Active inflammatory bowel disease is associated with:
(1) decreased fertility
(2) an increased risk of miscarriage
Intestinal manifestations of the IBD that may interfere with sexual behavior:
(1) abdominal pain
(2) diarrhea
(3) perianal fistula
(4) enterocutaneous fistula
Complications of medications:
(1) high dose corticosteroids
(2) drugs with teratogenic effects
Complications of intestinal surgery, including restorative proctocolectomy with ileoanal pouch anastomosis (IPAA):
(1) adhesions around the ovaries and/or fallopian tubes
(2) stoma
(3) dyspareunia
Extra-intestinal manifestations:
(1) ankylosing spondylitis
(2) skin lesions in the genital area
(3) significant oral involvement
Psychological barriers to a sexual relationship:
(1) poor self-image
(2) depression
(3) fear of intimacy
