Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects your large intestine. If you have UC, you may experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding, among other symptoms.
As we learn more about chronic diseases, we’re coming to understand that their effects are far-reaching. They don’t just affect the organ system where the disease is most obvious. They can affect many different aspects of your health, including your reproductive health.
Does ulcerative colitis affect male fertility? The short answer is that it might. While UC primarily affects the digestive system, its systemic effects and treatments can potentially impact male reproductive function. Disease activity, medications, surgery, and lifestyle factors could all play a role.
Research suggests that men with IBD may have slightly impaired fertility. However, more research is needed, and treatment approaches should be tailored to the individual.