Does Crohn's Disease Affect Fertility?
More studies are needed to better understand Crohn's effects on fertility and reproductive health. Here's what we know so far.
People with Crohn's disease may be concerned about how their condition might affect their fertility or their ability to conceive children.
Many people who have Crohn's are able to safely conceive. Research to understand how Crohn's affects fertility is still ongoing.
What the research says
Inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and surgery can all impact your fertility and sexual health when you have inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Women who have IBD (including Crohn's and ulcerative colitis) have similar fertility rates as women who do not, according to a 2021 review of medical literature. Women with IBD do have a higher risk of complications, such as preterm delivery and cesarean delivery.
Women who have Crohn's may have slightly lower fertility rates than the general population, according to a 2021 Swedish study.
In another 2021 review, women with Crohn's disease were found to have infertility rates of 3% to 14%. This is around the same as the infertility rates of women without Crohn's, which range from 2.4% to 14%.
Many researchers currently believe that men who have well-managed Crohn's disease have the same fertility rates as the general population (or people without IBD). The exception to this might be those taking certain types of Crohn's medication.
The medication sulfasalazine is often used for treating Crohn's disease. It can temporarily reduce sperm count and the viability of the sperm that's produced. It can take several months for sperm to return to healthy levels after sulfasalazine treatment.
A note on gender and sex terminology
Most research surrounding fertility and IBD separates participants into male and female sex categories and uses gender and sex terminology interchangeably. Gender and sex are not the same, and both occur on a spectrum.
In summarizing scientific articles or studies for our readers, we use their language to preserve intent and accuracy. However, Healthline acknowledges that medical research often doesn't represent everyone equally, and we should all strive toward more inclusive practices.
People of all sexes can have IBD, including Crohn's disease, and may also experience fertility and sexual health effects. Finding a doctor you trust and receiving an individualized approach to your care is essential.
Potential causes of fertility issues in IBD
There's no single component of IBD that definitively impacts fertility. Many people with IBD will have little to no effects on fertility or libido.
However, there are a variety of factors that, separately or together, may become issues for someone with IBD trying to conceive children.
Let's look at some common concerns and research findings.
Crohn's and getting pregnant
Women with Crohn's may have difficulty getting pregnant after colon resection surgery. This type of surgery may sometimes impact reproductive organs and leave scar tissue in the area.
There's also concern that pelvic inflammation from unmanaged Crohn's could decrease the chances of conceiving.
Crohn's and being pregnant
There's a chance Crohn's may flare during pregnancy, even if you were in remission when you got pregnant.
This is why it's essential to have active treatment for your IBD during pregnancy and work with your doctor to safely address any symptom flare-ups should they arise.
Crohn's and sperm count
A 2019 review of 14 studies found that quality studies on how all types of IBD affect male fertility are lacking.
From what we do know, it seems most people with Crohn's have no issue with having levels of healthy, viable sperm. Medications for Crohn's, especially sulfasalazine, can cause a temporary reduction in sperm quality and sperm count. Switching to a different medication for several months typically solves this issue.
Crohn's and choosing to be child-free
Some people with Crohn's may view their condition as an obstacle to pregnancy. They may avoid trying to conceive children out of concern for their health.
Medical literature points to widespread misconceptions about Crohn's and fertility as part of the reason many people with Crohn's forego having children.
While there's research suggesting IBD can affect fertility and reproductive health, many people with Crohn's are able to have healthy, safe pregnancies. Managing Crohn's symptoms effectively is key.
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone wants children. Some people may make the personal decision to be child-free due in part to their Crohn's disease, or completely irrespective of it.
