For many of us, talking to others about gut issues already falls outside our normal ‘conversation comfort zone’. Unsurprisingly then, when sex is mixed into the equation, the conversation can feel even more uncomfortable. However, for those of us living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD – particularly Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis), it's important to learn how to manage our health whilst still living our lives. This includes dating, relationships and sexual intimacy. So, whilst we are taking our daily drugs (medicines!) and use loads of (toilet) rolls, we should also talk about sex.
A group of people living with IBD have collaborated together with healthcare professionals and put together this resource on sexual well-being for those of us living with IBD. This includes those who have undergone j-pouch and/or ostomy surgeries.
This website therefore has a particular focus on providing some advice on this topic for those who have recently received a diagnosis of IBD, or those who had recently undergone surgery. However, these tips can also be helpful for those of us further along in our IBD journey.
