Research- getting engaged with vaginal Crohn's

[sebastianz]

Hiya everyone,

Wondering what your thoughts are on falling in love, getting engaged and marrying with vaginal Crohn's?

I am researching people who fall in love despite facing problems that the general public might avoid.

I know this is a sensitive subject so any info in much, much appreciated!

Thank you very much.

 

[littlemissh]

Vulval?

 

[sebastianz]

Vaginal

 

[mish2575]

I didnt know it could exist. I thought crohn's was a disease that affected your digestive tract. I know it can have an extraintestinal manifistation that might affect the vagina (like a fistula) but is it really possible to have "vaginal crohn's"?

That being said, You have to be a selfless, patient person to be of any help and support in a relationship with a crohn's patient.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

Mish is right. Crohn's affects the digestive system but through an abnormal connection called a fistula can interfere with vaginal function. Is that what you have? Otherwise are you sure its crohn's you have?

 

[Jennifer]

Hi sebastianz and welcome to the forum!

Vaginal Crohn's has been mentioned on the forum in the past but it was usually mentioned in passing by a non GI doctor from what I've read on the forum thus far. It may very well be perianal Crohn's which can definitely affect the vagina. Is that that you're dealing with?

In general, the cumulative incidence of all perianal fistulas in CD is 50% after the age of 20, and up to 9% of these are RVFs. The incidence of Crohn’s RVF is thought to be proportionate to the frequency and severity of large-bowel inflammation[1,2]. Although representing less than 10% of anal fistulas, RVF may cause significant clinical distress and social embarrassment. Common symptoms include dyspareunia, perianal pain, vaginal irritation, and poor hygiene leading to recurrent genitourinary infections[3].
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3057157/