How is Crohn’s disease diagnosed? Diagnosing Crohn’s disease can sometimes be challenging because the symptoms can appear similar to those of other digestive system diseases. In addition, there is no single test that directly diagnoses Crohn’s disease. After a physical examination and taking an anamnesis (medical history), the doctor may order several tests to rule out other diseases. Some of these diagnostic methods may include: Colonoscopy; CT; Nuclear magnetic resonance; Capsule endoscopy; Blood tests; Fecal test Crohn’s disease shares many symptoms with ulcerative colitis (another form of inflammatory bowel disease), but they are not exactly the same. The main differences are: The inflammation in ulcerative colitis is limited to the colon. Bloody stools were observed more often; Inflammation in Crohn’s disease can occur anywhere in the gastrointestinal tract. It may take some time, but a specialist can usually tell the difference between the two conditions after tests. What are the risks for men with Crohn’s disease? Although men are just as likely to develop Crohn’s disease as women, they may experience different symptoms and risks with the condition. Crohn’s disease can affect men’s health differently through complications that include sexual dysfunction, decreased bone density, cancer risk, and mental disorders. Sexual Dysfunction It is not uncommon for men with Crohn’s disease to experience a change in their sexual desire. Specifically, studies show that men with inflammatory bowel disease are more likely to experience certain symptoms of sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction. This is likely due to a combination of factors. Experts believe that the inflammation caused by Crohn’s disease can contribute to a decrease in sexual desire and function. In addition, the side effects of medications and surgeries, along with the emotional strain that comes with Crohn’s disease, can affect self-esteem and sexual function. Temporary Infertility Research shows that patients with inflammatory bowel disease may have some reduction in fertility, and this may be particularly true for men with Crohn’s disease. Temporary male infertility is caused by an ingredient in sulfasalazine, a prescription drug used to treat Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Studies show that approximately two months after stopping this drug, fertility returns. Surgical procedures performed to treat Crohn’s disease can also affect male fertility, especially surgeries that involve incisions near the rectum, such as proctocolectomy. Cancer There is an increased risk of colorectal carcinoma in patients with inflammatory bowel disease, particularly long-standing ulcerative colitis.There also appears to be an increased rate of bowel cancer in Crohn’s disease, including both the large and small bowel. Scientists report that inflammatory bowel disease increases the risk of prostate cancer, so screening of men with this disease is necessary. Osteoporosis Men with Crohn’s disease have a greater risk of developing osteoporosis, a loss of bone density that can lead to fractures. This is because patients with Crohn’s disease often have multiple factors that can contribute to bone loss, such as: Vitamin D deficiency; Calcium deficiency; Use of corticosteroids; Inflammation throughout the body In the general population, osteoporosis tends to be more common in older women than in men. However, some research has found that men with Crohn’s disease have an equal, if not higher, risk of osteoporosis. Emotional burden The mental and emotional impact of Crohn’s disease can be as much of a burden on a person as the physical symptoms. Research has found that rates of depression, a mental illness that affects a person’s mood, thoughts and feelings, are higher in Crohn’s disease patients than people in the general population. Depression appears to be more common in people living with chronic illness due to physical, mental and emotional challenges. In addition, medications such as corticosteroids, which are used to treat Crohn’s disease, can sometimes cause mood changes or depression. References: 1. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Overview of Crohn’s disease 2. Yale Medicine. Inflammatory bowel disease 3. Verywell Health. How to Recognize and Diagnose Crohn’s Disease in Menare higher in patients with Crohn’s disease than people in the general population. Depression appears to be more common in people living with chronic illness due to physical, mental and emotional challenges. In addition, medications such as corticosteroids, which are used to treat Crohn’s disease, can sometimes cause mood changes or depression. References: 1. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Overview of Crohn’s disease 2. Yale Medicine. Inflammatory bowel disease 3. Verywell Health. How to Recognize and Diagnose Crohn’s Disease in Menare higher in patients with Crohn’s disease than people in the general population. Depression appears to be more common in people living with chronic illness due to physical, mental and emotional challenges. In addition, medications such as corticosteroids, which are used to treat Crohn’s disease, can sometimes cause mood changes or depression. References: 1. Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. Overview of Crohn’s disease 2. Yale Medicine. Inflammatory bowel disease 3. Verywell Health. How to Recognize and Diagnose Crohn’s Disease in Men