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

Abstract

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