Clitoral and vulvar vestibular sensation in women taking 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol combined oral contraceptives: a preliminary study.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Many women taking low-dose (20 mcg) oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) complain of decreased libido and arousal and some develop vulvar vestibular pain and dyspareunia. Free testosterone concentrations are decreased by the OCP. Genital sensation has not been objectively measured in women taking OCPs. AIM: We assessed whether the 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol combined OCP and associated decrease in free testosterone levels affected genital sensation in a pilot study of a group of asymptomatic OCP users and controls. METHODS: Clitoral thermal, vibratory, and vestibular pain thresholds, sexual functioning, and free testosterone levels were measured in 24 women taking 20 mcg ethinyl estradiol combined OCPs and 28 comparison women not using hormonal contraception. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Female Sexual Functioning Index (FSFI), free testosterone, and clitoral heat, cold, and vibratory thresholds for sensation and vestibular pain thresholds. RESULTS: Free testosterone levels were lower in OCP users. There were no differences in FSFI scores, clitoral thermal or vibratory thresholds, or vestibular pain thresholds between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose (20 mcg) oral contraceptives decrease free testosterone but are not associated with alterations in clitoral or vestibular sensation. Further studies of genital sensation in women with OCP-related sexual dysfunction are warranted.