# Reproductive Health in Young and Adolescent Females with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

## TL;DR

This paper discusses reproductive health issues in young females with inflammatory bowel disease and highlights the need for proper counseling and research.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the importance of addressing SRH in young IBD patients and identifies gaps in current research.

## Key findings

- Adolescents with IBD face risks like delayed puberty and menstrual disorders.
- Active IBD or abdominal surgery can affect fertility and pregnancy outcomes.
- Counseling and education can improve both IBD and reproductive health outcomes.

## Abstract

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.