and guide their patients towards successful contraceptive use.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Data collection and descriptions of surveys and interviews.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Flow diagram of participant selection and study. BMI, body mass index. *Unrelated.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Representation of overarching themes as organized for each contraceptive method. Illustrative quotes are attributed to each participant by their age and contraceptive method used before the study: [A] and [B] are used to distinguish individuals with the same characteristics and correspond accordingly to their quotes in the text. OCP, oral contraceptive pill, y, years.
Figure 4.
Figure 4.
Flow diagram describing the range of reasons behind participants’ decisions and timing surrounding intravaginal ring removal (n=12).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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