Assessing Sexual Function of Women after 12 Months of IUD Usage

The Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a well-accepted method of contraception. Most women are currently using it because of its effectiveness, longevity, and affordability. Moreover, users need no strict routine instructions for IUD. However, many women in the absence of any pre-existing conditions that may impair sexual functions discontinue the method due to poor sexual satisfaction. This paper aims to assess and measure the effects of IUDs on sexual function in women with no underlying condition over a period of 12 months. This study employed a longitudinal approach. To be eligible to participate, the study enrolled 260 women who have chosen to use IUDs willingly on their own at these selected centers during this period and are aged 20 years and above. It collected data at baseline and at 12 months of use. Measurements at these two timelines were done using the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI). The prevalence of female sexual dysfunction among participants after 12 months was 47.7% (124). In the analysis of Mean scores, FSFI at baseline and at 12 months was 31.31 and 24.76 respectively (p<0.05). Significantly reduced scores (p=0.001), for all the six domains (desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction, and pain) of sexual function were noted. Desire and pain were the most affected areas of sexual function with very low scores. Without any underlying and related triggers of sexual health, the study discovered that IUDs have the potentials to cause female sexual dysfunction in almost half of its users