IBS in Men: What's the Difference?
IBS in Men: What's the Difference?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause a variety of digestive symptoms, including abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. IBS cannot be diagnosed by common medical tests. It is considered a functional disease and may require long-term management. Symptoms and treatments of IBS in males and females are slightly different. Here is a brief introduction to IBS in men.
Symptoms of IBS
There are three types of IBS: IBS with Constipation (IBS-C), IBS with Diarrhea (IBS-D) and Mixed IBS (IBS-M). Predominant symptoms of IBS-C include constipation, infrequent bowel movements and hard stools. Predominant symptoms of IBS-D are quite the opposite. IBS-M has a combination of both diarrhea and constipation. All types of IBS may induce abdominal pain, bloating, gas and mucus in stool. These symptoms can be triggered or worsened by certain foods, stress, hormonal changes and other factors.
Gender Differences in IBS
In terms of symptoms, men with IBS may be more likely to experience diarrhea-predominant symptoms (IBS-D), and women are more likely to experience constipation-predominant symptoms. Men are also less likely to experience pain with IBS, and professionals believe that testosterone and other androgens could be the cause. Meanwhile, hormonal fluctuations in women such as menstruation, pregnancy and menopause can influence IBS symptoms.
Men may be less likely to report gastrointestinal symptoms or seek medical attention for digestive issues, which could potentially lead to underdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis of IBS. Men with digestive symptoms may not get the help they might need because they assume that something else is going on. Overall, studies show that men with IBS have a more diminished quality of life than women with IBS.
Causes of IBS
No single factor can be a direct cause of IBS. It is caused by multiple interplaying factors. There are three main causes of IBS: external stimulants, genetics and psychological factors.
1. Certain foods or food components can trigger or worsen symptoms in individuals with IBS. In some cases, a previous gastrointestinal infection such as food poisoning or virus can trigger the onset of IBS symptoms. Alterations in the composition and function of the gut microbiome have been associated with IBS. Disruption in the balance of beneficial and harmful gut bacteria may play a role in symptom development.
2. The bi-directional communication system between the brain and the gut, known as the brain-gut axis, plays a role in IBS. Stress, anxiety and other psychological factors can influence gut function and exacerbate symptoms in some individuals. Psychological stress can heighten visceral sensitivity and the awareness of bodily sensations in individuals with IBS, making them more prone to experiencing pain and discomfort in normal intestinal activities.
3. Genetic factors may influence susceptibility to developing IBS and the severity of symptoms. Individuals with a family history of IBS are more likely to develop it themselves, suggesting a genetic predisposition to the disorder. Studies have shown that IBS tends to cluster in families, indicating a potential genetic component.
Diagnosis and Treatment of IBS
IBS is typically diagnosed based on symptoms and the exclusion of other conditions. Your doctor may need to perform tests to rule out other gastrointestinal disorders. Treatment for IBS focuses on managing symptoms and improving quality of life. This may include dietary changes, stress management, medications to alleviate symptoms and lifestyle modifications. Depending on the symptoms, medications such as antispasmodics, laxatives, anti-diarrheal medications or antidepressants may be prescribed to manage symptoms.
