Your Everyday Guide to Living Well With Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that affects the colon, also known as the large intestine. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with UC, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with the basics of the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatments — all of which are covered in our main guide to the condition.

But if you or a loved one has lived with UC for a while, you’re probably looking for information that addresses specific challenges that often come with this condition. This guide aims to provide an overview that goes beyond the basics, instead highlighting relevant topics in a number of areas that may affect you or your family.

Whether you’re looking to modify your treatment strategy for UC, to learn about options for managing the condition through diet or other lifestyle measures, or to deal with specific complications — or even if you don’t know what you’re looking for, but you want all the information you can get — there’s a good chance you’ll find something helpful in one of the sections below.

Living with UC may require you to make changes to your daily routine, from what you eat to how you exercise, travel, and enjoy activities that symptom flare-ups could potentially interfere with. You may also be interested in strategies to better manage your UC treatment, including exploring complementary and alternative remedies.

Here’s a look at different ways to maximize your health and solve problems that may interfere with going about your life when you have UC.

Managing Pain and Disruptive UC Symptoms

The reality of living with UC — particularly during disease flares — sometimes means enduring abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloating, gas, and other disruptive symptoms. And that’s assuming you’re not experiencing even more troubling symptoms, such as having blood in your stool or experiencing severe fatigue — both of which are grounds for seeking prompt medical attention.

If you’re experiencing pain or nausea during a flare, it’s critical to get enough sleep and lie down when you feel the need to rest. Staying well hydrated is also important, especially if you aren’t eating as much as you typically do.

Some people with UC find it helpful to apply gentle heat to their abdomen if they’re experiencing cramping or nausea. You can also ask your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter drugs for managing your symptoms, such as anti-nausea drugs or medical marijuana, if it’s available in your state or territory.

Ultimately, the most important strategy for minimizing UC symptoms is to keep your disease in remission. If you’re experiencing flares too often, you may want to discuss rethinking your treatment strategy with your doctor.

For more information on UC symptom management:

5 Complications of Ulcerative Colitis and How to Avoid Them

How to Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms During a Flare

5 Ways to Control Ulcerative Colitis Pain

7 Embarrassing Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms — Solved

6 Best Tips for Dealing With Nausea When You Have UC

5 Ways to Cope With Chronic Anxiety When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

How Does Ulcerative Colitis Interfere With Your Sleep?

Diet for Ulcerative Colitis

UC isn’t known to be caused by any particular diet or foods, and there’s no single dietary strategy that works for everyone with the condition. In fact, some people with UC may find that no dietary changes are needed to control symptoms.

But for many people with UC, it’s important to follow a diet that doesn’t aggravate their symptoms. That may mean avoiding certain trigger foods or following a very restrictive regimen like a low-FODMAP diet.

It’s also important to get enough fluids in your diet, especially if you have active disease or are experiencing diarrhea.

Foods that may be helpful when you have UC include these choices:

• Lean proteins, such as fish or poultry
• Cooked vegetables and fruits
• Yogurt and other fermented foods, such as kefir or sauerkraut
• Avocados and olive oil, as sources of healthy fat
• Easy-to-digest starches, such as white rice, traditional pasta, or instant oatmeal

Foods that you may find best to avoid when you have UC include these items:

• Uncooked vegetables and fruits
• Nuts and seeds
• Legumes, like dried beans, chickpeas, and lentils
• Whole-grain bread, crackers, pasta, or cereal
• Fried or greasy foods
• Dairy products
• Spicy foods
• Sweet or sugary foods
• Beverages containing alcohol, caffeine, or carbonation
• Grains, especially those containing gluten (if you’re sensitive to gluten)

For more information on diet and UC:

What to Know About Diet and Nutrition When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

Should You Start a Low-FODMAP Diet if You Have Ulcerative Colitis?

Best (and Worst) Foods for Ulcerative Colitis

9 Healthy Foods for Ulcerative Colitis

13 Quick and Healthy Snacks for Ulcerative Colitis

Food Swaps for a Healthy Ulcerative Colitis Diet

Can Prebiotics in Food Treat Ulcerative Colitis? Here's What You Need to Know

5 Summer Treats for People With Ulcerative Colitis

5 Vegetable Recipes That Are Ulcerative Colitis–Friendly

5 Gut-Soothing Teas for People With Ulcerative Colitis

8 Foods to Eat During an Ulcerative Colitis Flare

Exercising With Ulcerative Colitis

Some people with UC find that getting enough of the right kinds of exercise helps them feel better — possibly by reducing stress and promoting a general sense of well-being. Exercise can also have long-term benefits that may help counteract certain UC complications, such as by strengthening your bones and possibly lowering your risk of colorectal cancer.

