Prevalence

There is a prevailing myth that IBS only affects women.

What’s more, advertisers aren’t alone in their bias that IBS is a woman’s health problem.

Researchers also have been more likely to focus on how the condition affectswomenthan on how it affects men.

Doctor examining man’s stomach

Westend61 / Getty Images

The stereotype could be an unfortunate misperception for men who may have digestivesymptomscaused by IBS.

Men may not get the help they might need simply because they assume that something else is going on.

Gender differences in IBS prevalence appear to decrease with age.

By age 65, the rates of IBS in men and women are thought to be roughly equal.

Androgens are natural steroids, and testosterone is an androgen.

The explanation for these differences is unclear.

Make an appointment to see your healthcare provider and find out what the problem is.

International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.Facts About IBS.

Gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome: the interpersonal connection.Neurogastroenterol Motil.

2018;24(4):544558. doi:10.5056/jnm18082