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Published on: February 1, 2012
Sexual function and patients' perceptions in inflammatory bowel disease: a case-control survey
Laura Marín1, Míriam Mañosa, Esther Garcia-Planella
1Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 5th planta, edificio general, Ctra. del Canyet s/n, 08916, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain.
Journal of Gastroenterology
|November 6, 2012
Summary
Sexual dysfunction is common in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially in women. Factors like medication and depression impact intimacy, highlighting the need to address sexuality in IBD quality of life assessments.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Sexual Medicine
- Quality of Life Research
Background:
- Sexuality is a key component of quality of life (QoL), frequently impaired in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
- Current QoL questionnaires often overlook the impact of IBD on sexual health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and contributing factors of sexual dysfunction in IBD patients.
- To understand IBD patients' perceptions of how their condition affects their sexuality.
Main Methods:
- A postal survey was administered to IBD patients (25-65 years) and age/gender-matched controls from two tertiary centers.
- Questionnaires assessed perceived impact of IBD on sexuality and utilized validated sexual function indices (e.g., IIEF, FSFI).
Main Results:
- Analysis included 355 IBD patients and 200 controls; IBD patients had higher rates of prior depression treatment.
- IBD patients reported decreased sexual desire and satisfaction; women with IBD showed a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction compared to controls.
- Corticosteroid use in women, and biological agents, depression, and diabetes in men were independent predictors of sexual dysfunction.
Conclusions:
- Sexual health is significantly compromised in IBD patients, particularly women.
- Multiple factors, including medical treatments and comorbidities, contribute to sexual dysfunction and reduced intimacy in IBD.
- Assessing and addressing sexuality is crucial for comprehensive QoL evaluation in IBD management.
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