But you may need to take certain precautions while exercising when you have UC, to make sure you don’t aggravate your condition — and to account for any symptoms you’re currently experiencing. Here are some tips:

• Stay close to a bathroom.
• Drink lots of water.
• Don’t overexert yourself.
• Rest during disease flare-ups.

For more information on UC and exercise:

8 Running Tips for People With UC

Using Exercise to Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms

Staying Fit After an Ulcerative Colitis Diagnosis: A Runner's Story

Managing Prescriptions for Ulcerative Colitis

Unlike other chronic health conditions, UC doesn’t typically involve complicated management of prescriptions. You’ll usually be prescribed an anti-inflammatory drug, an immunosuppressant, or a combination of medications, and you’ll get instruction on how often to take them.

While it may be tempting or easy to skip your medication once you start feeling better, it’s important that you don’t. Taking all of your medications as prescribed helps make sure that your UC stays in remission. In fact, not taking medications as prescribed is a major cause of UC flares.

Your treatment may also involve getting infusions of a drug in a healthcare setting on a recurring basis. If your doctor prescribes this treatment, it’s important that you show up for your appointments as scheduled to make sure the drug keeps working as intended.

For more information:

10 Common Mistakes That Can Make Ulcerative Colitis Worse

Your Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Isn’t Working: Now What?

Thinking of Stopping Ulcerative Colitis Medication? Think Again

Many IBD Patients Skipped or Reduced Medication Doses Because of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Ulcerative Colitis

A wide variety of alternative remedies have been touted for their beneficial role in UC, and some have even undergone limited scientific studies. But what works for one person with UC may not work for another. It’s important to discuss alternative treatments with your doctor before trying them, to make sure they’re safe for your situation.

Alternative remedies like these may have some benefit for certain people with UC:

• Relaxation training
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Acupuncture
• Turmeric supplements
• Probiotic supplements
• Omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) supplements
• Aloe vera (gel or juice)
• Apple cider vinegar
• Medicinal marijuana

For more information on alternative therapies for UC:

5 Gut-Soothing Teas for People With Ulcerative Colitis

Getting More Vitamin D May Help Ward Off Ulcerative Colitis Flare-Ups

Can Turmeric Help Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms? Only for Some

Can Apple Cider Vinegar Treat Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?

How Medicinal Marijuana Helps My UC

Can Aromatherapy Help Ease Ulcerative Colitis Symptoms?

Managing Ulcerative Colitis Complications

UC can cause damage both within and outside your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, due to the effects of inflammation throughout your body as well as potential nutrient deficiencies caused by poor absorption in your GI tract.

On top of the inflammation and ulceration that UC causes in your colon, it can also lead to more serious problems in your GI tract:

• Severe bleeding (with blood in your stool)
• Severe dehydration
• Perforation of your colon (developing a hole)
• Toxic megacolon (a severely inflamed, enlarged colon)

All of these GI complications require urgent or emergency medical attention.

Other complications outside your GI tract may develop because of UC:

• Osteoporosis (bone loss)
• Arthritis (joint inflammation)
• Liver disease
• Kidney disorders
• Eye disorders
• Skin disorders
• Iron deficiency and anemia (insufficient red blood cells)
• Heart and blood vessel disorders

If you develop any symptoms outside your GI tract that may be linked to UC, it’s important to bring them up with your doctor and receive medical treatment, if necessary.

For more information on UC complications:

What You Need to Know About Toxic Megacolon if You Have Ulcerative Colitis

5 Complications of Ulcerative Colitis and How to Avoid Them

IBD Is Associated With Increased Risk of Dementia, Study Finds

8 Ways to Ward Off Osteoporosis if You Have Ulcerative Colitis

Can Ulcerative Colitis Harm Your Heart?

Traveling With Ulcerative Colitis

Parts of the world are starting to open up again, but traveling with UC can be a daunting prospect. You may worry about whether you’ll always have access to a restroom when you need it or whether food options will fit with your dietary needs. And it’s possible that your UC symptoms could leave you unable to take part in activities you have planned.

You can’t account for every possibility when you travel, but you can plan ahead to make sure you’re as prepared as you can be. That means taking the following steps before you leave on a trip:

Find out about restroom facilities and meal options. If you’re going on a vacation, don’t book your stay at a hotel or resort until you’re satisfied that the facilities offer what you need. You may be able to request a seat near a restroom or a special meal on an airplane or train. If you’re driving, you can plan out restroom and meal stops ahead of time.

