Nobody enjoys coping with ulcerative colitis (UC) symptoms, but when it comes to intimacy and sex, they can be very difficult, if not downright debilitating.
Nearly half of individuals with UC or another inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) report that their disease has made it harder for them to pursue romantic relationships, and studies show that the prevalence of sexual dysfunction is higher among individuals with IBD compared to the general population.
Concerns about one’s appearance, such as scars, stomas, or variations in weight due to flare-ups, can have a negative impact on one’s self-esteem and, by extension, one’s desire to engage in sexual activity. The Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation reports that some of the physical symptoms and problems of UC might make it difficult to engage in sexual activity. Many people feel too exhausted to engage in sexual activity because of chronic diarrhea, fecal urgency, cramps, and abdominal pain, all of which disrupt the relaxation needed for arousal.
Pratima Dibba, M.D., a gastroenterologist with Medical Offices of Manhattan in New York City, looks at the physical and emotional ways in which ulcerative colitis (UC) can impact intimacy, and she provides expert advice on how to regain your groove or help a partner cope with a UC diagnosis. Read the article
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