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Open Access 09-01-2025 | Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Addressing Factors that Impact Sexual Well-Being and Intimacy in IBD Patients

Authors: Samantha Elias, Neilanjan Nandi, Simona Fourie, Lorraine Grover, Kira L. Newman

Published in: Current Gastroenterology Reports | Issue 1/2025

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

This review details the pathophysiologic mechanisms from medical, surgical to psychosocial factors that illustrate how and why sexual health and intimacy are impacted in IBD.

Recent Findings

Recent clinical surveys of practicing gastroenterologists document that clinicians should routinely address sexual health when addressing patient reported outcomes but very few actually make direct inquiry or suggest management into this important aspect of human life. Example ‘patter’ are suggested to clinicians to demonstrate how to introduce the subject of sexual intimacy and well-being and engender patient trust on this sensitive topic. Once specific symptomatology are elicited, then a review follows on how referral to a cadre of available multidisciplinary specialists can help directly manage the patient’s concerns. Specific emphasis on addressing the sexual health in ostomate and sexual and gender minority populations is focused upon as well.

Summary

Overall, this in depth review highlights a practical clinical approach to understanding how to address sexual wellbeing and human intimacy in IBD patients.
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Metadata
Title
Addressing Factors that Impact Sexual Well-Being and Intimacy in IBD Patients
Authors
Samantha Elias
Neilanjan Nandi
Simona Fourie
Lorraine Grover
Kira L. Newman
Publication date
09-01-2025
Publisher
Springer US
Published in
Current Gastroenterology Reports / Issue 1/2025
Print ISSN: 1522-8037
Electronic ISSN: 1534-312X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11894-024-00956-2