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This is kind of a delicate subject, and apparently for that reason it continues to be pretty much ignored by both doctors and patients alike. It seems that IBDs play havoc with libido and normal sexual functioning. I apologize for even bringing it up here, but it does appear to be yet another secondary effect of MC that adds another level to the overall decrease in quality of life that can be attributed to the disease.
Here is the jist of a recent study. Note the extreme loss of libido for both genders.
Tauseef Ali, MD, director of Saint Anthony Hospital’s Crohn’s and Colitis Program, in Oklahoma City, and his colleagues recruited 29 patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) and 18 with ulcerative colitis (UC) to participate in the questionnaire-based study. Participants had a mean age of 31 years, and 21 were men.
Dr. Ali’s team asked the subjects to complete the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) or the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), as well as several other validated questionnaires measuring clinical disease activity, depression and fatigue.
The researchers, who presented their results at the 2014 annual meeting of the American College of Gastroenterology (abstract P1076), found that 66% of men with IBD reported some kind of sexual dysfunction: 81% said they had decreased sexual desire; 52.4% reported erectile dysfunction; and 23% said they had difficulty achieving orgasm over the preceding four weeks. Three-fourths (76.2%) reported feeling dissatisfied with intercourse.
Among women with IBD, 61.5% reported experiencing sexual dysfunction. Of these, 96.7% said they had low sexual desire; 54% indicated experiencing difficulties with arousal; and more than 50% reported having inadequate vaginal lubrication, difficulty reaching orgasm, pain during intercourse and overall dissatisfaction with sexual activity.
As usual, the researchers ignored microscopic colitis when recruiting subjects for the study, but I have no doubt that the conclusions also apply to MC patients. Yep, this is a life-altering disease, and a cruel one at that.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
It's not only seems to be a touchy topic to bring up with other, but with doctors too! I remember mentioning a few times to doctors seen about wild swings in libido corresponding with how the stomach condition was doing. I remember when doing that seeing big eyes from them. I about expected responses of why are you telling me this! About the best answer received was the problem would resolve once the stomach issue was better. Can't argue with that.
Speaking as someone who also has Sjorgren's, the vaginal dryness issue is huge! Intercourse is painful and sometimes leads to a UTI to boot. I have been post menopausal for about 10 years, so put it down to hormonal changes until the Sjorgren's diagnosis. It's a part of my life that I (and my husband!) would really like to get back to normal...
Can't speak for others, and certainly not for men. The results of the research are not surprising. Wearing protective undergarments is NOT sexy. Adding lack of energy, and not feeling well to the mix and it really does reduce desire.
DH works around my problems since they change from one day to the next...
Also, have never discussed it with PCP or GI....don't know of anything they can do to help it. I believe it will improve over time as more healing takes place.
Theresa
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
That was one of the first symptoms I noticed that went along with MC. I think I may have even mentioned it here in previous posts. I had never seen it documented before, so this is really interesting. MC is such a difficult disease socially, and this just adds yet another unwelcome "whammy".
Polly
Blessed are they who can laugh at themselves, for they shall never cease to be amused.
I don't kiss and tell.... Ha! yes it has affected me, but I won't let it stop me, I beleive if you want it bad enough you will fight to get it back. and there is nothing more lovely than just cuddling... while you wait........
diagnosed with LC by biopsy
in May 2013 , supplements B complex, Vit C ,Vit D3 Zinc, with a multivitamin, and magnesium to round out the pack.
As for any dryness during sex, we love Astroglide. It feels like the real thing. We had tried the 'warming' lubricants, but that seemed to irritate.
I have used it for my own comfort when vaginal dryness became painful just walking around and doing my daily routine.
This is one of the things that has improved since going on a restricted diet.
Theresa
MC and UC 2014
in remission since June 1, 2014
We must all suffer one of two things: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. ~Jim Rohn
Yes! I mentioned it to my old doctor and he sort of shrugged it off. Running to the bathroom every half hour left me with no energy, abdominal pain, and irritated lady bits. Not conducive to sexy time.
I was also terrified of having an accident during. Now if that doesn't kill the mood I don't know what does.
Yes I can relate to this. Often though it is due to my abdominal pain which comes on most strong in the evenings (traditionally my getting jiggy time) and so does the heavy rectum feeling - just difficult to get in the mood because of the discomfort I suppose.
I remember my G.I asking about my sex drive during my first few appointments. He was convinced that my low libido and gut complaints could be down to HIV (he wanted to test me and I refused)....and that was after my biopsy test came back positive for MC.
