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Do You Suffer These Womens Health Problems with Crohns?
Even though symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be controlled through a diet, there is no doubt that the illness is literally a pain in the rear for all sufferers regardless if they are male or female. Unfortunately, it’s also a known fact that many women with Crohn’s experience gynaecological issues as a result of the disease.
Depending on the type of Crohn’s disease a woman has, and the severity she experiences, Crohn’s can wreak havoc on her reproductive system, affecting her menstruation cycle, vagina and ability to reproduce without complications. Each gynaecological affect will be discussed below.
Menstruation: Many women with Crohn’s disease (over 90%) report having irregular menstruation cycles. Due to the fact that chronic diseases already cause the body to act abnormally, it is not uncommon for women to experience more severe Crohn’s symptoms prior to, or directly following their menstrual cycle. The increase in symptoms, along with menses, often results in further inflammation of the intestine, as well as malnutrition.
Vaginal Issues: Some women who have a severe case of Crohn’s disease may develop Enterovaginal. This is the medical term used to describe a fistula that occurs in the vaginal region. A fistula is a small abnormal tunnel that connects two organs together and is formed from ulcers present in the digestive track.
A vaginal fistula may be the connection of the vagina to the rectum. This can lead to pain during intercourse, and can also result in other serious side effects including the formation of an abscess (painful, pus filled lump), or passing gas or feces through the vagina. If you have pain during intercourse or notice any other strange side effects related to your vaginal area, consult your physician right away.
Reproduction: Many people are under the misconception that if a woman has Crohn’s disease, she is less likely to conceive a child. This is untrue. However, although a woman with Crohn’s is just as likely to conceive as any other woman, women with Crohn’s need to carefully consider their health before they decide to put their body through the change of pregnancy. This is because pregnant women with Crohn’s have a high chance of a flare up which can lead to complications.
Many complications result in malnutrition and dehydration which can cause a miscarriage. In addition, should the flare up of Crohn’s require emergency surgery, the unborn baby can suffer complications.
It is estimated that women who develop Crohn’s disease, or have an active case while pregnant, are at 2 to 3 times greater risk of having a miscarriage or a premature delivery. Furthermore, many medications that are prescribed to control Crohn’s disease can not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding as they can harm the baby. The lack of medication can also lead to flare ups.
Finally, Crohn’s can lead to other medical complications in women such as osteoporosis and colon cancer. Osteoporosis can occur if a woman is being treated for the disease with steroids, and has limited the amount of calcium she puts in her diet, if dairy foods are one of the leading triggers for her Crohn’s symptoms.
Colon cancer is another risk. However, this risk is not limited to women, and is something that every Crohn’s disease sufferer can face. The same can be said about fistulas. Although Enterovaginal is obviously specific to women, the many other fistulas that occur are not. Thus, make sure you talk to your doctor about the factors you are at risk for and discuss all your treatment options.
You can find more lots more information about controlling and treating Crohn’s Disease symptoms in my e-book Breakthrough Crohn’s Disease Guide.