You don’t need to struggle with the symptoms and pain of IBS. There are lots of different treatments that you can use to manage it.
Answer a few questions about your health, and get treatment recommendations from our experts. Order IBS treatment online and feel relief from your symptoms.
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IBS stands for ‘Irritable Bowel Syndrome’ - an umbrella term that describes lots of different digestive issues. You might experience symptoms like stomach cramps, diarrhoea and constipation that can come and go, or last for longer periods of time.
It’s usually a lifelong condition that can be frustrating and embarrassing to live with, and can have a real impact on your day to day life. The causes of IBS are often unknown, but it can be caused by food passing through your gut too quickly or too slowly, an over sensitive digestive system, stress, anxiety and a family history of the condition.
While IBS can’t necessarily be cured, there are lots of treatments that you can take to help with your symptoms, as well as lifestyle changes that some people find reduce the severity of them.
Who gets IBS?
Anyone can get IBS at almost any time of their life. Even if you haven’t previously experienced it before or have no family history of IBS, there’s no guarantee that you won’t develop it at some point. It’s more common in women than in men and it tends to start when you’re under 50.
How common is IBS?
Because IBS is a group of symptoms (some of which can vary quite a lot) rather than a single condition, it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how common it is. It’s thought that it affects around 10% of the world’s population at any given time, and it seems to be more common in young people and women.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
IBS
What causes IBS?
The precise cause of IBS isn’t always known, partly because it isn’t just one condition.
The cause can be genetic, stress, anxiety, over sensitivity of the gut, certain foods, infections (such as a severe bout of gastroenteritis) or changes to your natural gut microbes. Though it’s often an intolerance to certain foods that triggers flare-ups.
There can also be other factors that play a role in IBS, including muscle contractions in the intestines, poorly coordinated signals between the brain and your intestines, and abnormalities in your nervous system. Early life stress, particularly in childhood, is also thought to have a connection to IBS. Research has also shown that the neurotransmitter: serotonin, may be important in the symptoms of IBS - by altering the function of nerve cells in the bowel and causing changes in pain sensation and bowel function.
What are the symptoms of IBS?
The symptoms of IBS can vary from person to person. Some of the most common symptoms of IBS include:
stomach pain or
cramps
bloating
diarrhoea
a sudden need to go to the toilet
constipation
These symptoms may get better or worse through the day, and usually link to whether you’ve eaten and if you’ve been to the toilet.
Some other symptoms of IBS that people experience include:
wind
passing mucus from your bottom
tiredness and feeling low on energy
feeling sick
backache or muscle aches
problems with passing urine (you might need to go often, more than normal, have sudden urges to go to the toilet or feel like you can’t fully empty your bladder)
not feeling in control of when you need to go to the toilet
incontinence
Can IBS lead to other problems?
Unless it’s being caused by a more severe condition, like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or coeliac disorder (a severe intolerance to gluten in the body), it’s unlikely it will lead to anything more serious. If you have concerns about your symptoms then it’s always best to speak to a clinician.
Some IBS symptoms can lead to other problems. Constipation can lead to haemorrhoids, for example, and diarrhoea to dehydration and problems absorbing vitamins and minerals. These conditions and symptoms can have a major effect on your mental health, confidence and feeling in control of your life.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
IBS
What medications are there for IBS?
As there are so many symptoms, the medications prescribed to treat IBS are also varied. These can include laxatives, diarrhoea treatments, and different ointments for symptoms like haemorrhoids that can happen as a result of IBS.
Is there a ‘best’ treatment for IBS?
No, it all depends on what works for you. IBS can be something that you have throughout your life, so it’s often managed rather than cured. There are lots of factors to consider when considering the best medication for you.
For example, some laxatives should be avoided in the long term as these can cause worse problems than the symptoms you’re trying to treat. Our clinician could diagnose you with IBS as well as discuss treatment options with you. They can give you advice on what the best course of action could be, as well as guidance on managing your condition to support you with finding a treatment that’s best for you.
Does IBS always need treatment?
Many people find that making changes to their diet helps them to manage their IBS symptoms, especially if it’s related to a food intolerance. A food intolerance isn’t the same as an allergy, but the symptoms can be just as unpleasant.
The FODMAP diet - which stands for fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides and polyols and excludes certain fermentable foods - is sometimes recommended for IBS. It can help to reduce digestive distress after eating certain types of food.
Trying to manage your stress levels can also be a great help when it comes to dealing with IBS symptoms. In fact, managing stress can be great for your overall physical and mental wellbeing.
When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.
IBS
FAQ: IBS
Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.
Can you get side effects from IBS treatments?
Answer:
Yes, particularly if they’re taken long-term. Speak to a clinician about the pros and cons of the different treatments that you can use. You’ll also need to let a clinician know about any other medications you’re taking or any other conditions that you have as these can affect the way that certain treatments work.
If you’re experiencing some unpleasant side effects, or ones that are worse than your IBS symptoms, speak to a clinician. There’ll probably be other treatments that you can try that will work better for you.
How is IBS diagnosed?
Answer:
You’ll have a consultation with a clinician where you can discuss your symptoms and the impact that IBS is having on your life. There might be a physical examination for some of the symptoms associated with IBS such as hemorrhoids, but this isn’t always necessary.
Blood tests and stool samples can also be taken to rule out conditions such as coeliacs or infections that could be causing your symptoms, and an endoscopy can sometimes be necessary to investigate your bowel lining. This can help to work out what’s causing your IBS, and what the best way to treat your IBS is.
Do IBS treatments always work?
Answer:
There’s no cure for IBS, but the symptoms can go away for some people. Treatments are for managing symptoms and providing some relief in your day-to-day life. Some treatments can be more effective than others, depending on your symptoms, the cause of your IBS and how you react to it as an individual.
If a certain treatment isn’t working for you, or you feel like there may be a more effective or suitable treatment out there for you to try, speak to a clinician. Because the symptoms and causes of IBS can be different, finding the most effective treatment sometimes takes a bit of trial and error.
Why should I buy IBS treatments online with Treated?
Answer:
Living with IBS can be tough. At Treated we want to make it easy for you to get the treatment that you need without feeling stressed. All you need to do is talk to us about your health, and our expert clinical team will offer you a range of suitable treatments, so you can choose what’s best for you, on a schedule that suits your lifestyle.
We’ll keep in touch with you once you receive your treatment too. Because the symptoms and treatments for IBS can vary, we’ll check in on how things are going and how you’re feeling. If you feel like you need to try a different treatment, or that you’re experiencing some side effects, then you can change, pause or cancel your subscription whenever you like.
Howell, S., Talley, N.J., Quine, S. and Poulton, R. (2004).
The Irritable Bowel Syndrome has Origins in the Childhood Socioeconomic Environment. Official journal of the American College of Gastroenterology | ACG, [online] 99(8), pp.1572–1578.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
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