Talk to your doctor about your plans. Your doctor may be able to prescribe extra medications to bring along in case you develop symptoms related to UC, such as diarrhea or a GI tract infection. You can also develop a plan to contact your doctor or a local one if the need arises when you’re away.

Pack backup supplies. This can mean anything from baby wipes to extra food that you know you can tolerate, if an acceptable meal or snack isn’t available at some point. Bring along extra clothing options in case you need to change unexpectedly.

Check out pharmacies and health insurance coverage. Pack copies of the prescriptions for all the drugs you take and keep them close by in case you lose your medications. Also make sure you’ll be covered by insurance if an urgent healthcare need arises at your destination, and purchase travel insurance if necessary.

Once you’ve left on your trip, the following tips may help you stay healthy and happy:

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Mention your UC whenever you have a special request or question.
• Wear sunscreen as needed (some drugs for UC can increase sensitivity to sunlight).
• Wash your hands and use hand sanitizer or wipes to avoid infection.
• Avoid unfamiliar foods.
• Limit your infection risk by avoiding possibly unpasteurized dairy products, room-temperature prepared foods, and foods containing peeled eggs or fruit.

When you have UC, it’s likely that your healthcare team will grow beyond your primary care doctor. You may benefit from seeing one or more of the following specialists at some point:

• Gastroenterologist
• Gastroenterology nurse
• Dietitian
• Colorectal surgeon (colon and rectal surgeon)

For more information on seeing a doctor for UC:

Finding the Right Ulcerative Colitis Doctor

The Visit IBD: An Interactive Appointment Experience

How Telehealth Is Changing Care for Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis

How to Use Telehealth to Get a Second Opinion for IBD

Gastroenterologist

A gastroenterologist is likely to be your main doctor when it comes to treating and managing your UC. Gastroenterologists diagnose and treat conditions of the GI tract, including prescribing or administering drugs, and performing simple procedures like colonoscopies.

All gastroenterologists are trained to treat UC, but larger or academic gastroenterology practices often have doctors who further specialize in inflammatory bowel disease, which includes UC and Crohn’s disease. If your UC is severe or complicated to treat, you may benefit from seeing an IBD specialist.

Gastroenterology Nurse

Many larger or academic gastroenterology departments include a range of healthcare professionals who are trained to assist in treating disorders of the GI tract, such as UC. Gastroenterology nurses are trained to talk to people with UC about symptoms and treatments, and also to help gastroenterologists perform procedures and administer treatments.

Dietitian

A dietitian who is affiliated with a gastroenterology practice or specializes in IBD may be helpful if you’re having trouble figuring out what kind of diet is best for your UC. If you have any nutrient deficiencies related to UC, a dietitian can also help make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need in your diet.

Colorectal Surgeon

Your gastroenterologist may refer you to see a colorectal surgeon if you need evaluation for surgical treatment of your UC, such as the removal of your colon or rectum or related procedures. If you live in an area where specialists are limited, a colorectal surgeon may also be an option as the main doctor to treat your UC.

Living with UC can be stressful and often comes with periods of deep frustration and sadness. But if you find yourself anxious or depressed most of the time for several weeks or longer, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional.

Rates of depression are higher in people with UC than the general population, and anxiety is also common in people with UC, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. It’s important to address these issues as seriously as you would any other symptom or complication of UC.

For more information on UC and mental health:

How to Handle the Emotional Side of Ulcerative Colitis

The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Stress

5 Ways to Cope With Chronic Anxiety When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

How to Help Your Teen Cope With the Mental Health Challenges of IBD

Has IBD Made You Food-Phobic? You May Have a Mental Health Disorder Called ARFID

Managing Depression and Ulcerative Colitis

If you experience signs of depression for longer than about two weeks, you should seek the help of a healthcare professional, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation. These signs may include:

• A persistent sad or empty feeling
• A sense of hopelessness or worthlessness
• Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering
• Insomnia or oversleeping
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Irritability or restlessness

While you may benefit from therapy or medical treatment for your depression, you can also take steps on your own to combat it:

• Set realistic goals, taking into account your UC and depression.
• Break large tasks into smaller ones.
• Spend quality time with friends or family.
• Participate in any activities that you enjoy.
• Ask for help from friends and family when you need it.

For more information on UC and depression:

How Working With a Therapist Can Alleviate Inflammatory Bowel Disease Symptoms

Mental Health Disorders High Among Veterans With IBD, Study Finds

Living With UC: Overcoming Thoughts of Suicide

Managing Anxiety and Ulcerative Colitis

If you often feel worried or panicked about your UC or anything else, and this interferes with your normal daily functioning over the course of about two weeks, you should consider getting help from a healthcare professional, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

You can take some steps on your own to help relieve anxiety:

• Light aerobic exercise
• Relaxation or breathing exercises
• Meditation or guided imagery
• Practicing yoga or tai chi
• Spending quality time with friends or family
• Participating in any activities that you enjoy

Managing Stress and Ulcerative Colitis

Stress is your body’s normal response to situations in which you’re expected to perform, but it can take a toll on your mental and physical health when it’s prolonged or tied to negative emotions, according to the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation.

