Study finds IBD impacts relationships, sexual function

WASHINGTON According to a study recently published by the National Center for Biotechnology Information, 88.5% of patients diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease reported an adverse impact on relationships, body image and sexual function.

As many as 50.2% reported a negative effect on relationship status; and 66.8% an impaired body image (females 74.8% versus males 51.4%).

A greater proportion of women reported decreased frequency of sexual activity. Women also more often reported decreased libido (female 67.1% versus male 41.9%).

The result — at least 1-in-10 patients with IBD omitted medication because of these perceived negative effects.