Abstract
BACKGROUND: Sexual dysfunction is common in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The aim of this study was to better characterize sexual dysfunction and associated factors among a Canadian cohort of IBD patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey study was conducted. The primary outcome was sexual dysfunction as measured by the Female Sexual Dysfunction Scale in females and the Male Sexual Dysfunction Scale in males. Analyses were stratified by sex and multiple linear regression was used to identify associations. RESULTS: In total, 351 respondents completed the survey. Both females and males were impacted by sexual dysfunction (IBD-FSDS 14.1 [± 13.8] and IBD-MSDS 7.2 [± 9.4, respectively]). Depression was common and strongly associated with sexual dysfunction (β coefficient 0.92 [0.13] for men and 0.84 [0.19] for women, P <.001). CONCLUSIONS: Sexual dysfunction was common and more impactful in women. Depression was strongly associated with sexual dysfunction. This underscores the need for multidisciplinary care in addressing sexual health among individuals living with IBD.