Sexual Function and Quality of Life Among Patients Suffering From Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Sexual dysfunction [SD] is a significant health burden characterized by a disturbance in sexual desire and psychophysiological changes in the sexual response cycle, resulting in marked distress and interpersonal difficulty (4). As known, both SD and depression are interrelated, so, depression may be an important determinant of sexual functioning in patients with IBD(5).

Inclusion Criteria:18-50 years old.Both sexesA stable sexual partner for ≥3 monthsability to fill in and understand the questionnairesign informed consent and participate voluntarily. For control group: An age-matched control group of healthy men and women, in the same region will also be invited to participate. The controls will eligible if they are 18-50 years of age, have a stable heterosexual relationship for at least 3 months and do not have bowel like IBD or irritable bowel syndrome or psychiatric problems.Exclusion Criteria:Those who couldn't understand or fill out the questionnaire themselves and/or those with mental disordersDiagnosis of SD before an IBD diagnosisSD compounded by other diseases: cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, lung diseases, liver and kidney dysfunction, diabetic neuropathy, other psychiatric disorders (e.g. depression), and neoplastic diseases, etc.History or current use of psychotropic drugs or medications have sexual side effects.