Sexual Dysfunction in Patients With Chronic Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases: A neglected Issue

Introduction: Normal sexual activity is an important determinant of quality of life. Unfortunately, several chronic health disorders are associated with an impaired sexual function. Objective: To provide coverage of the current literature on prevalence and pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction in patients with gastrointestinal and liver disorders Methods: A Comprehensive review of the literature on the prevalence of sexual dysfunction in chronic gastrointestinal and liver disorders, assessing the underlying mechanism (s) was performed. Results: Many gastrointestinal disorders, either functional or organic, are associated with some degree of sexual dysfunction. The main pathogenic mechanisms are: (i) the disease itself causing fatigue, anxiety or depression with a potential alteration of self-esteem; (ii) worry of transmitting a potential infectious agent through sexual activity; (iii) alteration of the endocrine mechanisms which are necessary for normal sexual functioning; (iv) chronic proinflammatory conditions which may cause endothelial dysfunction and abnormal vascular responses; (v) iatrogenic. Conclusion: Based on this review, a thorough evaluation of sexual function through validated questionnaires and/or psychological interviews with patients with chronic gastrointestinal disorders should be part of the clinical assessment in order to timely diagnose and possibly treat sexual dysfunction in this clinical setting. Copyright (c) 2021, International Society of Sexual Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This article provides a comprehensive review of the prevalence and pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction in patients with chronic gastrointestinal and liver disorders. Many gastrointestinal disorders are associated with sexual dysfunction, mainly due to the psychological and physiological changes caused by the diseases themselves, as well as chronic proinflammatory conditions. Therefore, a thorough evaluation of sexual function should be included in the clinical assessment to timely diagnose and treat sexual dysfunction in these patients.