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Coeliac disease Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.

Answers to questions about coeliac disease

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

Will coeliac disease stop me having children?

No. Infertility only occurs before coeliac disease is treated.

Explanation

Coeliac disease affects finger-like projections called villi which line the small bowel. If you have coeliac disease and eat food containing the protein gluten, the villi become damaged and inflamed. This damage stops your small bowel absorbing food properly so the normal levels of nutrients and minerals aren't taken into the body. This can affect your ability to have children.

Once you start your gluten-free diet, your body will no longer be reacting to gluten so you no longer have the symptoms of coeliac disease. Infertility caused by coeliac disease will gradually be reduced. A gluten-free diet won't prevent you from getting pregnant (conceiving).

Further information

Sources

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What if I eat something containing gluten without realising?

You may react to the gluten, but you may not.

Explanation

Your symptoms may return but this depends on how severe they were to begin with and how much gluten you have eaten. You may have no symptoms but your body may still react and damage the lining of the small bowel. You should always check what you are eating and maintain a gluten-free diet.

Further information

Sources

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Will having coeliac disease shorten my life?

No, you have the same life expectancy as any one else, providing you stay on a gluten-free diet.

Explanation

Maintaining a gluten-free diet will help keep you healthy. If you have coeliac disease there is a small risk of developing cancer of the small bowel and osteoporosis, but this is reduced when you stick to the gluten-free diet.

Further information

Sources

  • Information about coeliac disease. CORE charity. 06/05. www.corecharity.org.uk, accessed 7 November 2007
  • Simon C, Everitt H, Kendrick T. Oxford Handbook of General Practice. 2nd ed. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005: 454-455
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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: November 2008.

 

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