Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with worse sexual function: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

Background: Several studies report that sexuality is often affected by inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).The aim of this meta-analysis was to investigate the association between IBD and sexual function.Methods: A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE databases (up to September 1, 2020). Scores of sexual functions with a standard deviation and odds ratio (OR) or relative risk (RR) with a 95% CI were used to analysis the association between IBD and sexual function.Results: Eleven studies with 7,018 male IBD cases and 1,803 female IBD cases were included in the meta-analysis. In male individuals, the pooled results revealed that IBD was significantly associated with impaired erectile function and poor sexual satisfaction (RR for erectile function =1.50, 95% CI: 1.22 to 1.84, P<0.0001; standard mean difference for sexual satisfaction =−0.24, 95% CI: −0.33 to −0.15, P<0.0001). And among female individuals, IBD had impact on most sub-domains of sexual function, except pains.Conclusions: IBD is associated with worse sexual function. It has significant impact on erectile function and satisfaction for male individuals and has impact on most sub-domains of sexual function for female individuals.

Insights into disability and psycho-social care of patients with inflammatory bowel disease

“…In the IMPACT study ( 37 ), a large survey conducted across Europe aimed at understanding the impact of IBD on patients’ lives, 40% of patients reported that disease activity negatively affected intimate relationships. In a recent meta-analysis conducted by Chen et al ( 38 ) on 11 studies, the risk of SD in male patients with IBD was significantly higher than in individuals without IBD (OR = 1.61, 95% CI: 1.17 to 2.23, p = 0.004). Similarly, female patients with IBD had a significantly higher risk of SD compared to healthy controls (OR = 2.28, 95% CI: 1.54 to 3.37, p < 0.0001).…”

“…The prevalence of SD in female patients with IBD tends to be higher than in male patients, with rates ranging from 21.1 to 48.2% in men and from 51.0 to 73.7% in women ( 38 ). The reason behind this finding is unclear; however, women may be more concerned than men about intimacy, sexual performance and relationship issues because of their disease.…”