Dr. Marta Calvo, member of the Board of Directors of the Spanish Working Group on Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (GETECCU)emphasized the importance of collaboration between gastroenterologists and other specialists (such as nurses, gynecologists, urologists, surgeons, psychologists and sexologists) to comprehensively address the problem. physical and emotional aspects of sexual dysfunction in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
IBD is a chronic pathology that already affects around 300,000 Spaniards, mainly affecting the digestive system. However, limiting its influence to this system is a mistake, because it also affects multiple areas, both physical and emotional, including sexual health, which impacts patients’ quality of life.
“Despite the great impact it has on quality of life, sexual dysfunction in IBD continues to be a little-discussed topic, both in the medical literature and in consultations,” said Dr. Calvo, also attached to the Department of Service. Digestive system of the Puerta de Hierro University Hospital
The doctor explained that “symptoms such as diarrhea, urgency and abdominal pain can affect beyond physical appearance, while treatments such as corticosteroids “They can change body image, a key factor in self-esteem and self-confidence.”
Additionally, IBD significantly affects mental health, triggering problems such as depression and anxiety, which further influence mental health. sexual dysfunction than physical symptoms. These disorders have a profound impact on the quality of life of people affected by the disease.
“Often patients feel embarrassed or believe doctors can’t help them,” Dr. Calvo said, emphasizing the importance of creating a trusting environment in the office so patients can talk about it.
The specialist insisted on the need to benefit from the support of psychologists and sexologists to comprehensively address IBD. “It is essential to identify the individual risk factorssuch as previous surgeries, corticosteroid use, abdominal or joint pain, incontinence or stress.
Once these factors are identified, each symptom must be treated specifically. “Patients also need psychological support to manage depression, anxiety and stress associated with illness», added Dr Calvo.
inflammatory bowel disease
Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are a group of chronic diseases which cause inflammation of the digestive tract. The two main forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which affect different parts of the digestive system and have different characteristics, although they share similar symptoms.
Crohn’s disease It can affect any part of the digestive tract, from the mouth to year round, although it usually occurs in the small intestine or colon. Inflammation can compromise all layers of the intestinal wall, which can lead to complications such as fistulas or strictures.
