The answer is that you can still engage in physical intimacy with IBD, and many before you have. It may require patience and once again establishing a "new normal." There are numerous solutions as well as sources in which to obtain them.
Patients describe how symptoms like gas, incontinence, diarrhea, pain and fatigue as well as some medications interfere with their desire or ability to engage in sexual activity. They have concerns about the impact of change in their body images and how their partners view their body changes.
You have a variety of choices for advice beginning right within your health care team, including the following medical professionals:
- Gastroenterologist
- Surgeon
- Primary care physician
- Gynecologist
- Enterostomal therapist
- Mental health care professional
Patients sometimes feel more comfortable with speaking to someone of the same gender within the team or it can simply be a personality chemistry that directs you to a specific person on the team.
It is important to communicate with your partner so that there is no misunderstanding about the source of your apprehension. Speaking to other patients who have had this experience can be supportive as can expressing your feelings to a trusted friend or family member. Isolating is not a healthy solution.
The Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of America (CCFA.org) and United Ostomy Associations of America (Ostomy.org) offer excellent information regarding intimacy and IBD. They also list additional websites, articles and books written on this very important topic.
IBD patients describe that reestablishing fulfilling intimacy involves patience, a sense of humor during the adjustment period, creativity and the ability to express your feelings to someone that you trust. Remember, you are not alone.