A male with an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis) may develop infertility or sexual dysfunction.
Intestinal manifestations of the IBD that may interfere with sexual behavior:
(1) abdominal pain
(2) diarrhea
Complications of medications:
(1) sulfasalazine (results in a reversible decrease in sperm number and motility)
(2) high dose corticosteroids
Complications of intestinal surgery:
(1) impaired ejaculation following rectal or pelvic surgery
(2) erectile dysfunction
(3) stoma
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
