P091 Gender focused investigation of sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction and body schema disorders in male and female patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Abstract

Abstract Background Gender-specific differences in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) have been reported for epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical course and disease outcomes. However, when it comes to sexual health deviations regarding both biological sexes, research studies are scarce. In this context, gender could be an important modulating factor. The aim of this study was to investigate gender-specific sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction and body schema disorders in male and female patients with IBD. Methods A cross-sectional unicentric study was performed. 123 patients with IBD were recruited for 12 months. Of these, 50 patients were male and 73 female. Inclusion criteria included a diagnosed IBD (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), age between 18 - 65 years and sufficient language skills to complete the questionnaires. Data was collected using standardised questionnaries (IBDQ, IBD-F, pMS, HBI, IIEF, BISF-W, FKKS, PHQ15, PHQ9, HADS-D). Sexual dysfunction, sexual satisfaction and body schema disorders were mainly assessed by the „Frankfurter Körperkonzeptskalen“ (FKKS), „The Brief Index of Sexual Functioning for Women“ (BISF-W) and „International Index of Erectile Function“ (IIEF). Results Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found for the pMS, FKKS, PHQ15 and PHQ9. Male patients with IBD scored higher in the FKKS, especially in the subscale „Health and physical condition scale (SGKB)“ but also on sexuality- and body-related questions, meaning that they had fewer problems with their sexuality and biological functionality. Due to the small number of only 13 male participants, the IIEF could only be assessed to a limited extent. No significant differences were found here. Female patients with IBD had higher scores in the pMS, PHQ15 and PHQ9, meaning that they suffered more from severe disease activity, somatic impairment and depression. In addition, they scored lower on the BISF-W dimension scores "Arousal" (D2) and "Pleasure/Orgasm" (D5). Conclusion Sexual health seems to be impaired in male and female patients with IBD. However, it appears that men are less affected by their IBD than women in terms of sexual well-being, mental health, aesthetics and biological functionality. The reasons behind these results are diverse and cannot be clearly determined. It could be that men are overall more resilient because of their phsyical body structure or because they tend to hide supposed weaknesses.