Obstetrical and gynecological relevance of inflammatory bowel disease

Abstract

Introduction: Inflammatory bowel disease may show a life long persistance, while female fertility is time-limited. Aim: The aim of the authors was to obtain more knowledge about the obstetrical-gynecological aspects of this disorder. Methods: The authors evaluated 100 patients with inflammatory bowel disease and 100 healthy women with a self-composed questionnaire. Results: Menarche occurred significantly earlier in patients than in controls (p = 0,03). Either the activity of the disease, or the therapy itself may initiate irregularities in the menstrual cycle. Patients used contraceptives less frequently than controls (p = 0,002), and the time from family-planning to conception was longer in patients. Symptoms of bowel disease during pregnancy were not as severe as before and after pregnancy (p<0,001). Excess weight had a beneficial effect on symptoms during pregnancy (p = 0,042) and on the frequency of complications. Preterm birth and low birth weight were more frequent in newborns of patients (p = 0,019). Conclusion: Pregnancy has positive effect on the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in case gestation occurs in a stable period of the inflammatory bowel disease. Orv. Hetil., 2012, 153, 1832–1838.