Inflammatory bowel disease and women’s sexual and reproductive health: a narrative review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.12957/bjhbs.2020.53531Abstract
Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease is a chronic
idiopathic condition involving the gastrointestinal tract.
The disease prevalence is increasing worldwide, affecting
women in childbearing age. Objective: Clinical and practical
review of the women´s sexual and reproductive health in
inflammatory bowel disease with focus in gynaecological
and obstetrical management. Materials and Methods: In this
article we review sexual and reproductive health issues in
women with inflammatory bowel disease in all life stages
and the main particularities of the approach of inflammatory
bowel disease in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Results and
Conclusion: Fertility in women without disease activity is
not decreased comparing to general population, but despite
research is inconsistent there are reports of increased risk of
small for gestational age, preterm delivery, low Apgar score,
congenital anomalies, intrauterine death, miscarriage, venous
thromboembolism and preeclampsia. To improve obstetric
outcomes, a period of 3 to 6 months of disease remission is
recommended before conception. Medication adjustment
may be necessary, and supplementation should be adapted. A
multidisciplinary approach and a comprehensive knowledge
of the disease through all women life stages allows a better
health care.
Keywords: Inflammatory bowel disease, Sexual health,
Reproduction, Pregnancy, Breastfeeding.
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