Men and women with IBS often experience similar symptoms, but certain issues like fatigue and intensified menstrual symptoms may be more prevalent in or exclusive to women.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic digestive condition that impacts the large intestine, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and bloating. It can also cause diarrhea, constipation, or a combination of both. While IBS can affect anyone, it is more common in women, with a prevalence of 12% in women compared to 8.6% in men. Although many IBS symptoms are shared between genders, some women report that their symptoms worsen during their menstrual cycle.
Here are some common symptoms experienced by women:
- Constipation
Constipation is a frequent symptom of IBS, characterized by infrequent, hard, dry stools that are difficult to pass. Studies show that constipation is more prevalent in women with IBS. Additionally, women often report increased symptoms associated with constipation, such as abdominal pain and bloating.
- Diarrhea
IBS with diarrhea, commonly referred to as IBS-D, is generally more common in men. However, women may experience a worsening of diarrhea and other symptoms during their menstrual cycle.
Diarrhea is characterized by frequent loose stools, often accompanied by lower abdominal pain and cramping that typically eases after a bowel movement. Additional symptoms may include nausea and difficulty controlling bowel movements.
- Bloating
Bloating is a common symptom of IBS, often causing a feeling of tightness in the upper abdomen and making you feel full more quickly after eating. It can also be an early sign of menstruation.
The menstrual cycle may exacerbate IBS symptoms, with studies showing that over 50% of women with IBS experience abdominal bloating during their menstrual cycle.
- Urinary Symptoms
A 2017 study found that women with IBS were more likely to experience lower urinary tract symptoms compared to women without the condition.
These symptoms may include:
- Increased frequency of urination
- Urgency to urinate
- Painful urination
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Research suggests that women with IBS are more likely to experience pelvic organ prolapse symptoms compared to those with constipation. This condition occurs when the muscles and tissues supporting the pelvic organs weaken, causing the organs to drop out of place.
Types of pelvic organ prolapse include:
- Cystocele (dropped bladder)
- Uterine prolapse (dropped uterus)
- Rectal prolapse
- Urethral prolapse
- Chronic Pelvic Pain
Chronic pelvic pain, typically felt below the belly button, is a common issue for women with IBS. A 2018 study found that IBS is more prevalent in women with chronic pelvic pain than in the general population, suggesting a potential link between the two conditions.
- Painful Sex
Pain during intercourse and other forms of sexual dysfunction are recognized symptoms of IBS in women. Research shows that women with IBS are more likely to avoid sexual activity compared to men with the condition.
Many individuals with IBS also report a reduced sexual desire and difficulty becoming aroused, which can lead to insufficient lubrication in women, making sex painful.
- Worsening Menstrual Symptoms
Studies suggest that women with IBS experience more severe PMS symptoms. IBS may also cause heavier and more painful periods.
Many women also report a worsening of IBS symptoms during specific phases of their menstrual cycle, likely due to hormonal fluctuations.
- Fatigue
Fatigue is a common symptom of IBS, and research indicates that it may affect women more than men. Fatigue in IBS patients is often linked to poor sleep quality, insomnia, and the severity of IBS symptoms, all of which can contribute to increased tiredness.
- Migraine
There is evidence suggesting that IBS may trigger migraines, with women being more likely to experience this symptom. A 2017 study also found that women who have both IBS and migraines are more likely to experience additional symptoms, including anxiety and chronic pelvic pain.
- Depression
IBS has been associated with mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Some studies indicate that women with IBS report higher levels of depression and anxiety compared to men with the condition.
Are YOU at risk?
While the exact cause of IBS is still unknown, several factors can increase your risk, including being a woman.
Some risk factors include:
- Being under the age of 50
- Having a family history of IBS
- Experiencing stressful events early in life
- Having a mental health condition, such as depression or anxiety
- Facing digestive issues after eating certain foods
- Having a bacterial infection in your digestive tract
If you’re experiencing any IBS symptoms, it’s important to consult with your doctor, especially if you have a higher risk of developing the condition.
How to get diagnosed
There is no single test to diagnose IBS. Instead, your doctor will start by reviewing your medical history and symptoms.
They may also perform tests to rule out other conditions, such as:
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Blood tests to check for anemia or infection
- Stool culture
- Endoscopy
- Lactose intolerance test
- Gluten intolerance test
Based on your medical history, you may be diagnosed with IBS if you experience:
- Abdominal symptoms at least once a week for the past 3 months
- Pain or discomfort associated with bowel movements
- A consistent change in the frequency of your bowel movements
- Stool that looks different than usual
The Bottom Line:
Women are diagnosed with IBS more often than men. While many symptoms are similar for both genders, some are more common in women or exclusive to them, potentially linked to female sex hormones.
If you’re experiencing IBS symptoms, a combination of lifestyle adjustments, home remedies, and medical treatments can help manage them.
Taking a daily probiotic can help ease symptoms of IBS, by helping to regulate your gut health. W For Her vaginal support probiotic is a great source of three studied probiotics that gently support digestive health.