European Crohn’s and Colitis Guidelines on Sexuality, Fertility, Pregnancy, and Lactation

Inflammatory bowel disease has a high incidence and prevalence especially in young individuals in their reproductive years. Trying to conceive and being pregnant is an emotional period for those involved. In the majority of patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease, maintenance therapy is required during pregnancy to control the disease, and disease control might necessitate introduction of new drugs during a vulnerable period. Therefore, the management of patients with a wish to conceive and during pregnancy requires specialized counselling and appropriate management including a multidisciplinary approach and close involvement of the prospective parents under a shared decision-making model. This…