Weight gain, body image and sexual function in young patients treated with contraceptive vaginal ring. A prospective pilot study. (3rd August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Morotti, Elena; Casadio, Paolo; Guasina, Francesca; Battaglia, Bruno; Mattioli, Mara; Battaglia, Cesare
• Is Part Of: Gynecological endocrinology. Volume 33:Number 8(2017)
• Page Start: 660
• Page End: 664
• Publication Date: 2017-08-03
• Subjects: Body image -- BDI -- contraception -- FRS -- MFSQ -- vaginal ring; Endocrine gynecology -- Periodicals; Generative organs, Female -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.1
• DOI: 10.1080/09513590.2017.1306850
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0951-3590

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: Oral contraceptives could induce mood changes. As far as our knowledge, there are no studies in literature that have examined the role of vaginal contraception in self-perceived body image. Aim : To evaluate the effects of intravaginal contraception on weight gain and perceived body image in relation with the Beck's Depression Inventory questionnaire (BDI) and the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ). Methods : Twenty-one adult (18–35 years old) eumenorrheic (menstrual cycle of 25–35 days), lean (body mass index – BMI – of 19–25 kg/m 2 ) women who were referred for hormonal contraception were administered the Stunkard Figure Rating Scale (FRS), BDI and MFSQ. Subjects were studied in basal condition and after 6 months of therapy with vaginal contraception (NuvaRing®; Organon-Schering-Plough Italia, Milan, Italy). Main outcome measures : BMI, FRS, MFSQ and BDI. Results : After 6 months of therapy with NuvaRing®, both body weight (60.0 ± 8.3; p = 0.050) and BMI (22.1 ± 3.1; p = 0.028) slightly, but statistically, increased. FRS and BDI showed no differences after the vaginal contraception. Hormonal contraception was associated with a significant decrease in the two-factor Italian MFSQ score. Conclusions : Vaginal ring seems a good alternative to other hormonal contraceptive not significantly altering the female sexuality and not influencing the FRS and BDI.