The use of a pill containing ethinylestradiol-norgestimate improves female sexuality despite the decrease in circulating androgens: a pilot study

Purpose: To evaluate the initial impact of a combined oral contraceptive (COC) containing norgestimate (NGM) on female sexuality and on circulating androgen levels in users. Materials and methods: Six months modification in the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ) and testosterone (T) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) serum levels in women starting a monophasic pill containing ethinyl-estradiol (EE) 35 µg and NGM 0.250 mg. Results: The study was completed by 36 subjects. There was a significant increase in MFSQ during treatment (p < 0.0001) (and its domains with the exclusion of vaginal lubrication domain) with concomitant decreases in T (−4.45%, p < 0.0001) and DHEAS (−19.41%, p < 0.0001) serum levels. Conclusions: Contraception with EE/NGM was associated with a short term non-deteriorating effect on sexuality despite the evident decrease in androgen levels. Female sexuality during COC use is a complex topic and is not only linked with changes in serum androgen levels.