How common is IBS?
- Approximately 10% to 15% of the population in Western societies report symptoms consistent with IBS.
- Younger individuals (25-45 years of age) are more likely to report IBS symptoms as compared with older individuals, although IBS can occur at any age.
- In some cases, symptoms of IBS date back to childhood.
- Women report IBS symptoms more often than men.
- In particular, women with IBS tend to experience more symptoms of constipation and abdominal discomfort, especially bloating, whereas men with IBS report more symptoms of diarrhea.
- In primary care clinics in Western societies, the female-to-male ratio of IBS is 3-4:1, whereas in specialty clinics, it can be as high as 5-6:1.
- In contrast, in the general population, the female-to-male ratio is approximately 1.5-2:1.
- Thus not only do women have symptoms more frequently than men, but they are also more likely to seek medical attention for their symptoms.
