Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a long-term condition that causes re-occurring pain or discomfort in the abdomen and an altered bowel habit. IBS can develop at any age, but most people start experiencing symptoms between the ages of 15 and 40. Women are more likely to get IBS and tend to have the most severe symptoms. It is one of the most common problems of the digestive system and affects about 1 in 5 people in the Western world.

There really is no definitive answer as to why one person will suffer from Irritable Bowel Syndrome and not another, symptoms cannot be traced to a single organic cause. Research does suggest that IBS sufferers seem to have a colon that is more sensitive and reactive than usual to a variety of things, including certain foods and stress, also that the immune system, which fights infection, is also involved. Genetics can also play a part.

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms vary hugely from mild abdominal discomfort, to severe cramping pain, diarrhea, constipation, bloating and gas. The lining of the colon (epithelium) which is affected by the immune and nervous systems regulates the passage of fluids in and out of the colon. Although with Irritable Bowel Syndrome the epithelium does appear to work properly, fast movement of the colon's contents can overcome the absorptive capacity of the colon, resulting in too much fluid in the stool. In other circumstances the colonic movement is too slow, too much fluid is absorbed and constipation develops.

In western countries twice as many women as men seek Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatments. IBS is largely considered to be a woman's health issue even though men do suffer as well. Some research indicates that this could be due to physiological differences. Women have been shown to be to be more sensitive to certain types of pain, (particularly pain from internal organs) than men. Therefore pain that is considered debilitating to a woman may just be an annoyance for a man.

Many women do find that IBS symptoms are worse during certain phases of their menstrual cycle such as pre-menstrual or ovulation. This has led to speculation that if female hormones exacerbate IBS, male hormones could be responsible for protecting men from IBS. In one study men with IBS were found to have lower hormone levels than men without IBS. This could mean that higher levels of male hormones in the body can prevent IBS symptoms. Another study showed that men who had a lower testosterone level experienced worse IBS symptoms.

Another reason for women seeking Irritable Bowel Syndrome treatment more regularly than men might be because they are already accustomed to seeing a doctor on a regular basis particularly a gynecologist and reporting abdominal pain or changes in bowel habits can often lead to a follow up referral.

There appears to be connections between psychological conditions and Irritable Bowel Syndrome, again depression and anxiety are generally more common in women than men which could also be linked to the prevalence of IBS in women.