Determinants of male sexual function in inflammatory bowel disease: a survey-based cross-sectional analysis in 280 men

Abstract

Background: Problems with intimacy and sexual performance are among the major concerns of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study was performed to identify disease-related factors associated with low sexual function in men.

Methods: Consecutive patients were surveyed using a standardized questionnaire. A random sample from the national patients' organization was also included. Low sexual function was defined as a score < -1 on a z-normalized scale of the International Index of Erectile Function. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) based on multiple logistic regression.

Results: 280 questionnaires were available for analysis. Scores were similar between the groups and compared with general population means, with the exception of sexual desire. Of the clinical group, 44% felt severely compromised sexually due to their IBD. Erectile function was particularly sensitive to somatic problems (disease activity, OR 2.5, 95% CI: 1.3-4.9; diabetes, OR 7.0, 95% CI: 1.4-35.0). The influence of depressive mood was restricted to aspects of satisfaction (sexual satisfaction, OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.1-4.9; overall satisfaction OR 3.7, 95% CI: 1.7-8.3).

Conclusions: Sexual function was relatively better with longer disease duration and was not affected by the long-term severity of the disease.