Love and Dating With UC Everyday Health Menu NewslettersSearch Strategies to Regain Control and Confidence with IBD Ulcerative Colitis Love and Dating With Ulcerative Colitis Ulcerative colitis doesn’t have to affect your love life — use these tips to feel more confident in your relationship. By Colleen de BellefondsMedically Reviewed by Ira Daniel Breite, MD Reviewed: August 17, 2022 Medically Reviewed Don’t let your UC affect your intimate relationships.Suparat Malipoom/Getty Images Dating can be stressful for anyone. But when you have Editor' s Picks Trust Your Gut: Regaining Control and Confidence With IBD Ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease can complicate your day-to-day, but you don't have to let it slow you down — use these strategies to keep living your life to the fullest.… Learn More Planning Dates On the first few dates with someone new, you may stress about going on dates because you’re worried that you’ll have to use the bathroom frequently or urgently. Kelley recommends picnic dates in public parks: “There are typically restrooms accessible and you can bring your own snacks to share that you know are safe for you to eat,” she says. Simons suggests preparing by practicing with a lower-pressure situation. Choose a restaurant or other date spot where you know a bathroom is readily available and that has food that meets your dietary restrictions. Then go there with a friend or even by yourself before your date to see what it’s like to sit there for a while. Kelley used to worry about activities like long hikes. “The fear of the ‘what ifs’ — what if there’s no bathroom, what if halfway up my UC acts up and we have to turn around — would take over,” she says. Being open about these concerns with the person before the date makes it easier to discuss any issues that do arise during the date. “It eased a lot of the anxiety knowing they were already in the loop,” says Kelley.It’s also helpful to practice stress-reduction techniques before a date. “We know that when people are stressed, they can end up having more bowel movements,” Simons says. More in Ulcerative Colitis Managing Your Ulcerative Colitis on Vacation 7 Ways to Work Out if You Have Crohn' s Disease Beyond Tired Is Your Ulcerative Colitis Causing Fatigue Managing Crohn' s Disease 7 Ways to Soothe Your Gut NEWSLETTERS Sign up for our Digestive Health Newsletter SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Wellness inspired Wellness enabled FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYoutubeTikTok About Us Careers Editorial Policy Newsletters Meet Our Health Expert Network Privacy Policy Health News Accessibility Statement Terms of Use Contact Us Feedback Do Not Sell My Personal Information Popular Topics AdChoices NEWSLETTERS Get the best in health and wellness SubscribeBy subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. A PROPERTY OF EHGLogo More From Everyday Health: Castle Connolly Top Doctors DailyOM Diabetes Daily Everyday Health Care Migraine Again 1996-2022 Everyday Health, Inc. Everyday Health is among the federally registered trademarks of Everyday Health, Inc. and may not be used by third parties without explicit permission. Badges Badges Badges