RESUMO
PIP: 169 married and 42 single women attending the Family Planning Clinic at Wilford Hall U.S. Air Force Medical center were surveyed over a 4-month interval to study changes in sexual drives associated with oral contraceptives (OCs). 74.4% reported they were without side effects. The menstrual flow was decreased in 62% and increased in 4%. Duration of the menstrual cycle was decreased in 57% and unchanged in 41%. 34% indicated less dysmenorrhea while taking OCs. There were some differences between married and single women when questioned about their sexual drive. 68% of the married women and 71% of the single were without change in their libido. 21% of the married women felt that their libido diminished. 22% of single women experienced increased libido. 31% of the single women had a heightened sexual response while only 17% of the married women reported this. Sexual activity increased in 40% of the single women and 16% of the married women. Libido decreased as family size increased. There were only minor differences in changes among those who use different OCs. There was a progressive decrease in libido, sexual response, and sexual activity during the first 2-3 years of medication. After 5 years, however, sexual response was progressively heightened. Fear of pregnancy was uniformly lessened with OCs in 72-75% of all patients. Individuals may have changes in their sexual drives secondary to OCs. However, as many have increased as have decreased drive.^ieng