Inflammation may occur in tissues beyond the gastrointestinal tract, most commonly in the joints, which can cause stiffness and arthritic-like symptoms. Inflammation in other sites can also cause skin ulcers, mouth sores, problems in the eyes, hepatitis, and complications in the kidneys. Sometimes the large airways in the lungs are impaired. Gallbladder disease and gallstones are common complications of IBD. Internal blood loss from ulcers in the intestine can cause anemia; it is a particular problem in Crohn's disease, because of the impaired ability of the small intestine to absorb vitamins and minerals necessary for blood production.
People with IBD are at higher risk for forming blood clots (thromboembolism). Women with inflammatory bowel disease have a higher risk for menstrual abnormalities, with 25% reporting problems in fertility. Half of women with Crohn's disease report pain during sexual intercourse. Almost 40% of them have ovarian cysts and 18% have had a hysterectomy -- about half of these patients before age 35 -- mostly to relieve pain. People with Crohn's disease tend to have an increased incidence of psoriasis, and one study has found a genetic link between the two disorders. About 30% of children with Crohn's disease and significantly fewer children with ulcerative colitis have impaired physical growth -- probably mostly due to malnutrition caused by IBD. Such children may reach puberty later but, once it occurs, hormonal cycles tend to be normal.
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