Family planning in inflammatory bowel disease: childlessness and disease-related concerns among female patients

OBJECTIVEInflammatory bowel disease (IBD) frequently affects women when family planning and pregnancy (FPP) are important issues. This survey aimed to identify patients with an increased need for medical counselling. PATIENTS AND METHODSAn internet-based questionnaire was offered to women with IBD. Characteristics in terms of FPP were analysed with respect to sociodemographic and disease-related factors. RESULTSChildlessness was frequently reported (64.8% of 443 participants). In women older than 35 years with IBD, childlessness was significantly more prevalent than that in the general population (36.7 vs. 22.9%, odds ratio=1.9, P