Prevalence and Predictors of Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Purpose: Little is known about sexual dysfunction in pts with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Our aim was to assess the prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction among pts with IBD. Methods: A clinical sample from a tertiary referral center was interviewed during their routine clinic visit. The Sexual History Form and questions that assess sexual well-being from the National Health and Social Life Survey were used to determine the prevalence and severity and a global sexual functioning score (GSFS) was calculated (0.11 = perfect functioning; 1 = significant dysfunction). IBD severity was assessed using the Short Form IBDQ (S.IBDQ). The cohort results were compared to historic controls from both surveys. Non-parametric tests were used to assess associations and multivariate analysis was performed to control for potential confounders. Results: 62 IBD pts; 46 (75%) pts with CD and 16 (25%) with UC with a mean age of 44 (range 18 to 74 years) with a mean S.IBDQ score of 50 (range of 22 to 70 at the time of the survey) were surveyed. Sexual dysfunction was more prevalent in patients with IBD than the general public (68% vs 31% with any degree of dysfunction; P= 0.002 and 38% vs. 12% with significant dysfunction; P= < 0.0001). Mean GSFS was significantly worse among IBD pts compared to values reported in general public (0.51 vs 0.22; P= 0.008). Multivariate analysis showed that this dysfunction did not correlate and was independent of underlying IBD activity as measured by the S.IBDQ, steroid use in the past 6 months, disease duration and history of previous surgery. Furthermore, only one pt received counseling regarding this problem (self-referred). Conclusion: Sexual dysfunction is an important concern in patients with IBD, and must be addressed while treating the patient for their disease. This dysfunction appears to be independent of disease activity and other disease related factors. Further studies to determine potential causes including psychiatric and / or endocrine evaluation should be considered.