Gender differences in irritable bowel syndrome.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional gastrointestinal disorder characterized by abdominal discomfort or pain associated with changes in stool frequency and/or stool form. It is the most common gastrointestinal disorder in both primary care and gastroenterology clinics. IBS is associated with high health care costs, disability, work absenteeism, and significant morbidity. In this article, we review the gender differences in epidemiology, diagnostic criteria, physiology, psychological features, and responses to therapy of IBS.