Quality of Sexual Life in Hyperandrogenic Women Treated with an Oral Contraceptive Containing Chlormadinone Acetate

Introduction. Hyperandrogenism produces change in quality of life of women. Aim. To prespectively determine the changes of the sexual behaviour of hyperandrogenic women using an oral contraceptive containing 30 mu g ethinylestradiol and 2 mg chlormadinone acetate (EE/CMA). Methods. Seventy-two volunteer women (age range, 18-32 years), with moderate to severe hirsutim and acne were treated with EE/CMA for 9 cycles. Main Outcomes Measure(s). To assess hirsutism, the Ferriman-Gallwey (F-G) scoring system was used. Serum FSH, LH, estradiol, total and free testosterone, DHEAS, androstenedione, and SHBG levels were measured at baseline and at the 9th cycle of pill intake. The Short Personal Experience Questionnaire (SPEQ), the Short Form-36 (SF-36), and a visual analog scales questionnaires were used to assess the QoL, at baseline and after 3, 6 and 9 cycles of pill use. Result(s). A reduction of 65% and 81% in the total mean F-G score was observed after the 6th cycle and the 9th cycle, respectively. The serum Androstenedione, and total and free testosterone levels decreased, and SHBG levels increased after the 9th cycle (p < 0.05). The SF-36 score was higher after 6 (p < 0.05) 9 cycles (p < 0.001) with respect to baseline. Frequency of sexual intercourse and of orgasm by intercourse increased, and the frequency of masturbation decreased during the 6th (p < 0.05) and the 9th cycle (p < 0.001). Conclusion(s). The EE/CMA pill has anti-androgenic properties reducing the anti-aesthetic effect of hyperandrogenism and improving female sexual and social self-esteem. Caruso S, Rugolo S, Agnello C, Romano M, and Cianci A. Quality of sexual life in hyperandrogenic women treated with an oral contraceptive containing chlormadinone acetate. J Sex Med 2009;6:3376-3384.