Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the large intestine that commonly causes cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. And it’s a chronic condition that needs to be managed long term.
Almost everybody gets those symptoms at one time or another, though. How can you know if you have IBS?
The first thing to consider is how often you have these problems and whether they’re accompanied by symptoms such as abdominal pain or discomfort. If the answer is “more than once in awhile,” you should talk to a doctor about being checked for IBS.
For the most part, there aren’t any established tests for IBS. Because the symptoms are so common, doctors have to ask questions that may rule out other possibilities such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colon cancer, or celiac disease.
They should ask if you’ve had nausea, vomiting, fever, persistent pain, blood in the stool, or weight loss. They ask because these particular symptoms are not signs of IBS and may indicate other illnesses.
Your doctor may also order blood and stool tests, which can reveal infection or inflammation. They may ask for a breath test or ask you to temporarily eliminate dairy products from your diet to see if that has an effect.
Some doctors are starting to use a set of guidelines called the Rome III criteria to diagnose IBS. Under these criteria, you must have experienced symptoms for at least 6 months. The symptoms must be present for at least 3 days a month in 3 different months. And they must be associated with at least two of these results:
- A bowel movement relieves the ache and suffering.
- There’s a change in how often the stool comes out.
- The stool looks different.
Other symptoms may point to IBS, such as:
- Bowel movements feel uncontrollably urgent, difficult to pass, or incomplete
- Mucus comes out with the stool
- Bloating or abdominal distension
Two important things to remember: don’t be too embarrassed to talk with your doctor openly and honestly about your symptoms. They’ve seen and heard worse! And don’t be afraid. IBS, unlike ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, which are forms of inflammatory bowel disease, doesn’t cause changes in bowel tissue or increase your risk of colorectal cancer.
Most people with IBS don’t have severe signs and symptoms, and some can control their symptoms by managing diet, lifestyle and stress. If you’re concerned about these symptoms in yourself or in someone you love, call your doctor right away for a consultation.
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When should a girl start seeing a gynecologist or obstetrician-gynecologist (OB/GYN)?
Even if you’re not sexually active, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology recommends that you go between the ages of 13 and 15, although any time after menstruation and before your eighteenth birthday is fine. If you’re sexually active, go as soon as possible!
And why should you go?
To have confidential discussions about sex, sexuality, menstruation, pregnancy prevention, sexually transmitted diseases—pretty heavy stuff. It may sound like it will be an incredibly awkward experience, but here’s some information that may set you at ease:
- The first appointment is mostly about talking. To begin, the doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your health and lifestyle. They’ll go over your health history, like how old you were when you got your period and if you have any problems with it. They’ll ask about your sexual history, whether you’re sexually active or just thinking about it—and if you are, what birth control you use. They’ll also discuss your lifestyle: do you smoke cigarettes? Do you drink alcohol? Do you take drugs? Do you practice sexual behaviors that might put you at risk for STDs?
- You probably won’t need an internal pelvic exam. Unless you’re sexually active or having a medical issue, your physical exam will be external. The doctor will examine your outside genital area, your abdominal area, and your breasts. She or he is just checking for visible abnormalities, tenderness or lumps in your breast tissue. You shouldn’t need a Pap smear until you’re 21. As for the dreaded stirrups? They’re only there so you have a place to rest your heels and be more comfortable when you’re lying on the exam table. Many practices cover them with something soft.
- If you do need an internal pelvic exam, relax! You may know that this is when the doctor will use a speculum, either metal or plastic, to hold your vagina open so she or he can see if everything looks normal and healthy. Don’t worry—the speculum they use for teenagers is about the size of a super tampon. This part of the exam can be uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t hurt. If it does, speak up! After removing the speculum, the gynecologist will feel inside of you with one hand and press on your abdomen with the other. She’s checking to see if your fallopian tubes, uterus, and ovaries are in the right position and whether they feel normal. If any part of this process hurts, let the doctor know. And throughout, do deep, slow breathing and let your legs relax as best you can.
Remember, your doctor has seen and heard everything.
There is probably nothing you could ask or discuss that your OB/GYN hasn’t dealt with before. And everything you talk about is confidential. So go ahead and ask questions about your anatomy, your period, birth control, different sexual practices and anything else you might be curious or concerned about.
At Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello, we know how strange that first appointment can feel. We’ll do our best to make sure you feel at ease. Please give us a call when you’re ready to make that first appointment.
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Yes, it may feel awkward to bring up certain topics with your gynecologist or OB-GYN, but remember—they’ve heard and seen it all. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or bring up any issues you’ve been noticing. In fact, make sure you do! It’s important to be open and honest when it comes to taking care of your sexual and reproductive health. Here are eight things you should definitely discuss with your gynecologist:
If you’ve ever had unprotected sex. Maybe you slipped up and didn’t use a condom a while back, and since you’ve gotten your period and haven’t noticed any signs of an STD, you think you’re okay, right? Well, some STDs, like chlamydia, are often completely symptomless, while others like HPV can lie dormant for years. Let your doctor know, so she can calculate your risk of disease after having unprotected sex.
If you’re experiencing bleeding after sex. Blood following sex can indicate anything from uterine polyps to endometritis, which are highly treatable, to more serious situations such as cervical cancer. If you experience post-sex bleeding, tell your doctor as soon as possible.
If your period is becoming irregular. If your period is showing up late every month, if your flow is much heavier or lighter than normal, or if you’re experiencing regular spotting between periods, let your doctor know.
If sex hurts or is uncomfortable. Don’t let physical discomfort affect your sex life! Painful sex may be due to a tilted uterus or vaginal dryness. Your doctor can help you figure out—and solve!—the problem.
If you’ve been sexually abused. Your gynecologist can just be someone to talk to, or they can ease your worries about STDs or offer resources that can help you recover.
If you’re taking any medications or supplements. Your doctor should always know what you’re taking, including vitamins or herbal supplements—especially if you’re starting a new type of birth control, trying to get pregnant, or in need of surgery.
If you’re thinking about pregnancy and fertility. If you’re considering trying to get pregnant in the next year, definitely tell your doctor. They’ll offer tips and medical advice that they wouldn’t normally bring up at a regular visit. And if you’re concerned about your fertility for any reason, bring that up, too.
At Chouchani, Sayegh and Bagnarello, we care about the overall health of our patients and believe in open and honest communication. If you need to discuss any of these issues with a medical professional, please give us a call to make an appointment.
Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder of the large intestine that commonly causes cramping, bloating, gas, diarrhea and constipation. And it’s a chronic condition that needs to be managed long term.
