Who Suffers from
IBS Women Sexual Dysfunction
IBS affects the overall quality of life including women sexual dysfunction
Irritable Bowel Syndrome or IBS as it is commonly called, affects millions of people around the world. In addition to the obvious health issues, IBS also affects the overall quality of life including women sexual dysfunction. What IBS is, how it affects the body, and why some women experience sexual disfunction because of it are questions that face a growing number of people every day.
What is IBS: Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system which includes abdominal pain and irregular bowel movements. Approximately 10% of people in Western countries are affected by IBS in one form or another with up to 50% seeing medical treatments. Although IBS is also found in developing countries, it is so far less frequent. But as such countries develop, IBS has become more common among women and young adults.
In terms of bowel movements, IBS patients are divided into sub-categories of those who suffer from diarrhea, constipation, and a mixture of both. There is no singular cause of IBS, but it is believed to be a combination of the following.
- - Altered Gut Flora
- - Increases in Intestinal Permeability
- - Abnormal Processing of Sensations by the Central Nervous System
- - Abnormalities in Psychology of Patients
The symptoms vary from patient to patient with some experiencing moderate to severe abdominal pain associated with diarrhea and constipation. In addition, some women experience episodes of bloating that intermix with the pain. Standard medical treatments include pain medication combined with those that treat either diarrhea or constipation, whichever is more prevalent in the patient. For those who do not respond to the treatment, antidepressants are sometimes prescribed.
Sex: How IBS Affects Quality of Life
Given the distress, pain, and embarrassment many feel in having IBS, it has become a significant factor in reducing the overall quality of life. From social contacts to feeling of loss of freedom, to sexual enjoyment, IBS has garnered an impact that may be greater than the symptoms themselves.
It is the psychological ramifications that have played a major role in the sexual dysfunction felt by many women who suffer from IBS. In other words, when a person does not feel confident and is self-aware of the condition, it can serve as a distraction to engaging in sexual activity. In some cases, this may be the perception of the partner who feels that the IBS is causing interference with sexual activity.
several symptoms to look out for with IBS and womens' sexual dysfunction
Studies have shown that the greater the degree of pain, the more likely people are to seek more radical treatments to alleviate the condition. In addition, the burden to the health care system in general has started talk of creating a separate health care system for those who suffer from IBS. This would allow for greater focus on treating the condition while reducing the burden on other areas of health care.
In terms of sexual dysfunction in women, IBS has proven to be a significant factor. The combination of the symptoms with general feelings of embarrassment mean that the earlier proper medical treatments are taken, the better the chance to restore normal sexual activity.