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Do You Suffer These Womens Health Problems With
Crohns? by Sharon Dobson
Even though symptoms of Crohn's disease can be controlled through a diet,
there is no doubt that the illness is literally a pain in the rear for all
sufferers regardless if they are male or female. Unfortunately, it's also a
known fact that many women with Crohn's experience gynaecological issues as a
result of the disease.
Depending on the type of Crohn's disease a woman has, and the severity she
experiences, Crohn's can wreak havoc on her reproductive system, affecting her
menstruation cycle, vagina and ability to reproduce without complications. Each
gynaecological affect will be discussed below.
Menstruation: Many women with Crohn's disease (over 90%) report having
irregular menstruation cycles. Due to the fact that chronic diseases already
cause the body to act abnormally, it is not uncommon for women to experience
more severe Crohn's symptoms prior to, or directly following their menstrual
cycle. The increase in symptoms, along with menses, often results in further
inflammation of the intestine, as well as malnutrition.
Vaginal Issues: Some women who have a severe case of Crohn's disease may
develop Enterovaginal. This is the medical term used to describe a fistula that
occurs in the vaginal region. A fistula is a small abnormal tunnel that connects
two organs together and is formed from ulcers present in the digestive track.
A vaginal fistula may be the connection of the vagina to the rectum. This can
lead to pain during intercourse, and can also result in other serious side
effects including the formation of an abscess (painful, pus filled lump), or
passing gas or feces through the vagina. If you have pain during intercourse or
notice any other strange side effects related to your vaginal area, consult your
physician right away.
Reproduction: Many people are under the misconception that if a woman has
Crohn's disease, she is less likely to conceive a child. This is untrue.
However, although a woman with Crohn's is just as likely to conceive as any
other woman, women with Crohn's need to carefully consider their health before
they decide to put their body through the change of pregnancy. This is because
pregnant women with Crohn's have a high chance of a flare up which can lead to
complications.
Many complications result in malnutrition and dehydration which can cause a
miscarriage. In addition, should the flare up of Crohn's require emergency
surgery, the unborn baby can suffer complications.
It is estimated that women who develop Crohn's disease, or have an active
case while pregnant, are at 2 to 3 times greater risk of having a miscarriage or
a premature delivery. Furthermore, many medications that are prescribed to
control Crohn's disease can not be taken during pregnancy and breastfeeding as
they can harm the baby. The lack of medication can also lead to flare ups.
Finally, Crohn's can lead to other medical complications in women such as
osteoporosis and colon cancer. Osteoporosis can occur if a woman is being
treated for the disease with steroids, and has limited the amount of calcium she
puts in her diet, if dairy foods are one of the leading triggers for her Crohn's
symptoms.
Colon cancer is another risk. However, this risk is not limited to women, and
is something that every Crohn's disease sufferer can face. The same can be said
about fistulas. Although Enterovaginal is obviously specific to women, the many
other fistulas that occur are not. Thus, make sure you talk to your doctor about
the factors you are at risk for and discuss all your treatment options.
About the Author
Sharon Dobson has an interest in Crohn's Disease. For further information on
Crohn's Disease please visit http://www.natural-crohns-disease-relief.com/crohnsdisease.html
or http://www.natural-crohns-disease-relief.com/blog/2006/11/24/do-you-suffer-these-womens-health-problems-with-crohns/.
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