Sexual Dysfunction in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Nursing Approach

Background: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) occurs frequently in industrially developed societies, and studies have shown that the highest reported prevalence was in Europe and North America. Sexual Dysfunction (SD) seems that could affect patients with IBD and this is a finding that is widely studied with the use of standardized tools. The aim of the present study is to approach the sexual dysfunction issue in patients with IBD through the most recent biographic data, focusing on the nurses’ role, which can significantly contribute to the improvement of the care provided to those patients. Findings: According to the definition of the World Health Organization, sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality, and it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction, or infirmity. Sexual health is a basic determinant for the health quality of a person and is correlated with the subjective perception that an individual has, into the context of their values, culture, educational level, and the role models in their life. Patients with IBD are highly concerned for their sexual life as a result of the negative self-image, whereas, the difference of SD before and after the surgery is quite significant, with a clear burden after the surgery, regardless if the operation included an ileostomy or not. The investigation of SD is a difficult procedure for the health care workers but it can take place via a patient’s holistic management. In order for a patient to express a dysfunction it is of paramount importance that feelings of confidence in doctors, nurses and the rest of the team be strengthened.