Male sexual health in inflammatory bowel disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
An exploratory qualitative study of male sexual health, identity and activity in inflammatory bowel disease.
IRAS ID
279955
Contact name
Sara Ma
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of York
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
HSRGC/2022/488/B, Health Sciences Research Governance Committee
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing-remitting condition of the gastrointestinal tract that can cause distressing, embarrassing and life-inhibiting symptoms including uncontrollable bloody diarrhoea, fatigue and abdominal pain. When severe it can lead to surgical removal of the bowel and management with drugs that moderate the immune system. A literature review (Ma et al. 2020) has revealed a dearth of information on the interaction between the disease and sex. To date studies have either focused on women’s health or erectile function. Sexual activity is an important part of adult health and well-being and should be a part of the clinical consultation to ensure holistic care. Further insight into how men experience sex when living with IBD is needed so that clinicians can devise and deliver support that is relevant, accessible and acceptable to men.
In this qualitative study we will ask men with IBD to attend a semi-structured interview lasting approximately 60 minutes. During this interview, we will ask participants to tell us about their experience of living with IBD and whether the disease changes the way they experience and feel about having sex. Participants may also submit written diaries, audio accounts or pictures for the researchers to review should they feel it is relevant to their illness narrative. We will also ask participants to complete two validated clinical questionnaires. Potential participants will be recruited through the IBD outpatient clinics at participating NHS sites or through external methods such as social media or patient groups. Interviews will occur via a video platform or face to face if appropriate. Interviews will be recorded, transcribed, and analysed for themes. There will be no payment for participation, participation will be voluntary and only when informed consent has been obtained. Interviews will be redacted for identifiable information and strict confidentiality maintained.
REC name
North East - York Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/NE/0070
Date of REC Opinion
27 May 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion