Reproductive Health in Young and Adolescent Females with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

This manuscript addresses high-yield topics related to sexual and reproductive health (SRH) in adolescents and young women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) including puberty, menstruation, contraception, fertility, pregnancy, preventive care, and counseling strategies. Adolescent and young women with IBD are at risk for delayed puberty, menstrual cycle disorders, unintended pregnancy, and cervical cancer. Active disease or a history of intra-abdominal surgery can negatively impact fertility and pregnancy outcomes. With appropriate screening, counseling and education, and shared decision making, providers can optimize both IBD and SRH outcomes. Further research in needed to specifically understand the role of pre-conception counseling in the adolescent setting, optimal management of menstrual cycle disorders in women with IBD, and the safety of newer medications during pregnancy.