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Your relationships with your spouse or partner, family, and friends are important to you and your emotional well-being. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease can be embarrassing, and your loved ones may not understand what you are going through.  [Ref. 9, page 4, B]It is important to learn how to cope with Crohn’s disease and talk about it with others so that your disease does not come between you and the people most important to you.

Intimacy

Physical intimacy

Physical intimacy can be an especially sensitive issue for people with Crohn’s disease. The symptoms of Crohn’s disease, such as diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and intestinal gas, can be embarrassing for some, which may cause sex drive to diminish. [Ref. 6, page 2, C] In turn, your spouse or partner may start to feel frustrated or angry. The key to maintaining a healthy physical relationship is open, honest communication. [Ref. 6, page 4, A]

• Educate yourself and your partner about Crohn’s disease. There are plenty of places to turn for more information on Crohn’s disease — such as the Internet, local support groups, or education seminars. [Ref. 3, page 13, A]
• If Crohn’s symptoms start to cause problems with physical intimacy, discuss them with your partner in a way that is comfortable and encouraging for both of you. [Ref. 6, page 4, B]
• Accept that you may both face uncomfortable feelings such as fear, embarrassment, or guilt. When these emotions arise, talk openly and honestly about them and work through them together. [Ref. 6, page 4, A]

If you and your partner are having a particularly difficult time dealing with your disease, you may want to consider joining a support group or seeking short-term therapy, either alone or as a couple. [Ref. 6, page 4, B]

Emotional intimacy

The people around you may not understand your challenges with Crohn’s disease. Your loved ones might experience emotions such as anger, fear, or guilt, causing undue strain on your relationships. However, there are ways to cope with the uncomfortable feelings that arise from dealing with a chronic disease like Crohn’s.

• Be honest about your condition and how it makes you feel – both physically and emotionally. This way, your loved ones will have an easier time understanding what you’re going through. They will also feel that their support is valued. [Ref. 9, page 10, A]
• Learn as much as you can about Crohn’s, and teach your loved ones about it as well.  The more they know, the better they can offer their help and support when you need it most. [Ref. 3, pages 12-13, A]

When talking to your loved ones, especially your spouse or partner, they may wonder how Crohn’s will affect your ability to become pregnant and carry and deliver a healthy, full-term baby. You can find the answers to their questions — as well as your own — about Crohn’s and pregnancy.

References:

3. MayoClinic.com. Crohn’s disease. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/crohns-disease/DS00104/DSECTION=1. Accessed September 20, 2006.

6. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. The intimate relationship of sex and IBD. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/frameviewer/?url=/media/pdf/ibdsexuality.pdf&LMI=2.3. Accessed June 19, 2006.

9. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis: Emotional factors. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/media/pdf/emotional.pdf. Accessed June 19, 2006.

10. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation of America. IBD and pregnancy: What you need to know. Available at: http://www.ccfa.org/about/news/pregnancy. Accessed June 19, 2006.