If you're in a relationship with someone living with Crohn's or Colitis, you might feel unsure how you can best help them. Whether you're looking for support on managing their condition, approaching intimacy, starting a family or simply living life together, our resources can help you.
Carer Timm talks about his experience of supporting his wife, Sam, with her Ulcerative Colitis
Katie and Mat are in a relationship, and both have Crohn's. In their blog, they talk about how they recognise signs and symptoms in each other that might mean they need extra support, but might not want to talk about it.
Personally, what I find the hardest is that she's having to deal with it all. I find it hard that I can't really do anything to help. I can't cure it and when she's ill I can't make her feel better. I think that's what I find the hardest - you feel pretty useless.
Timm
Everyone has their own experiences of how Crohn's Disease or Ulcerative Colitis affects, or does not affect, sex and relationships. Our sex and relationships information helps you think and talk about sex, intimacy and relationships when one partner lives with Crohn's or Colitis.
We also have a blog on intimate relationships with some practical tips and links to other support.
The physical changes caused by Crohn’s or Colitis can affect the way you or your partner feels about their body.
We have information on reproductive health and fertility, which aims to help you to understand how Crohn's or Colitis may impact these areas, make informed choices about your care when starting a family or choosing contraception, and more.
If you're planning to start a family, our information on pregnancy and breastfeeding can help.
Read Alice's blog on managing her Colitis, her young family and her relationship with her husband to see what a partner with Crohn's or Colitis may be thinking about.
My husband has grown to be fully understanding and I take time to rest if I need it.
He knows how to look out for signs of a flare, and I honestly couldn’t have gotten through this last year without him.
Alice
Living with Colitis
Want to meet people living with Crohn's or Colitis, or supporting those who do? We'd love to see you at one of our virtual social events!
Join our growing network of friendly, passionate volunteers!
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We know it can be difficult to live with, or support someone living with these conditions. But you’re not alone. We provide up-to-date, evidence-based information and can support you to live well with Crohn’s or Colitis.
Our helpline team can help by:
Providing information about Crohn’s and Colitis.
Listening and talking through your situation.
Helping you to find support from others in the Crohn’s and Colitis community.
Signposting you to specialist organisations.
Please be aware we’re not medically or legally trained. We cannot provide detailed financial or benefits advice or specialist emotional support.
Please contact us via telephone, email or LiveChat - 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday (except English bank holidays).
If you need specific medical advice about your condition, your GP or IBD team will be best placed to help.
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