Crohn's Disease and Gynecologic Manifestations in Young Women

Study objective: The purpose of this study was to describe the reproductive and gynecological concerns of young women with Crohn's disease.

Design, setting, and participants: Retrospective chart review of young women with Crohn's disease and gynecologic concerns at a large, urban tertiary children's hospital.

Interventions: None.

Main outcome measures: Documentation of abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, genital fistula, ulcer, or abscess.

Results: Most of the patients (85.7%) had menstrual concerns reported as abnormal bleeding patterns or chronic pelvic pain. Genital complaints (fistula, ulcer, or abscess) were present in 75% of patients who ultimately required immune modulators or antibiotics to control their Crohn's disease. Genital complaints were present in only 1 of 3 patients who did not have a history of immune modulator use for Crohn's disease related flare.

Conclusion: There is a paucity of information available on gynecological concerns occurring in patients with Crohn's disease. Providers should be aware of gynecological manifestations that might appear concurrently with Crohn's colitis, including vulvovaginal pain, vulvar infections, rectovaginal or rectovestibular fistulas, pelvic pain, and menstrual irregularities.