Your sexual and reproductive health is no one's business but your own. While everyone deserves access to the information and care surrounding fertility that they need, no one should face judgment for the decisions they make regarding their sexual and reproductive health.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Digital Trends
an hour ago
- Digital Trends
3 underrated Netflix shows you should watch this weekend (May 30-June 1)
If you've ever wasted hours scrolling through Netflix looking for the perfect show to watch, you should know that you're not alone. It can be difficult to find exactly the right thing. Some shows are too long and don't have the right tone or vibe. Then, you wind up hoping to find something better. We've taken all the guesswork out of picking something to watch, though. With this list, we've picked three underrated shows with different tones and lengths, each of which is available on Netflix right now. You should check them out. Recommended Videos Need more recommendations? Then check out the best new shows to stream this week, as well as the best shows on Netflix, the best shows on Hulu, the best shows on Amazon Prime Video, the best shows on Max, and the best shows on Disney+. Gangs of London (2020-) Everyone loves a gangster show, and Gangs of London is one of the best. The series follows a group of international crime families who converge on London in the aftermath of the assassination of a hugely powerful figure in the city's underworld. Although it's a sprawling story over three seasons, Gangs of London has also featured the kind of tension and action that few series can generate. That's likely thanks, at least in part, to the influence of Gareth Evans. However, it's also a function of the fast-paced writing of the series, which has continued to build momentum each season. You can watch Gangs of London on Netflix. The Pacific (2010) This less widely heralded younger brother of Band of Brothers is no less an accomplishment than the original series. The show is set in the Pacific Theater during World War II. It follows the lives of three soldiers as they battle their way across the Pacific during the entire war. With the backing of Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg, no expense was spared in the recreation of some of the most important battles of the war, but what's remarkable about The Pacific is how much time the show takes to remind us how young the men fighting this war were and how much it changed the course of their lives. You can watch The Pacific on Netflix. Supernatural (2005-2020) One of the longest-running shows in the history of sci-fi television, Supernatural went through many phases of life over the course of its 15 years on the air. At its core, the show was always about two brothers hunting monsters and fighting for each other no matter what life threw at them. Part of the show's brilliance comes from the way that circumstances around these two might change, but their personalities remain the same. No show can run for 15 years without being a great watch, and that's exactly what Supernatural is. You can watch Supernatural on Netflix.
Fox News
3 hours ago
- Fox News
Ooh la law: France snuffs out smoking in parks, beaches, more
The French government is cracking down on cigarettes in public, announcing a sweeping outdoor smoking ban that aims to clear the air for the next generation of Parisians (and everyone else). Beginning July 1, France will ban smoking in a wide range of outdoor public areas, including beaches, public parks, gardens, bus stops, sports venues and anywhere near schools, according to reporting from the BBC and Agence France-Presse (AFP). "Tobacco must disappear where there are children," Health and Family Minister Catherine Vautrin told Ouest-France, a regional French newspaper, in an interview published Thursday.21,000% SPIKE IN MA VAPE SEIZURES THROWS CIGARETTE BAN INTO QUESTION, EX-ATF OFFICIAL SAYS "The freedom to smoke must end where the freedom of children to breathe fresh air begins." Under the new rules, lighting up in these designated areas could earn violators a fine of up to $153, as reported by AFP. Enforcement will primarily be handled by regular police, though Vautrin said she's counting on a dose of "self-regulation" from the public. There's a carve-out for culture, though. France's iconic "terrasses," the bustling outdoor café seating areas, are exempt from the ban. Smokers can still enjoy a cigarette with their espresso and croissant, provided they're seated at a café. The BBC confirmed that these social spaces, which are practically a national institution, won't be CAROLINA BILL WOULD BAN SMOKING INSIDE CARS WHILE CHILDREN ARE PASSENGERS E-cigarettes are also currently excluded from the restrictions, but Vautrin told Ouest-France that her office is working on future limits to the nicotine levels allowed in vapes. The move marks a significant expansion of France's existing anti-smoking laws. Smoking has already been banned in restaurants, nightclubs and indoor public places since 2008. Local efforts to restrict smoking in public spaces have been growing steadily. According to AFP, more than 1,500 French municipalities have already enacted their own outdoor smoking bans and hundreds of beaches have been smoke-free for years. According to data from the French Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction cited by the BBC, just 23.1% of French adults smoke daily, the lowest level ever recorded and a drop of over five percentage points since 2014. Still, tobacco-related illnesses remain a leading cause of death. France's National Committee Against Smoking reports that more than 75,000 people die each year from smoking, around 13% of all annual deaths in the country. Support for the new restrictions appears strong. A report from La Ligue Contre le Cancer, a prominent French cancer association, found that nearly 80% of French citizens favor smoke-free public areas like parks, beaches and woodlands. But while many in France welcome the move, some have raised concerns over the balance between public health and personal liberty. Conservatives may see the ban as another example of top-down government overreach. Be careful lighting up on your summer vacations in France this year as it may just get you a fine.
New York Times
3 hours ago
- New York Times
Djokovic back into the action after medical timeout
Recap all the action from Roland Garros as the second round concluded with Jack Draper defeating Gaël Monfils in a classic four-set battle in Paris Getty Images Jack Draper (5) came out on top against popular French veteran Gaël Monfils in a wonderfully entertaining encounter to conclude the second round on Day 5 of the 2025 French Open at Roland Garros on Thursday. Draper dug deep to overcome crowd-pleasing, mercurial 38-year-old showman Monfils 6-3, 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 in front of a vibrant crowd of around 15,000 on Court Philippe-Chatrier in Paris. U.S. stars Coco Gauff (2), Jessica Pegula (3), Madison Keys (7) won; Jannik Sinner (1), Novak Djokovic (6), Alex Zverev (3) progressed too. Watch: TNT, truTV (U.S.); TNT (UK); Contact: live@ GO FURTHER French Open recap: Chaos, comebacks, crowds and curious scheduling at Roland Garros Connections: Sports Edition Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms Getty Images A brief pause in proceedings on Suzanne-Lenglen as Novak Djokovic has a medical timeout. He's struggling with blisters and appears to be in not insignificant pain. Back into the action now against Corentin Moutet, but Djokovic's gait is still a little awkward and his feet still seem sensitive. Moutet trails by two sets, remember, and is 3-2 up on serve in the third. 30-all on his opponent's serve. Is the game and the set he can turn it around? All over in the mixed doubles today. Evan King and Taylor Townsend, the Americans, thrashed Ponchet/Jacq 6-0, 6-2, with Skupski/Krawczyk safely through against Krawietz/Babos too, 2-6, 6-3, 10-4. Other results: Olmos/Glasspool beat Perez/Cash 7-6(2), 6-4 Heliovaara/Danilina (6) beat Gillé/Hunter 6-3, 6-4 Arevalo/Zhang (2) beat Belgraver/Sanchez 6-2, 6-4 Venus/Routliffe (5) beat Salisbury/Mihailova 7-5, 6-3 Top seeds Kichenok/Pavic, Rajeev Ram and Katerina Siniakova (8), and Americans Melichar-Martinez/Harrison in action tomorrow. It's felt as though Tsitsipas has been searching for his tennis identity ever since Carlos Alcaraz thrashed him at the 2022 French Open. 'I do need a bit more of that Tsitsipas in my game. I'm trying to reinvent myself with that fearlessness,' he told The Athletic a month after being beaten 6-2, 6-1, 7-6(5) by a 19-year-old Alcaraz, referring to the early part of his career. Being pummelled by the next big thing in men's tennis, having held and then lost that title himself, hurt Tsitsipas. As he approaches his 27th birthday in August, it makes sense for Tsitsipas to try something different. He's worked with Australian Wimbledon finalist Mark Philippoussis before, but bringing on a coach of Ivanišević's stature feels like a significant shakeup. Ivanišević too will relish this opportunity, after a very successful but at times volatile partnership with Djokovic. Tsitsipas will be desperate for a similar uptick in his fortunes. He has the talent to climb back into the world's top 10 — he was ranked as high as No. 3 in 2021 — but his backhand has long hamstrung him away from clay, particularly when returning serve. If Ivanišević can tighten some of the aspects where Tsitsipas has been struggling, and help with the mental side of how to go from nearly man to champion, then men's tennis could have one of its most exciting players back on song. Getty Images Two-time Grand Slam finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas has hired former Wimbledon champion Goran Ivanišević as his new coach. Ivanišević, 53, will join Tsitsipas' team from the start of the Halle Open in Germany, for a trial period. Tsitsipas' father Apostolos, who has been in his box at recent events, will not be part of his coaching team at least initially, according to Greek outlet SDNA. A representative for Ivanišević confirmed this element of the partnership to The Athletic , and said that Ivanišević will work full-time with Tsitsipas for a substantial number of weeks per year. Ivanišević believes Tsitsipas should be in the world's top 10 and has always got on well with him when their paths have crossed on tour. Tsitsipas later confirmed the 'new coaching partnership' on social media. Tsitsipas, who will leave the the world's top 20 for the first time since August 2018 when the rankings update a week on Monday, has had a difficult couple of years and lost in the French Open second round against Italian qualifier Matteo Gigante Wednesday. GO FURTHER Stefanos Tsitsipas hires Goran Ivanisevic, Novak Djokovic's former coach Getty Images And he does take it, with aplomb! Moutet has battled hard but now will need to win in five sets if he is to progress. Against a man of Djokovic's skill, that will be nigh on impossible. For all Moutet's talent and wonderful shot-making at times, he trails 3-6, 2-6. He trudges off for a break and to search forlornly for some inspiration. Getty Images Wears his heart on his