Sexual Health in Women with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Narrative Review

Background/Objectives: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, have a significant impact on overall well-being. Sexual health, a critical component of overall well-being, is often compromised in individuals with IBD, especially in women, owing to physical, psychological, and social factors. This narrative review aims to synthesize the fragmented existing evidence on the impact of IBD on women's sexual health by examining clinical manifestations along with patients' perceptions and lived experiences. Methods: Five databases (CINAHL Complete, Medline, APA PsycInfo, APA PsycArticles, and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection) were searched using keywords related to IBD, sexual health, and women's experiences. Fifteen studies that met the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria were analyzed. Results: Women with IBD often perceive their bodies as "damaged" or "mutilated," which profoundly affects their self-esteem and sexual satisfaction. Physically, debilitating symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and chronic fatigue limit sexual desire and intimacy. Psychological factors, including anxiety, depression, and negative body image, exacerbate these challenges, and compromise emotional well-being and intimate relationships. Social stigma further isolates patients, making it more difficult for them to communicate their sexual needs to both partners and healthcare providers. Strategies such as psychological support, health education, and promoting open communication with partners emerge as promising avenues to improve sexual health and quality of life. Conclusions: IBD profoundly affects women's sexual health by intertwining physical, psychological, and social challenges. A holistic and personalized clinical approach that incorporates sexual well-being into routine care is essential to improve patients' quality of life.