Yes, women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can have children. In the past, women with IBD were counseled against pregnancy. But current medical management strategies have made childbearing safer for both mother and baby. Having a chronic illness while pregnant requires careful supervision by qualified physicians, but a healthy pregnancy and baby are both possible.
Do men and women with IBD have decreased fertility rates?Fertility rates for women with IBD are the same as for women who are in good health. Women with active Crohn's disease may have a decrease in fertility. Family planning is an important topic for any woman, but especially for those with IBD. There are circumstances where pregnancy may not be advised, such as during a flare-up or while taking certain medications.
It has been known for many years that sulfasalazine (Azulfadine), a drug used to treat these conditions, can cause temporary infertility in about 60% of men. The sulfa component of the drug can alter sperm, but this effect is reversed within two months of stopping its use. Proctocolectomy surgery in men can cause impotence, though this is rare.
According to one review of the literature, infertility occurs in 48% of women who surgery to treat ulcerative colitis. This is presumably due to scarring in the fallopian tubes that may occur after such extensive surgery. The risk of infertility after colectomy has been in question for several years because many studies showed widely varying rates of infertility. There are similar reports of infertility in Crohn's disease patients.
What effect does medication have on pregnancy?As most women are now aware, it is better to avoid taking any drugs during pregnancy. However, there are circumstances where the benefits of taking a drug may outweigh the risks.
Some medications for IBD are best avoided during pregnancy, but others are considered safe for the mother and fetus because of their long history of safe use by patients. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has a created a classification system for the use of medications during pregnancy (see Table 1 below). Medications commonly used for treating IBD fall into several different categories.
Research studies have shown that some drugs commonly used for both maintenance therapy and acute flare-ups of IBD are safe for pregnant women to use. These are:
- Sulfasalazine (Azulfidine [Pregnancy Category B])
- Forms of mesalamine (Asacol, Pentasa, Rowasa [Pregnancy Category B])
- Corticosteroids (prednisone [Pregnancy Category B])
The immunosuppressive drugs azathioprine (Imuran [Pregnancy Category D]) and 6-mercaptopurine (Purinethol or 6-MP [Pregnancy Category D]) do cross the placenta and can be detected in cord blood. However, they might be recommended with caution during pregnancy by some physicians to combat a serious flare-up. These drugs do not increase the risk of birth defects.
Methotrexate (Pregnancy Category X) and thalidomide (Pregnancy Category X) are two immunosuppressive drugs that should not be used during pregnancy as they do have an effect on an unborn child. Methotrexate can cause abortion and skeletal abnormalities, and it should be discontinued three months prior to conception, if possible. Thalidomide is well known for causing limb defects as well as other major organ complications in a fetus. Use is only permitted with rigorous birth control and frequent pregnancy testing.
Metronidazole (Flagyl [Pregnancy Category B]), an antibiotic that is occasionally used to treat Crohn's disease, may not be safe for the fetus after the first trimester. One study showed that metronidazole did not cause birth defects in the first trimester, but no long-term studies have been conducted. Brief courses of this drug are often used during pregnancy, although longer courses are still controversial.
Infliximab (Remicade [Pregnancy Category C]) is a newer drug for the treatment of Crohn's disease, and studies about its use during pregnancy are starting to become available. According to two studies, infliximab is safe to use during pregnancy. Women receiving infusions of infliximab should, however, discuss treatment options with their physician in the event of a pregnancy. Most safety data is from animal studies, and extensive use in pregnant women has not been looked at.
How does pregnancy affect the course of IBD?The course of IBD throughout the term of a pregnancy tends to remain similar to one's condition at the time of conception. For this reason, it is important for women who are considering pregnancy to maintain their treatment regimen and work to bring, or to keep, their disease in remission.
Among women who conceive while their IBD is inactive, one-third improve, one-third worsen, and one-third experience no change in their disease. Among women who conceive while their ulcerative colitis is flaring, two-thirds will continue to experience active disease.
Physicians may treat a severe flare-up of IBD that occurs during an unplanned pregnancy very aggressively. Achieving remission is important to help ensure the pregnancy is as healthy as possible.
Are there any complications with pregnancy and IBD?For women with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease in remission, the risks of miscarriage, stillbirth and congenital abnormality are the same as those for healthy women. A flare-up of Crohn's disease at the time of conception or during the course of a pregnancy is associated with a higher risk of miscarriage and premature birth.
Hemorrhoids are a common problem for pregnant women, with up to 50 percent of women suffering through them. Symptoms of IBD, such as diarrhea or constipation, can actually increase the risk of hemorrhoids. There are several treatments that will shrink hemorrhoids such as Kegel exercises, keeping the anal area clean, avoiding sitting and standing for long periods of time and heavy or moderate lifting, using petroleum jelly to cool off the rectum and ease bowel movements, sitting on an ice pack for relief from burning, sitting in enough warm water to cover the hemorrhoids, and using suppositories or creams.
Table 1 - FDA Drug Categories
| Category | Description |
| A | Adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women have not shown increased risk of fetal abnormalities. |
| B | Animal studies reveal no evidence of harm to the fetus, however there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR Animal studies show an adverse effect, but adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women have failed to show a risk to the fetus. |
| C | Animal studies have shown adverse effect and there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. OR No animal studies have been conducted, there are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. |
| D | Studies, adequate, well-controlled or observational, in pregnant women have demonstrated risk to the fetus. However, benefits of therapy may outweigh potential risk. |
| X | Studies, adequate well-controlled or observational, in animals or pregnant women have demonstrated positive evidence of fetal abnormalities. Product is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant. |
