Addressing Factors that Impact Sexual Well-Being and Intimacy in IBD Patients.

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Sexual Medicine
• Psychosocial Health

Background:

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) significantly impacts patients' sexual health and intimacy.
• Existing clinical practice often overlooks addressing sexual well-being in IBD management.
• Gastroenterologists report low confidence and frequency in discussing sexual health with IBD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the pathophysiologic mechanisms affecting sexual health in IBD.
• To provide a practical clinical approach for addressing sexual well-being in IBD patients.
• To highlight strategies for integrating sexual health discussions into routine IBD care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of medical, surgical, and psychosocial factors impacting sexual health in IBD.
• Analysis of clinical survey data on gastroenterologists' practices regarding sexual health.
• Development of suggested communication strategies for clinicians.

Main Results:

• Gastroenterologists recognize the importance of sexual health but rarely address it directly.
• Effective communication strategies can help clinicians introduce sensitive topics and build patient trust.
• Multidisciplinary referrals are crucial for managing specific sexual health concerns in IBD patients.
• Special attention is given to sexual health in ostomates and sexual and gender minority populations.

Conclusions:

• A proactive and empathetic approach is necessary to address sexual health in IBD.
• Clinicians need practical tools and multidisciplinary support to manage sexual well-being in IBD.
• Integrating sexual health into IBD care improves overall patient reported outcomes and quality of life.