sleeve, Corentin Moutet. So his frustration is clear as Djokovic rips a fantastic cross-court backhand winner past him to take three set points in the second set. But Moutet has fought back to deuce! A drop shot, a chip to the back of the court, Djokovic just about kept it in and Moutet could have just volleyed it away easily for deuce. Instead, he manufactured a cheeky 'tweener' (between-the-legs shot) which brought a grin to both men's faces despite the serious juncture of the match. Djokovic advantage, his fourth set point of the game... American Ethan Quinn is trailing Alexander Shevchenko. Quinn took the first set 6-4 but his opponent won the next two, 6-4, 7-6(5). Shevchenko 6-5 up on serve in the fourth too. Could be another tiebreaker incoming... And if Quinn is to win, it's gonna have to be in five. Can he make like Hercules and go the distance? American Alycia Parks trails Elsa Jacquemot 3-0 in the first set on Court 7 with the French favorite serving for 4-0 and the double break. Getty Images Corentin Moutet is struggling hard against Novak Djokovic here on Suzanne-Lenglen. Not to stereotype all Frenchmen, but Moutet is a classic talented but mercurial player heavy on the self-criticism. Broken by Djokovic in the second set after losing the first 3-6, Moutet was on the verge of conceding a second break in a row and losing four games on the spin, shouting a swear word in French at himself, but then... Point of the match, maybe. A drop shot to draw Djokovic in and then a gorgeously carved backhand winner cross-court which drew a wry smile and a sporting thumbs-up from the Serb. But he errs and it's the third break point of the game for Djokovic... who goes long himself! Now the favorite screams in annoyance. Flamboyant aerial volley from Moutet after a loopy return, superb angled volley at the net to take the game! Moutet trails 2-3 in the second. Djokovic still a break up. Getty Images Lots of big names and big matches still to be played today. In the men's singles, Jack Draper (5) vs Gael Monfils should be a cracker. While in the women's, Americans Sofia Kenin (31) and Alycia Parks face Victoria Azarenka and Elsa Jacquemot respectively. Plus the conclusion to this Novak Djokovic match! Getty Images Cameron Norrie has leapt into the third round, beating Federico Gomez 7-6(7), 6-2, 6-1 on Court 13. He'll play the winner of fellow Brit Jacob Fearnley's match with Frenchman Ugo Humbert (22), which starts in the next 15 minutes or so. Getty Images Novak Djokovic with a solid start to his second-round match with Corentin Moutet, the bearded Frenchman in all-white. He's taken the first set 6-3 and we're at deuce in the first game of the second. Getty Images Yep, there it is! Madison Keys, Grand Slam champion, powers past Katie Boulter with an impressive display of hitting. 6-1, 6-3 in the end. Keys will face the winner of fellow American Sofia Kenin (31) and Victoria Azarenka in the third round. Those two get underway in around half an hour. Getty Images Katie Boulter just about battled through a long, arduous game to go 5-2 down in the second set against Madison Keys. Keys (7) to serve for the match. But Boulter, liberated by the apparent endgame, has let loose so far in this game and takes break point at 15-40 with a glorious drop shot. Keys floats it long and it's Boulter's first break of serve in the whole match! She now trails 5-3 and is serving to make it 5-4, though even if she holds Keys can serve for the match again. Boulter's partner, Australian Alex de Minaur (9), whose tournament ended today against Alexander Bublik, applauds in the stands (with the grey cap above) on Philippe-Chatrier. Getty Images In the singles, Madison Keys is basically on the brink of winning against Katie Boulter (more on her next). Novak Djokovic is a game from the first set against Frenchman Corentin Moutet as well. The bakery is open for Evan King and Taylor Townsend, who have just taken the first set 6-0 in the mixed doubles against Jessika Ponchet and Gregoire Jacq. The French pair only won nine points in the entire set. Ouch. Americans Baptiste/Krueger aren't doing so well in the women's doubles and trail Andreeva/Shnaider (4) by a set, 3-6, 0-1 on serve in the second. Fair play to Arthur Fils. Pumped up after his dramatic five-set win against Jaume Munar earlier. I'd rip my top off if my abs looked like that, too. (Spoiler alert: they don't). Getty Images Brit Cam Norrie one set from the third round. On Court 13, the first set was a tight tiebreak at 7-6(7) but the second was easier at 6-2. On serve at 0-1 in what could be the final set of Federico Gomez' tournament and what Norrie will hope will be his final one today. Getty Images Brit Katie Boulter, with the flying hair, is a set down against American Madison Keys, the seventh seed. Keys rattled through it 6-1 and is a break up in the second at 2-0, too, and just gave up a break point for a double break of serve. Long way back for Boulter.
