Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) affect 200-400 people per 100,000 in the United States, about half of whom are women. Our goal was to research how common it is for women with IBD to experience vulvovaginal symptoms. For this study, we recruited women more than 18 years old with IBD (1250) who agreed to complete an online survey that asks questions about the presence and severity of vulvar or vaginal itch, burn, or irritation, vaginal discharge or dryness, and vulvovaginal pain. The survey collected information on background information and a history of their IBD activity history. Women with and withou t symptoms were compared for analyses. For the results, we found a total of 512 women reported at least 1 moderate-severe vulvovaginal symptom. All vulvovaginal symptoms except vaginal dryness were more common in women with active IBD and vulvovaginal discomfort frequently or always decreased interest in sex or ability to have sex. In conclusion, we found that women with more active IBD have increased prevalence of vulvovaginal discomfort, compared to women in remission. These symptoms affect sexual health.

Little research has been done exploring how inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects sexual health. In this study, investigators asked a large group of IBD patients to complete a 6-question online survey. The questions asked about sexual interest and satisfaction. Researchers found that these IBD patients had similar levels of sexual interest as the general population, but they had lower sexual satisfaction and lower quality of life as it related to their IBD. Older age, disease activity, depression, anxiety, and pain were associated with these findings. Exploring these sexual health topics during clinical encounters can help improve IBD quality of life.