Women with IBD have a higher risk of an abnormal Pap smear compared with healthy controls. Patients with immunomodulator use have a higher risk of an abnormal Pap smear associated with HPV infection. Women with IBD should be included in the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology screening guidelines for immunocompromised individuals.

Treatment with IV hydrocortisone and IV cyclosporine appears effective at inducing remission of colitis but their use must continue to be confined to severely ill patients being treated at specialized centers. Severe relapses of colitis during pregnancy increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight.

In a subgroup of patients, isotretinoin might serve as a trigger for IBD.

The likelihood of having a flare postmenopause is not different from having it premenopause. HRT, however, may provide a protective effect for disease activity in the postmenopausal period. The anti-inflammatory effects of estrogen may be the mechanism for this observation.