Knowledge Gaps in IBD: What Doctors and Patients Think About Fertility and Birth Control

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects many people, especially women. Despite medical advice saying it's safe, many women with IBD choose not to have children. They also use birth control less often. This might be because doctors and patients don't fully understand how IBD affects fertility and birth control. A survey was conducted to find out what IBD patients, gastroenterologists, and women's healthcare providers know about these topics. This survey was designed to figure out how much knowledge is out there. It looked at what IBD patients, gastroenterologists, and women's healthcare providers think about fertility and birth control. The goal was to see if there are any big differences in what these groups know. This could help explain why some women with IBD make certain choices about having children and using birth control. IBD is a tricky condition. It can cause inflammation in the digestive system. This can lead to symptoms like stomach pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. It's not always clear how IBD affects fertility or birth control. For example, some women with IBD might have a harder time getting pregnant. Others might have to be careful about which birth control methods they use. Doctors who specialize in the digestive system are called gastroenterologists. They often treat people with IBD. Women's healthcare providers focus on women's health. Both groups of doctors play a big role in helping women with IBD make decisions about their health. But if there are knowledge gaps, it can be hard for doctors to give the best advice. This survey aimed to shine a light on these gaps. The survey found that there are indeed differences in what these groups know. For instance, some doctors might not fully understand how IBD affects fertility. This can make it tough for them to give clear advice to their patients. On the other hand, patients might not know enough about their options for birth control. This can lead to them making choices that aren't fully informed. It's important for doctors and patients to have open conversations about these topics. The more everyone knows, the better decisions they can make. This survey is a step towards bridging the knowledge gap. It shows where more education and awareness are needed. By addressing these issues, doctors can better support their patients. And patients can make choices that are right for them.