The Birds and the IBD’s: Fertility, Sexual Identity and other unmentionables.
| Sunday, May 21, 2023 |
| 11:50 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Meeting Rooms 1, 2 & 3 |
Overview
Marcelane Ballantyne
Speaker
Marcelane Ballantyne
University Of Otago
The Birds and the IBD’s: Fertility, Sexual Identity and other unmentionables.
Abstract
The Birds and the IBD's: Fertility, sexual identity and other unmentionables.
Working within both the academic and Primary Healthcare scopes has identified a distinct lack of understanding and comfortability around the impact of Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis and other long-term conditions on sexuality, fertility and suicidality.
This is moreso present in young adults, with mental wellbeing and fluidity in sexuality more prevalent today than in years gone past.
Speaking with University students who have IBD, has highlighted that gastroenterologists and IBD nurses are reticent to have conversations about the short and long-term impact these conditions have on patients. These conversations can be hard given time constraints on already overflowing systems, but the constant thread of patient narrative indicates the importance on overall care and wellbeing.
Further to the student demographic, patients presenting as participants in clinical trials, continue on this theme. Where sexuality and infertility become key areas for discussion, at times more important to patients than their physical wellbeing.
Time and time again, research literature reports that care encompassing all aspects of patient wellbeing has the best outcome on physical healing. However, with shortened appointment times, increased co-morbidities in patients and overwhelming administration, how do clinicians have these uncomfortable conversations?
From the 44 year-old male concerned about the impact surgery will have on his same-sex relationship, to the 21 year old currently undergoing gender-transition, through to the couple in their 30's struggling with infertility. How do healthcare professionals best support the ever-changing dynamic of sexuality, address infertility and accept that depression, suicide and anxiety are consistently linked with IBD?
Based on discussions with sexual health nurses and through patient-led perspective, let's discuss some tips the healthcare team can take and use in everyday practice to normalise these conversations. As well as highlighting some easily adaptable tools already available in the healthcare sector.
Working within both the academic and Primary Healthcare scopes has identified a distinct lack of understanding and comfortability around the impact of Crohn's, Ulcerative Colitis and other long-term conditions on sexuality, fertility and suicidality.
This is moreso present in young adults, with mental wellbeing and fluidity in sexuality more prevalent today than in years gone past.
Speaking with University students who have IBD, has highlighted that gastroenterologists and IBD nurses are reticent to have conversations about the short and long-term impact these conditions have on patients. These conversations can be hard given time constraints on already overflowing systems, but the constant thread of patient narrative indicates the importance on overall care and wellbeing.
Further to the student demographic, patients presenting as participants in clinical trials, continue on this theme. Where sexuality and infertility become key areas for discussion, at times more important to patients than their physical wellbeing.
Time and time again, research literature reports that care encompassing all aspects of patient wellbeing has the best outcome on physical healing. However, with shortened appointment times, increased co-morbidities in patients and overwhelming administration, how do clinicians have these uncomfortable conversations?
From the 44 year-old male concerned about the impact surgery will have on his same-sex relationship, to the 21 year old currently undergoing gender-transition, through to the couple in their 30's struggling with infertility. How do healthcare professionals best support the ever-changing dynamic of sexuality, address infertility and accept that depression, suicide and anxiety are consistently linked with IBD?
Based on discussions with sexual health nurses and through patient-led perspective, let's discuss some tips the healthcare team can take and use in everyday practice to normalise these conversations. As well as highlighting some easily adaptable tools already available in the healthcare sector.
Biography
Marcelane comes from a background in Primary Healthcare nursing, working in rural GP clinics in the South Island of New Zealand. Throughout post-graduate studies, the focus from rural and remote healthcare transitioned to long-term conditions and how to provide adequate healthcare services to vulnerable communities.
She currently works in the Gastroenterology Research Unit for the University of Otago, fulfilling the dual role of Unit Manager and Clinical Research Nurse Specialist. She also works part-time as a Practice Nurse for University of Otago Student Health Services. Specialising in chronic autoimmune conditions, the hybrid between Primary Healthcare for tertiary students and IBD clinical trials has highlighted the lack of clinical understanding around sexuality, long-term infertility and suicidality in patients with Crohn's and Ulcerative Colitis, especially in young adults.
