Inflammatory Bowel Disease--A Complicating Factor in Gynecologic Disorders?

Gynecologic disorders occur commonly in women with Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Frequently, these women also suffer menstrual disorders with gastrointestinal symptoms that overlap with those related to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Knowledge of the range of gynecologic problems--for example, dysfunctional uterine bleeding, fistula or abscess of the perineum or vagina, dyspareunia, subfertility possibly due to tubal blockage, and ovarian dysfunction related to bowel disease--that have been associated with IBD will assist practitioners in treating these women. Prostaglandins, released by the endometrium at menstruation, cause contraction of uterine smooth muscle, resulting in the cramping pain of dysmenorrhea. Prostaglandins also are an important component of the inflammatory process in active IBD; by increasing contractility of GI smooth muscle, they are associated with diarrhea and abdominal pain. Menstrual pain and menses-related GI symptoms may be difficult to distinguish from symptoms related to IBD. Endometriosis may present with symptoms similar to an acute episode of IBD. Mucosal changes in the bowel can occur in association with endometriosis, and can be confused with the histologic features of IBD. The distinction is important. For example, while nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs may relieve symptoms of dysmenorrhea, they often are contraindicated in IBD. To provide optimal evaluation and treatment, all health care professionals who treat women with IBD should be aware of the spectrum of gynecologic conditions that may be encountered.