Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 16, 2025

A TNBS-Induced Rodent Model to Study the Pathogenic Role of Mechanical Stress in Crohn's Disease
Published on: March 1, 2022
Sexual dysfunction in patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Magdalena Kaniewska1, Konrad Lewandowski1, Dorota Szydlarska2,3
1Department of Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine, National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, Warsaw, Poland.
Introduction:
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) significantly influence sexual function due to their symptoms. The impact of the disease on sexuality and intimacy is a predominant concern for IBD patients, though data on sexual (SD) and erectile dysfunction (ED) and their determinants remain scarce.
Aim:
The aim of this study was to evaluate sexual function and identify predictors of SD among patients with IBD during biological treatment.
Material And Methods:
This prospective study included 135 adult patients with Crohn's disease (n = 106) and ulcerative colitis (n = 29) who were selected for biological treatment based on established criteria (CD: CDAI > 300; UC: Total Mayo score > 6). Participants completed validated questionnaires on their sexual function: the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), with a question from the Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire (IBDQ).
Results:
43.7% of patients reported SD, with similar proportions in men and women (p = 0.536). There was no significant correlation between the duration of IBD, type of medication or calprotectin levels and the results of the FSFI and IIEF-5 questionnaires. Self-reported limitations were greater for women compared to men (p < 0.001), with a significant correlation between them and both IIEF-5 and FSFI scores across both disease types (p < 0.001).
Conclusions:
SD and ED among patients treated with biologics were associated with psychological factors but not disease severity. The type of medication used to treat the underlying disease did not influence the development of SD. These findings underscore the need for a comprehensive understanding of sexual health and psychological support for IBD patients.
Related Concept Videos
Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Diagnostic Studies and Management I-Nutritional Therapy
Diagnostic studies
A colonoscopy is the definitive screening test, distinguishing ulcerative colitis from other colon diseases with similar symptoms. During a colonoscopy test, inflamed mucosa with exudate ulcerations can be observed, and biopsies are taken to determine the histologic characteristics of the...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease II: Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, commonly known as IBD, refers to a collection of disorders that lead to persistent inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. The two types of IBD are ulcerative colitis, which impacts the colon, and Crohn's disease, which can involve any part of the gastrointestinal segment.
Crohn's disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic, systemic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that predominantly affects the gastrointestinal tract. It is marked by...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease I: Ulcerative Colitis
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, encompasses a group of disorders characterized by chronic inflammation or ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract.
Risk Factors
The exact cause of IBD remains unclear, although it is believed to be due to a mix of genetic, environmental, microbial, and immune factors. Genetic factors are significant in determining susceptibility to IBD, with family history being a critical risk factor. Individuals with a first-degree relative who has IBD are at...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease V: Surgical Management
Here are some common surgical interventions for IBD:
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...
Inflammatory Bowel Disease IV: Pharmacological Management
Pharmacologic...