You may be able to reduce stress when you have UC by using these tactics:

• Being aware of where the nearest bathroom is at all times
• Carrying extra toilet paper, wipes, or underwear
• Accepting or letting go of your situation
• Leaning on friends or family for help when you need it

For more information on UC and stress:

The Link Between Ulcerative Colitis and Stress

Ulcerative Colitis: Why Stress Management Is Key to Staying Healthy

Having UC can change how you interact with your friends, family, and loved ones. From your initial diagnosis to your daily symptoms and potential complications, those around you may not always seem to understand what it’s like to live with this condition.

But friends and family can also be a tremendous source of support when you have UC, so it’s important to give the people in your life a chance. That doesn’t mean there won’t be hurdles to overcome, especially when it comes to difficult issues like navigating sexual problems — certain relationships may take some work.

Your Family, Friendships, and Ulcerative Colitis

Talking to your friends about UC may not come naturally with every single person. Not everyone will truly understand why you’ve been canceling plans, and they may think you’re simply not interested in them anymore, especially if you don’t look obviously ill.

For tips for talking to friends and family about UC:

How to Talk to Your Kids About Ulcerative Colitis

Dating With Ulcerative Colitis

Meeting new romantic prospects may seem daunting when you have UC — and it’s true that not everyone wants to be in a relationship with someone with a chronic illness. But by being upfront about your UC, you can often weed out those people and find someone who cares enough about you to deal with your condition.

Dating may not look the same for you as for someone without UC. You may need to be clear about what activities and foods you can handle, and you’ll need to decide how much to tell a romantic prospect about your UC at any given time. And sometimes, you may need to take a break from dating or intimacy if you’re experiencing disruptive symptoms.

For more information about dating with UC:

Dating Advice for People With Ulcerative Colitis

Finding Love With Ulcerative Colitis: Megan’s Story

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Sex if You Have IBD

Family Planning With Ulcerative Colitis

Planning for a pregnancy can be more difficult when you have UC. You’ll want to be in the best possible physical condition, which means staying in remission if possible — and this may mean deciding to keep taking medications for UC during your pregnancy.

But you may need to switch to a safer or more effective drug for your UC if you plan on becoming pregnant, so it’s essential to talk with your doctor ahead of time to map out a treatment strategy. And even if you do this, it’s possible that you’ll experience UC-related pregnancy complications or a pregnancy-related flare of your UC.

For more information about UC and pregnancy:

Should You Take IBD Medication During Pregnancy?

Sex Life With Ulcerative Colitis

Having UC can create challenges for your sex life, from body image problems to physical difficulties such as discomfort or erectile dysfunction. It’s important to bring up any sexual problems at doctor’s appointments and pursue any treatments that you and your doctor decide could be helpful.

For both men and women with UC, sexual dysfunction is a common problem, and it is often related to depression and emotional distress. By effectively treating your UC and addressing any emotional difficulties related to it, you may be able to indirectly improve your sex life, as well.

For more information about UC and sex:

How to Talk to Your Doctor About Sex if You Have IBD

Erectile Dysfunction and UC: What You Need to Know

Your doctor may prescribe one of several types of drugs for your UC. The purpose of these medications is to reduce inflammation in your colon, allowing it to function more normally.

Drugs prescribed to treat inflammation in UC include several classes of drugs: aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunomodulators, and biologics. Other drugs may be prescribed for specific symptoms or complications, such as antibiotics for infection or antidiarrheal drugs for diarrhea.

For more information on drugs for UC:

Ulcerative Colitis Medication

Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis

Your Ulcerative Colitis Treatment Isn’t Working: Now What?

10 Things to Know About Biologics for Ulcerative Colitis

Everything You Need to Know About Biosimilar Drugs for Ulcerative Colitis

The Consumer’s Guide to S1P Receptor Modulators for Ulcerative Colitis

Biologic Medication Can Help Those With Severe UC Keep Their Colon, Research Suggests

The Pros and Cons of Taking Steroids for Ulcerative Colitis

Having UC can carry both obvious and hidden expenses — not just copays for medications and doctor's appointments but also possibly increased food costs as well as lost productivity, which may affect your choice of job and income.

