Reproduction and ulcerative colitis: A review

Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The onset peaks at age 15-30 years and coincides with the reproductive period. We screened and summarized the relevant English-language publications (EntrezPubMed) on ulcerative colitis, fertility and pregnancy. The presence of ulcerative colitis per se does not seem to significantly alter fertility in young women. However, associated conditions, such as active disease, surgical interventions and medication, may interfere with reproduction. It is difficult to draw conclusions regarding the effect of ulcerative colitis on pregnancy outcome in terms of pregnancy loss, intrauterine growth restriction, low birth weight, preterm labor, stillbirth and perinatal mortality. Nevertheless, it appears that major complications do not occur in ulcerative colitis patients more frequently than in healthy women. The rate of exacerbation is probably the same for pregnant and nonpregnant women. Disease control during pregnancy is of the utmost importance. Fortunately, most drugs can by used safely during pregnancy.