Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder of the intestines that can cause a number of bowel related symptoms. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports that IBS is fairly common. In fact, it occurs in up to twenty percent of the population. IBS is more common in women than men; however, the symptoms are similar in both genders.
Constipation or Diarrhea
Chronic constipation and/or diarrhea are two of the main complaints of both men and women with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) reports that some people more frequently have one condition over the other, but some may alternate between the two. The National Institutes of Health reports that constipation and diarrhea associated with IBS usually cause pain, though this often goes away after a successful bowel movement.
Abdominal Pain or Discomfort
A related symptom of IBS in both men and women is abdominal discomfort or pain. For abdominal pain to contribute to an IBS diagnosis, according to the NDDIC, it must occur for 12 weeks (not necessarily consecutive) over the most recent 12 months. This pain is often relieved by having a bowel movement.
Bloating
Frequent abdominal bloating is also an indicator of IBS in both men and women. The National Institutes of Health report that this may include abdominal distension (a swollen abdomen) or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen. However, there is evidence to suggest that this symptom is more commonly reported by women than by men. The UNC Center for Functional GI and Motility Issues reports that this difference between the genders may be related to menstruation.
Gas
A common complaint of people with IBS is flatulence, or excessive passing of gas. This can occur in both men and women. It may be worse after eating certain types of foods. According to the National Institutes of Health, however, there is no single diet that will eliminate the symptom of gas or bowel problems in men with IBS, as they may be triggered by something different in every person.
Mucous in the Stool
Mucous may appear in the stool of both men and women who suffer from IBS. The UNC Center reports that one of the diagnostic tools for IBS, called the Rome II, considers the presence of mucous in more than 25 percent of stool passage to be a confirmation of an IBS diagnosis. However, it must occur with other symptoms as well.
Depression
Many people with IBS report their symptoms to be worse when under stress or when experiencing emotional upsets. Depression is common in people with IBS. However, the UNC Center reports that while this symptom may appear in both men and women, men are less likely to report it to their doctors. This may be because women are more likely than men in general to report mood disorders.
Less Intense Symptoms
The UNC Center reports that some IBS symptoms may be less severe in men than in women, for a few reasons. One is that fewer men with IBS consult their doctors than their female counterparts. Another is that men's digestive tracts may be less sensitive than women's. This may be due to hormonal differences between the sexes. There may also be differences in the way a man's nervous system responds to IBS symptoms.
