Inflammatory Bowel Diseases Can Adversely Impact Domains of Sexual Function Such as Satisfaction with Sex Life. Dig Dis Sci 2018 Jun;63(6):1572-1582
Date
03/23/2018Pubmed ID
29564672Pubmed Central ID
PMC5955825DOI
10.1007/s10620-018-5021-8Scopus ID
2-s2.0-85044245584 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 29 CitationsAbstract
BACKGROUND: Aspects of sexual health, which can be adversely affected by chronic disease, have been inadequately explored in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
AIMS: We evaluated patient-reported interest in sexual activity and satisfaction with sex life in a large cohort of IBD patients.
METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study within the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation Partners Internet cohort. Sequential participants completed a 6-question supplemental online survey to examine sexual interest and satisfaction using the Patient-Reported Outcome Measurement Information System® (PROMIS®) Sexual Function and Satisfaction measures. One-sample t tests were used to compare interest and satisfaction scores to general population norms.
RESULTS: Among 2569 individuals, 1639 had Crohn's disease (CD), 930 had ulcerative colitis (UC) or indeterminate colitis, and 71% were women. Mean PROMIS scores for sexual interest were comparable to the general US population in men (CD: 49 and UC: 50 vs. population mean 50) and women (CD: 41 and UC: 40 vs. population mean 42). However, sexual satisfaction scores were lower than the US population in men (CD: 48 and UC: 48 vs. 51) and women (CD: 47 and UC: 46 vs. 49), p < 0.01 for both. Older age, disease activity, depression, anxiety, and pain were associated with lower interest and satisfaction and lowered IBD-specific quality of life.
CONCLUSIONS: IBD patients in a large online survey had similar levels of sexual interest but decreased sexual satisfaction compared to the general population. Exploring these sexual health domains during clinical encounters can aid in improving IBD quality of life.
Author List
Eluri S, Cross RK, Martin C, Weinfurt KP, Flynn KE, Long MD, Chen W, Anton K, Sandler RS, Kappelman MDAuthor
Kathryn Eve Flynn PhD Vice Chair, Professor in the Medicine department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AdolescentAdult
Colitis, Ulcerative
Cost of Illness
Crohn Disease
Cross-Sectional Studies
Female
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Patient Reported Outcome Measures
Personal Satisfaction
Quality of Life
Risk Factors
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Health
Young Adult
