Sexual dysfunction is prevalent in IBD but underserved: a need to expand specialised IBD care

Abstract

Objective Sexual dysfunction is common in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Data on IBD disease activity and IBD patients’ desire to seek specialist advice regarding sexual dysfunction are lacking. We aimed to identify sexual healthcare needs in patients with IBD. Design/method We conducted a cross-sectional survey of adult patients with IBD at a tertiary teaching hospital. Clinical disease activity was assessed using the Harvey-Bradshaw Index for patients with Crohn’s disease and the Patient-Simple Clinical Colitis Activity Index for patients with ulcerative colitis. Sexual health questions were derived from the validated IBD-Specific Female Sexual Dysfunction and IBD-Male Sexual Dysfunction Scales. Comparisons between those with inactive and active disease were made using Fisher’s exact test. Results 101 respondents completed the survey, of which 53 (52%) were female and 57 (56%) had Crohn’s disease. The median age was 38 (IQR 28–52). 34 respondents (34%) had active disease. Respondents with active Crohn’s disease trended towards having more significant sexual dysfunction than those in remission for all domains on the sexual dysfunction scale. 74% reported interest in accessing specialist advice regarding their sexual function while 20% have attempted to seek this advice. 36% would wish to be contacted by the IBD team if a sexual health service became available. Conclusions Negative impacts on sexual function were common in our cohort, particularly in the presence of active disease. Most patients with IBD are interested in obtaining advice regarding their sexual function. This is an unmet need among IBD services. Data are available on reasonable request.