Female Infertility After Ileal Pouch-Anal Anastomosis for Ulcerative Colitis

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Although ulcerative colitis commonly affects young females, the impact of ulcerative colitis and its treatment on female fertility have not been well studied. The purpose of this survey was to examine the impact of ulcerative colitis and ileal pouch-anal anastomosis on female reproductive ability. Demographic, reproductive history, and disease history information were obtainedviaa questionnaire mailed to females who had pelvic pouch surgery or nonoperative management for ulcerative colitis. Based on age at diagnosis, age at surgery, and marital status, 153 females who had pelvic pouch surgery and 60 females who had nonoperative management for ulcerative colitis were identified for inclusion. Patients were asked if they attempted to become pregnant, when relative to their diagnosis or surgery, and if they were successful. Married or cohabiting females aged 18 to 44 years who failed to become pregnant during 12 months of unprotected intercourse were defined as infertile. The infertility rate was significantly higher in females who had pelvic pouch surgery compared with females managed nonoperatively (59/153 (38.1 percent)vs. 8/60 (13.3 percent), respectively;PCONCLUSIONS:: Females with ulcerative colitis who are managed nonoperatively have normal fertility, which suggests that ulcerative colitis and medical therapy do not decrease female reproductive ability. After pelvic pouch surgery for ulcerative colitis, female fertility is significantly decreased and this problem should be discussed routinely with patients considering this procedure.

This publication has 0 references indexed in Scilit: