Sexual Health in Sexual and Gender Minority Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

In recent years, legislation targeting the sexual and gender minority (SGM) community has been passed at an increasingly alarming rate, affecting access to safe and effective gender-affirming care and forcing many SGM patients, including those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), to withhold their identities and health concerns. Additionally, SGM patients with IBD may have unique health considerations that have not yet been well-studied

This article aims to explore the intersection of IBD and sexual health in patients who identify as SGM and to identify limitations for gastroenterologists in caring for SGM patients. The article also aims to provide suggestions for improvement in SGM-competent care within gastroenterology

A thorough literature review was conducted regarding sexual health and the SGM community with IBD. This included a review of surgical considerations in SGM patients, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and prevention, and sexual dysfunction

Overall, little is known about the impact of IBD on patients who identify as sexual and gender minorities. Surgery, medications, and STIs continue to be a concern in the SGM community with IBD and these areas represent opportunities to improve SGM-competent IBD care. Additionally, implementation of an SGM-focused curriculum is urgently needed in medical education to improve provider knowledge and care for this unique group of patients

Patients with IBD who identify as SGM experience challenges that are not well described in prior literature. More research is needed and is actively being pursued to guide provider awareness and improve sexual health for this patient population.