Effect of Hormonal Contraception on Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms& Sexual Function

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It is generally accepted that female sex hormones influence the morphology and physiology of vaginal tissues. Peripheral estrogen affects urogenital connective tissue composition and structure, vaginal blood flow, and thickness of vaginal epithelium. Estrogen and progestagen receptors are also abund...

It is generally accepted that female sex hormones influence the morphology and physiology of vaginal tissues. Peripheral estrogen affects urogenital connective tissue composition and structure, vaginal blood flow, and thickness of vaginal epithelium. Estrogen and progestagen receptors are also abundantly present in the lower urinary tract, which has the same embryonic origin as the vagina. decline in circulating estrogen levels may result in atrophy of vaginal, urethral and bladder trigonal epithelium, as well as initiate metabolic changes in the subepithelial supportive tissues. This process forms the biological rationale for the common clinical practice of prescribing hormone treatment to menopausal women with lower urinary and genital tract symptoms. Contrary to widespread belief, the Womens Health Initiative (WHI) randomised trial showed that menopausal hormone therapy with conjugated estrogen alone, or in combination with progestagen, increased the risk of de novo or aggravated urinary incontinence after one year of treatment. In premenopausal women, oral contraception is the most common source of hormone intake but very few studies have endeavored to determine the effects of oral contraception on premenopausal urinary incontinence. The aim of this nationwide cohort study was to assess the influence of contraceptives on the risk for lower urinary tract dysfunction in young female.at is time-related with the beginning of hormonal contraception, health care providers should give information about other methods and try to switch them to a method less associated with sexual dysfunction. However, there are contradictory results between the different studies regarding the association between sexual dysfunction and hormonal contraceptives, so it could be firmly said that additional research is needed. Meanwhile, it could be said that hormonal contraception has been associated with different alterations in sexual functioning. To conclude, a multidisciplinary approach to the management of female sexual dysfunction is mandatory, and health care providers should give lifestyle counselling apart from proposing different treatment options. An adequate relationship with the patient, as well as the routine monitoring of possible sexual dysfunction, are essential in addressing these difficulties. Undoubtedly, the best contraceptive is one that fulfills the women's needs with acceptable side effects and agreed with the prescribed

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