Changes in the menstrual bleeding of users of a subdermal contraceptive implant of nomegestrol acetate (Uniplant) do not influence sexual frequency, sexual desire, or sexual enjoyment

Fertil Steril. 1997 Feb;67(2):244-9. doi: 10.1016/s0015-0282(97)81905-x.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of menstrual changes induced by a nomegestrol acetate subdermal contraceptive implant (Uniplant; Thermex, Bahia, Brazil) on users' sexuality.

Design: Prospective observational survey.

Setting: San Borja-ArriarĂ¡n Hospital, University of Chile, School of Medicine.

Patient(s): Normally cycling healthy women and their partners.

Intervention(s): Structured interview before and during use of the contraceptive.

Main outcomes measure(s): Sexual frequency, desire, and enjoyment; perception of health; and contraceptive satisfaction.

Result(s): During the use of the implant more women reported irregular cycles (32% versus 11%) and vaginal spotting (38% versus 19%). Frequency of sexual relations was unchanged (2.3 versus 2.5/wk) but the percent of couples engaging in sexual relations during vaginal spotting increased (28% versus 11%). There was no significant difference in the percent of men or women who reported an increase, or decrease, in perceived sexual desire, sexual enjoyment, or perception of health during the use of Uniplant.

Conclusion(s): Despite the alterations in menstrual cyclicity and the occurrence of spotting, the use of a contraceptive subdermal implant of nomegestrol acetate did not effect desire for, enjoyment of, or frequency of sexual relations in users.

PIP: Findings are presented from a study evaluating the effect of menstrual changes induced by a nomegestrol acetate subdermal contraceptive implant (Uniplant) on users' sexuality. The Uniplant implant evaluated is manufactured by Thermex of Bahia, Brazil. New subjects enrolled in a phase III clinical trial of the implant at San Borja-Arriaran Hospital, University of Chile, School of Medicine were observed prospectively. The participants were 118 normally cycling healthy women of median age 28 years and 60 male partners of median age 31 years. A structured interview was held before and during use of the contraceptive. Before insertion of the implant, 11% of the women reported irregular menstrual cycles, 19% reported vaginal spotting, and 11% of the couples reported engaging in sexual relations during vaginal spotting. During use of the implant, 32% of the women reported irregular cycles, 38% reported vaginal spotting, and 28% of the couples reported engaging in sexual relations during vaginal spotting. The frequency of sexual relations remained unchanged at 2.3-2.5 acts of coitus per weeks. There was no significant difference in the percentage of men or women who reported an increase or decrease in perceived sexual desire, sexual enjoyment, or perception of health during the use of Uniplant.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Clinical Trial, Phase III
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Coitus
  • Drug Implants
  • Female
  • Health Status
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Megestrol*
  • Menstruation / drug effects*
  • Menstruation / physiology
  • Norpregnadienes / administration & dosage*
  • Norpregnadienes / therapeutic use
  • Patient Satisfaction
  • Periodicity
  • Prospective Studies
  • Self Concept
  • Sexual Behavior / drug effects*

Substances

  • Drug Implants
  • Norpregnadienes
  • nomegestrol acetate
  • Megestrol