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Contraception and Sexuality

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Female and Male Contraception

Part of the book series: Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine ((TASM))

Abstract

Contraception stands as the fulcrum of a delicate balance between the reproductive experience and sexuality/genitality as an end in itself, giving the latter a playful and recreational dimension. Hormonal contraception can act on sexuality through the steroid components, their quantity, formulation, route of administration, and the regimen used; each of these variables is capable of modulating both the somatic-functional system and the psycho-relational and sexual areas.

The relationship between contraception and sexuality depends on complex individual, biological, psychological, and couple motivational variables; such a statement introduces the real tailoring concept, in short, the identification of a contraceptive suitable for “that woman” and “that couple.” Finally, the acceptability of a contraceptive method depends not only on its tolerability and metabolic neutrality, but also on the impact that the method can have on sexuality and quality of life. Contraceptive counseling must necessarily take into account these important elements, since the success of a contraceptive choice is closely connected to the influence that the method will have on sexuality.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Research Group for Sexology, Gynaecological Clinic, Department of General Surgery and Medical Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, Catania, Italy

    Salvatore Caruso, Valentina Fava & Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda

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  1. Salvatore Caruso
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  2. Valentina Fava
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  3. Agnese Maria Chiara Rapisarda
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Correspondence to Salvatore Caruso .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medical and Surgical Science, University of Bologna, Clinic of Gynecology and Physiopathology of Reproduction, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy

    Maria Cristina Meriggiola

  2. Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

    Kristina Gemzell-Danielsson

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Caruso, S., Fava, V., Rapisarda, A.M.C. (2021). Contraception and Sexuality. In: Meriggiola, M.C., Gemzell-Danielsson, K. (eds) Female and Male Contraception. Trends in Andrology and Sexual Medicine. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-70932-7_4

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-70932-7_4

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