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Sexual function and patients' perceptions in inflammatory bowel disease: a case–control survey

Journal of Gastroenterology volume 48, pages 713–720 (2013)Cite this article

Abstract

Background

Sexuality is important when assessing quality of life (QoL), which is often disturbed in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, sexuality is not addressed in most QoL questionnaires.

Aims

To evaluate the prevalence and predisposing factors of sexual dysfunction among IBD patients, and their own perception.

Methods

A postal survey was conducted in IBD patients 25–65 years of age from two tertiary centres. Patients were asked to provide a control of the same gender and age without IBD. The questionnaire assessed patient perception of the impact of IBD on their sexuality, and also allowed calculation of the Erectile Function International Index or the Female Sexual Function Index.

Results

A total of 355 patients and 200 controls were available for the final analysis. Both groups were comparable except for a higher proportion of individuals who had been treated for depression among patients. Half of the female and one-third of the male patients considered that both sexual desire and satisfaction worsened after IBD diagnosis. As compared to controls, both men and women with IBD showed significantly lower scores in sexual function indexes, but a higher prevalence of sexual dysfunction was only noticed among women. Independent predictors of sexual dysfunction among IBD patients were the use of corticosteroids in women, and the use of biological agents, depression and diabetes in men.

Conclusions

Sexuality is often disturbed in IBD patients, particularly among women. Many factors seem to contribute to worsened intimacy. Sexuality should be considered when QoL is assessed in these patients.

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Acknowledgments

This study was partly supported by the “Antoni Obrador” grant from the Grupo Español de Trabajo en Enfermedad de Crohn y Colitis Ulcerosa (GETECCU).

Conflict of interest

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Gastroenterology Unit, Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol, 5th planta, edificio general, Ctra. del Canyet s/n, 08916, Badalona, Catalonia, Spain

    Laura Marín, Míriam Mañosa, Yamile Zabana, Eduard Cabré & Eugeni Domènech

  2. Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain

    Laura Marín, Esther Garcia-Planella & Jordi Gordillo

  3. Centro de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (Ciberehd), Barcelona, Spain

    Míriam Mañosa, Yamile Zabana, Eduard Cabré & Eugeni Domènech

Authors
  1. Laura Marín
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  2. Míriam Mañosa
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  3. Esther Garcia-Planella
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  5. Yamile Zabana
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  6. Eduard Cabré
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  7. Eugeni Domènech
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Correspondence to Eugeni Domènech.

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Marín, L., Mañosa, M., Garcia-Planella, E. et al. Sexual function and patients' perceptions in inflammatory bowel disease: a case–control survey. J Gastroenterol 48, 713–720 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-012-0700-2

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00535-012-0700-2

Keywords

  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Crohn’s disease
  • Inflammatory bowel disease
  • Sexual function
  • Intercourse
  • Intimacy