Management of Sexual Dysfunction in Gastrointestinal Disorders

Gastroenterol Clin North Am. 2022 Dec;51(4):815-828. doi: 10.1016/j.gtc.2022.06.012.

Abstract

Patients with gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are at increased risk of sexual dysfunction (SD) due to a combination of biomedical, psychological, social, and interpersonal factors. While most patients desire information on the impact of their GI disorder on sexual function, few providers initiate this conversation. GI providers should routinely assess their patients for SD, validate these concerns, and provide brief education and a referral for evaluation and/or treatment. Treatment of sexual concerns is often multidisciplinary and may involve a sexual medicine physician, pelvic floor physical therapists, and sex therapists.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal disorders; Inflammatory bowel disease; Irritable bowel syndrome; Sex therapy; Sexual dysfunction; Sexual functioning; Sexual medicine.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / complications
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / diagnosis
  • Gastrointestinal Diseases* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Pelvic Floor
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / diagnosis
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / etiology
  • Sexual Dysfunction, Physiological* / therapy
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / diagnosis
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / etiology
  • Sexual Dysfunctions, Psychological* / therapy