5 ways IBD can harm your health

Aside from uncomfortable and inconvenient symptoms, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect many aspects of a person’s health—from self-confidence, to sex, to the absorption of essential nutrients. Learn more about the unexpected side effects of IBD, and how to take control of the chronic condition.

Q: How can inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affect other parts of my body?

A: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can affect other parts of the body through what's called extraintestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. These happen outside the gut. One of the most common extraintestinal manifestations is joint pain. Some people may notice, particularly if they have colitis, that during flares, their knees, elbows and hips may hurt.

Another extraintestinal manifestation of IBD is cold sores in the mouth, called aphthous erosions or ulcers. They sometimes correspond with flares. People also sometimes experience very red and painful eyes because inflammatory bowel disease is associated with some ophthalmologic conditions, including uveitis and iritis.

Q: How can inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affect my sex life?

A: Inflammatory bowel disease, as well as the surgery and medicines used to treat it, can affect your sex life. Sometimes, you may just feel too tired to have sex. You may also have emotional issues related to the disease. For instance, you may not feel as confident about your body as you did before you got the disease. Even though it may be uncomfortable, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider (HCP) if you are having sexual problems. They may have treatments that can help.

Q: If I have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), is pregnancy safe for me?

A: You should talk with your HCP before getting pregnant. Experts often recommend that people try to become pregnant during periods of remission—if possible, for at least six months. Ideally, you shouldn’t be on steroids but should be taking consistent doses of other medications for three months or more. During your discussion with your HCP, you can discuss a treatment plan for when you are pregnant.

If you think you might be pregnant, call your HCP right away. Some of the medicines used to treat inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as methotrexate and thalidomide, can harm the growing fetus.

Q: Does inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increase my risk of colon cancer?

A: Inflammatory bowel disease is associated with an increased lifetime risk for colorectal cancer. Over time, the inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract can lead to abnormal changes in the cells called dysplasia, which are a warning sign of cancer. While the majority of patients with IBD will never develop colorectal cancer, it is important to attend your regular checkups so that your HCP can screen for cancer.

Q: Can inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affect my monthly period?

A: Yes. Some people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) feel worse right before and during their menstrual periods than at other times. Diarrhea, abdominal pain, and other symptoms can be more severe during these times. People with IBD and their doctors should keep track of these monthly changes in symptoms. This will prevent over treating the disease.