Dyspareunia In Female Patients With Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Introduction – Irritable bowel syndrome is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in gastrointestinal clinics . Extra gastrointestinal manifestations are common in irritable bowel syndrome . The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of dysparenia in irritable bowel syndrome patients . Methods - The prevalence of dyspareunia in female patients with irritable bowel syndrome were studied in 289 patients seen at an outpatient gastroenterology center and a matched control group of 276 female community volunteers. All subjects were evaluated with a Rome II irritable bowel syndrome questionnaire and questions about dyspareunia. Results - The prevalence of dyspareunia in patients with irritable bowel syndrome was 28.7 %. In the control subjects ,the prevalence of dyspareunia was 11.3% ( p < 0.05). Conclusions- Irritable bowel syndrome should be considered as an underling disorder in female patients with dyspareunia especially in those with gastrointestinal symptoms.