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Sasha Taleban, MD

Arizona Health Sciences Center, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Director of IBD Program

Q: My significant other has Crohn's. I believe his Crohn's has seriously affected our sex life, but I cannot be sure because he won’t talk about it. During what he calls "a flare-up," we cease all intimacy and most affectionate contact. He gets so cranky and critical of me, I lose interest in sex.. He will only occasionally mention symptoms when they become too obvious to ignore. Is it typical for Crohn’s Disease to interfere with intimacy and sex?

A: I’m glad you asked this question. This is an important subject and probably does not get the attention it deserves. It’s not unusual for persistently active Crohn’s disease to have affects on intimacy and sex. Mood, self-consciousness, and illness perception are important determinants of sexual health and can also be adversely affected by Crohn’s disease. I would suggest a few different options. First, it’s important that your husband’s Crohn’s disease is evaluated and appropriately treated for any evidence of ongoing active disease by his gastroenterologist. If active Crohn’s is not causing his “flare-ups,” then his symptoms will need to be evaluated for other potential underlying causes. Second, it may be helpful to attend a support group (either an IBD or better yet, an ostomy support group) as this may be a common topic among other patients. Third, I believe it’s important to communicate your feelings and express your concerns to your husband. You may find that your relationship improves as a result. hide answer

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