Addressing sexual health among patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.

Background: Sexual health is fundamental to overall health and wellbeing. When a person has one or more immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMIDs), their sexual health may be undermined.

Aim: To investigate how intimacy and sexual health were affected in patients with IMIDs and to generate knowledge on their disease-related difficulties and their interactions with intimate partners and health professionals.

Methods: Patients with psoriasis, hidradenitis suppurativa, psoriatic arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, Crohn's disease and/or ulcerative colitis attending outpatient clinics were recruited consecutively. A mixed-methods model was used to combine quantitative and qualitative approaches, aiming to leverage the strengths of each.

Findings: There were 142 participants. Having several IMIDs was associated with a greater impact on sexual health. Participants with multiple IMIDs reported a higher prevalence of difficulties than those with only one IMID.

Conclusion: There is a need to optimise communication and support regarding intimacy and sexual health within healthcare settings, especially for patients with multiple IMIDs.