The reality of workplace cultures and expectations may also clash with your needs when it comes to UC, which can make it difficult to thrive in many jobs and limit your potential for income growth. And if your UC lands you in the hospital, you can face the double whammy of hospital bills and lost income from work.

Medication Prices for UC

Some medications for UC can carry significant out-of-pocket costs, even if you have good health insurance. If your insurance coverage leaves you with significant deductibles and copays, you could find yourself spending thousands of dollars each year on your medications.

There are strategies, though, that may help you save on the cost of prescription drugs for UC, from discount programs to talking with your doctor about generic drug options.

For more information:

A Consumer’s Guide to Drug Discounts

Shopping for Health Insurance With UC

If you’re considering switching to a new health insurance plan — whether through your or your spouse’s employer, as part of Medicare, or in your state or the federal health insurance marketplace — you’ll need to consider how the move affects both your UC treatment and your finances.

If you expect a high number of doctor appointments, office procedures, or expensive drug treatments, you may want to choose a plan with higher premiums but a lower deductible, since it’s likely you’ll reach your deductible quickly. You’ll also want to make sure your regular medications are covered under any plan, and that your preferred doctors are part of the network coverage.

For more information:

Understanding Health Insurance

Managing Your Work Life With Ulcerative Colitis

Because of the range of disruptive symptoms it can cause, your UC can present difficulties in the workplace — whether that’s in an office, retail store, or industrial space. You may need to use the bathroom more often than other people, or you may be worried about the impression that gas or bloating make on your coworkers or customers.

There are no easy solutions in this area, but if you’re looking for a new job, it may help to ask about policies like working from home, sick days, paid time off, and of course, bathroom breaks. You’ll also want to get the best sense possible of whether your potential supervisor, or the workplace in general, is supportive of individual needs and work-life balance.

Although it can be a difficult choice, if your current job isn’t compatible with your physical or emotional needs because of your UC, you may need to look for a new job that’s a better fit.

For more information on working with UC:

6 Tips for Managing Career Success When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

Can You Apply for Disability if You Have Ulcerative Colitis?

You may be eligible for Social Security disability benefits if UC leaves you unable to work due to severe complications. Social Security regulations permit these benefits if someone with an IBD has one of these qualifying conditions:

• Bowel obstruction
• Anemia
• Low albumin levels
• A painful abdominal mass
• Extreme weight loss
• Daily enteral (by tube) or parenteral (intravenous) nutrition requirements

You can find out what documents you need and apply for benefits online or at your local Social Security office.

Everyone’s experience living with UC is different, but you may gain both emotional strength and practical tips by reading or hearing other people’s stories. And if you’re a caregiver or family member of someone with UC, you can learn how people in this position have adapted to the role.

Brooke Bogdan: UC Advocate Living With a J-Pouch

Since having her colon removed several years ago, Brooke Bodgan has been living with a J-pouch, and she has seen a number of health challenges and triumphs. In two stories, she recounts how she got involved in advocacy for UC and how she’s adapted to life without a colon.

How to Become a Loud, Proud Advocate for People With UC

5 Years With a J-Pouch: Navigating the Challenges and Changes

How to Navigate the Dating World When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

6 Best Tips for Dealing With Nausea When You Have UC

Participating in a clinical trial of a UC drug or treatment can be personally beneficial, as well as help others with UC by advancing knowledge about the treatment. You should generally only consider joining a clinical trial if you’re unhappy with your current treatment and willing to take a risk on something new.

How to Find a Clinical Trial for Ulcerative Colitis

The best resource for clinical trials when you have UC is likely to be your doctor or surgeon, since you’ll need to discuss the risks and possible benefits of joining a trial. You can also browse or search for trials on the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation website or at ClinicalTrials.gov.

To apply for a trial, you’ll need to submit a formal application. You’ll then be screened for eligibility and contacted by phone if the trial’s organizers believe you could be a good fit.

What to Consider Before Joining a Clinical Trial for Ulcerative Colitis

The decision to apply for a clinical trial should be made in tandem with your doctor, since there are many medical factors to consider:

• The likelihood of UC remission by participating in the trial
• The possible side effects of the treatment being studied
• The timing and length of the trial, and how it relates to your current condition

You should also consider whether you’re willing to go through a potentially lengthy application process, and you should have a plan for what you’ll do if you aren’t accepted into a trial.

For more information:

How to Apply for Drug Trials When You Have Ulcerative Colitis

Staying up to date with the latest news and research on UC can help you figure out what questions to ask your doctor, as well as gain general knowledge about your condition.

For news and updates:

Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation: News & Events

American College of Gastroenterology: IBD Podcasts and Videos

Additional reporting by Jordan M. Davidson.