Manifestations of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) in Males: Distinctions and Therapies
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. While it can impact anyone, there are noticeable differences in how it affects men and women.
Males are less likely to seek medical help for IBS compared to females. This disparity is thought to be due to gender differences in healthcare-seeking behavior and psychosocial factors. Women are four to five times more likely to seek specialty care for IBS than men in Western countries.
This disparity can be attributed to several factors. Women generally report higher trait anxiety and tend to have lower pain thresholds, making them more sensitive to symptoms and more likely to seek medical attention. Additionally, hormonal fluctuations in women can affect IBS symptoms, making them more aware and likely to seek care when symptoms worsen.
Furthermore, the higher risk of sexual trauma and abuse in women increases their likelihood of medical consultation for IBS symptoms. Men, on the other hand, may be socially conditioned to underreport symptoms, avoid healthcare, or perceive seeking help as a sign of weakness, contributing to lower rates of healthcare utilization for conditions like IBS.
In terms of symptoms, males are more likely to report having IBS with diarrhea (IBS-D), while females are more likely to report IBS with constipation (IBS-C). However, both genders experience abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits.
A healthcare professional diagnoses IBS through questions, medical history, and physical examination. They may also perform tests to rule out other conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. Anyone with potential IBS symptoms should contact a doctor, who can help identify the cause, rule out more serious conditions, and recommend treatments that alleviate symptoms.
Treatment for IBS focuses on relieving symptoms to improve quality of life. This can include lifestyle changes such as moderate physical activity, avoiding caffeine, and getting enough sleep. A dietitian can help a person with IBS find the best diet option for them.
Medications can also help with diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain in IBS. Examples include loperamide, rifaximin, eluxadoline, fiber supplements, laxatives, linaclotide, plecanatide, antispasmodics, tricyclic antidepressants, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. If a person with IBS has anxiety, depression, or a history of traumatic experiences, mental health treatment may be recommended.
IBS is more common among females from their late teens to around age 45 years. After age 45, the new onset of IBS in females decreases, approaching the same as rates among males from age 70 onward. The exact cause of IBS is not known, but it may result from issues with how the brain and gut work together.
Dietary management can be effective in reducing IBS symptoms, but research indicates that males with IBS are less willing to change their dietary habits than females. However, it's important to note that everyone's response to dietary changes can vary.
In conclusion, while IBS affects both men and women, there are noticeable differences in how it affects each gender. Understanding these differences can help in seeking appropriate care and managing symptoms effectively. If you suspect you have IBS, it's crucial to speak with a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
[1] Drossman, D. A., & Schmulson, M. (2016). Sex and gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome. Gastroenterology, 151(2), 417-427. [2] Whiteman, M. L., & Lennon, V. (2002). Gender differences in healthcare utilization for irritable bowel syndrome. Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics, 15(1), 71-77.
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