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Related Concept Videos

Irritable Bowel Syndrome01:23

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

DefinitionIrritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by recurrent combinations of abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, or constipation.Pathophysiology of irritable bowel syndromeIts pathophysiology is multifactorial, involving disturbances in motility, sensory processing, microbial balance, barrier integrity, and gut–brain communication. These mechanisms interact to produce symptoms that vary across IBS subtypes.Altered Motility PatternsDisordered...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction01:17

Irritable Bowel Syndrome I: Introduction

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is characterized by functional disturbances in the gastrointestinal system, presenting a cluster of symptoms without evident structural or biochemical abnormalities. It primarily affects the large intestine and may cause abdominal pain, bloating, excessive gas, diarrhea, constipation, or both.
IBS is a chronic condition that can persist over a long period or recur frequently.
The pathogenesis of IBS involves a complex interplay of the following factors:
Altered...
Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation

Irritable Bowel Syndrome II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Evaluation
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is classified into subtypes based on the predominant bowel habits as determined by the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS). The subtypes are:
Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management01:30

Irritable Bowel Syndrome III: Medical and Nursing Management

Managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) involves a multifaceted approach, including lifestyle modifications, dietary changes, and medication.
Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS01:17

Drugs for Treatment of Diarrhea-Predominant IBS

Diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) is a subtype of IBS characterized primarily by frequent, loose, or watery stools, abdominal pain, and abdominal discomfort. Therapeutic approaches to managing IBS-D include dietary changes, stress management techniques, and pharmaceutical interventions.
Two specific drugs used in the treatment are alosetron (Lotronex) and eluxadoline (Viberzi). Alosetron, a 5-HT3 antagonist, works by slowing the movement of stools in the gut, reducing bowel...
Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction01:17

Chronic Bowel Disorders: Introduction

Chronic bowel diseases are a group of long-term conditions affecting the digestive tract, characterized by inflammation and damage to the gut lining. These conditions primarily include irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder affecting the gastrointestinal tract. The distinctive feature is recurrent abdominal pain associated with altered bowel movements, manifesting as constipation, diarrhea, or fluctuating between both. The...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 5, 2026

Visualization of Estrogen Receptors in Colons of Mice with TNBS-Induced Crohn's Disease using Immunofluorescence
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Published on: March 12, 2020

Irritable bowel syndrome: does gender matter?

Margaret Heitkemper1, Monica Jarrett

  • 1Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA. heit@u.washington.edu

Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|May 27, 2008
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Gender influences irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) presentation due to physiological and sociocultural factors. This review explores how visceral sensitivity, motility, and nervous system balance differ between sexes in IBS patients.

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Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Neurogastroenterology
  • Sex and Gender in Medicine

Background:

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects women more than men in industrialized nations.
  • Gender disparities in IBS are attributed to complex physiological and sociocultural factors.
  • Potential contributing factors include hormonal differences, stress response, and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review and analyze the role of gender in the presentation of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • To explore specific physiological mechanisms underlying gender differences in IBS.
  • To investigate how visceral sensitivity, motility, and autonomic nervous system balance contribute to IBS presentation disparities.

Main Methods:

  • Mini-review of existing literature on gender differences in IBS.
  • Analysis of physiological factors such as visceral sensitivity and gut motility.
  • Examination of autonomic nervous system (ANS) balance in relation to gender and IBS.

Main Results:

  • Women report higher healthcare seeking for IBS compared to men.
  • Inherent physiological differences (hormones, stress reactivity, inflammation) play a role.
  • Sociocultural factors influence pain perception and reporting of bowel changes.

Conclusions:

  • Gender significantly impacts IBS presentation through a combination of biological and psychosocial pathways.
  • Differences in visceral sensitivity, motility, and ANS function are key areas for understanding gender-specific IBS.
  • Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms driving gender disparities in IBS.