As you probably learned in eighth grade health class, males and females are not built the same. So how do our bodies respond differently to a diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)?
What is IBS?
IBS can mean that you have an increase or decrease in bowel movements, that you can flip-flop between being constipated or having frequent bouts of diarrhea, or that you often feel bloated or you suffer from stomach cramps. IBS also can cause backaches, waves of nausea, or heartburn.
IBS: Men vs. Women
While both men and women experience IBS, here are some ways that they differ:
Women experience IBS more often than males.
Women are three times more likely to see a doctor for IBS symptoms than males in Western cultures. In Eastern cultures, men are four times more likely to seek medical attention.
Female menstrual cycles can cause IBS to worsen due to the influx of hormones. Prior and during their period, they may feel more cramping and bloated. After ovulation (day 14 of their cycle), they may experience constipation and bloating.
Women with IBS are more likely to struggle with fatigue, insomnia, backaches, cramping, and premenstrual syndrome (PMS) than women who do not have IBS.
Women are more likely to report feelings of depression and isolation due to IBS than men.
Women with endometriosis (a disorder where the tissue that is supposed to line your uterus grows outside of your uterus) tend to have IBS more often than women who do not have endometriosis.
Both men and women who have IBS have a decreased sexual desire. This could be due to feeling ill or because of dyspareunia (pain during sex).
There are no anatomical differences between the intestines in men and women.
Some researchers speculate that due to hormonal differences, males may be less sensitive to the symptoms that are present with IBS.
In a 2010 study, it was found that women were most likely to report abdominal pain and constipation while the most common complaint that men reported was diarrhea-related discomfort.
An IBS study conducted at Cedars-Mount Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles found that women had symptoms of severe constipation more than they experienced diarrhea.
Many times opiates are used to relax the intestines to control the frequency of diarrhea. In men, it seems that there is less pain relief as compared to women, but men also have less side effects from the opiates than women.
There is speculation that women respond better to hypnotherapy than men to reduce IBS.
While IBS may present itself in different ways in men and women, the treatments are usually the same: reduce stress, eat a healthy diet high in fiber and low in fat, drink plenty of water, and talk to your doctor about how to best manage your symptoms.
Cases are now under review, but there is a limited window to pursue help. If you think you, a friend, or a family member may qualify, get your free case review today before it’s too late.
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