Sexuality of women with inflammatory bowel diseases — original results

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of the research was to explore sexuality and its disorders in women with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).

Material and methods: 126 women with inflammatory bowel diseases participated in the study: 55 women with Crohn disease, 65 with ulcerative colitis and 6 patients with unspecified inflammatory bowel disease. Control group consisted of 123 healthy women. Both groups completed the questionnaire prepared for this study. To assess sexual functioning, FSFI questionnaire (Female Sexual Function Index) was applied. The questionnaire contained questions referring to 6 domains: desire, arousal, lubrication, orgasm, satisfaction and pain.

Results: Decrease in sexual functions was observed in women with IBD. Intensity of symptoms limits their sexual activity and undergone surgeries decreased sexual functioning of women in both groups.

Conclusions: Inflammatory bowel diseases reduce women’s sexual functions. It is caused mainly by activities of a disease, its acceptance and performed surgery. The better sexual functioning in women, the better comfort of women’s lives with inflammatory bowel diseases.