What Increases Your Risk

It is estimated that between 10% and 15% of people in North America have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).³ Only about 30% of people with IBS will consult a doctor about their symptoms.⁴

IBS tends to be more common in:

• People in their late 20s.
• Women. IBS is two times more common in women than in men.³
• People who have panic disorder or other psychological conditions.
• People who have a family history of IBS.
• People who have a history of physical or sexual abuse or other psychological trauma. Several studies have found a link between a past history of abuse and gastrointestinal disorders.⁵
• People with other conditions such as depression, migraine headaches, and fibromyalgia (which causes widespread muscle and soft-tissue pain and tenderness).