Abstract Background The impact of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) on women's health, particularly in relation to reproductive health, remains an underexplored area in Latin American populations. This study aims to assess the effects of IBD on women's reproductive health, including pregnancy outcomes, fertility, and related complications, within a cohort of Colombian women. Methods Observational, multicenter and descriptive study involving adult and pediatric patients from two IBD Centers in different cities in Colombia. The study focused on evaluating aspects of sexual and reproductive health in women with IBD, with detailed data collection on pregnancy, fertility, childbirth, and cancer screening. Results Out of a total of 121 women with IBD, 63.6% (77/121 patients) were in reproductive age (15–44 years according to World Health Organization) (Table 1), the mean age was 33.2 years (range: 17.2–44.8 years, SD: 8), with a mean age at diagnosis of 28 years (range: 9.3–45.1 years, SD: 8.8) and a disease duration of 5.2 years (range: 0.3–21.9 years, SD: 4.7). UC was more prevalent in this group (71.4%). Most women had low rates of smoking, hospitalization, and surgical interventions for IBD, and pregnancy-related complications were generally rare. The majority of births were vaginal deliveries, and breastfeeding beyond 6 months was common, suggesting protective effects against IBD risk in offspring. Notably, while HPV vaccination rates were low, the prevalence of cervical cancer was also low. Family planning was reported by 48% of participants, and 1% required assisted reproductive technologies. Statistical analysis showed no significant association between age and pregnancy complications across age groups. However, UC was significantly associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications (OR 5.5; 95% CI: 1.9–14.9; p=0.0001), and Crohn's disease (CD) also showed a trend toward increased risk (OR 4.6; 95% CI : 0.2–20.4; p=0.00002). Previous history of hospitalization due to disease activity, surgery, and the use of biological therapy was associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications when it occurred (OR 1.97; 95% CI: 1.6–2.5; p= 0.07 for hospitalization, OR 12.12; 95% CI: 4.2–27.8; p=0.03 for surgery, OR 5.2; 95% CI: 1.64-13.1 ;p=0.00001). Conclusion This study underscores the significant impact of IBD on reproductive health in Colombian women, similar to trends in other populations. It emphasizes the importance of effective disease management before conception, given that the use of biological therapies that usually are associated with more severe disease, ongoing disease activity, and prior surgical interventions are risk factors for increased pregnancy complications.
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