Irritable bowel syndrome can be painful, but it doesn't lead to other health problems or damage to the digestive system. There are 3 types of IBS, and they depend on different patterns of changes in bowel movements or abnormal bowel movements.
Women are up to twice as likely to develop IBS as men, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in the United States. Doctors treat IBS by recommending lifestyle changes, medications, food intolerance or food intolerance.