Symptoms of IBS in Men

If you’ve been struggling with stomach cramps, bloating, gas, or unpredictable bowel habits, you might be wondering – could this be IBS? Or maybe you’re here because your partner, son, or father has been complaining about abdominal pain and digestive issues, and you want to help them figure out what’s going on. If you would like to understand more how a nutritionist can help you, we offer a free 15-minute preliminary chat with an online nutritionist.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a common digestive disorder that affects both men and women, but it’s often underdiagnosed in men. Many men ignore their symptoms, assume it’s just something they ate, or feel uncomfortable discussing digestive problems like diarrhoea and constipation. But IBS isn’t just an occasional stomach upset – it’s a chronic condition that can cause ongoing discomfort, affect daily life, and even impact mental health. Chronic gut conditions often have overlapping symptoms, which can make it hard to discern which gut condition you may have. To find out more about how to differentiate between IBS and IBD, take a look at our article IBS vs IBD.

In this guide, we’ll break down the symptoms of IBS in men, how they compare to IBS in women, where IBS pain is usually felt, what an IBS attack feels like, and most importantly, how to manage and treat IBS effectively. Whether you’re trying to understand your own symptoms or looking for answers for someone you care about, this article will help you make sense of IBS and what to do next.

What Does IBS Feel Like for Men?

IBS can feel different for everyone, but for men, symptoms often present in ways that can be confusing or easy to dismiss. Some men experience mild discomfort, while others have severe pain and digestive issues that impact daily life. Understanding the common symptoms and how IBS may differ between men and women can help you recognise whether IBS is the cause of your gut troubles.

Common Symptoms of IBS in Men

IBS symptoms in men typically include:

Abdominal (stomach) pain and cramping – This can feel like a dull ache, sharp twinges, or a squeezing sensation, often improving after a bowel movement.
Bloating and excess gas – Many men describe feeling like their stomach is stretched tight or “full of air,” which can be uncomfortable and socially embarrassing.
Diarrhoea and constipation – Some men experience one consistently, while others alternate between both. Episodes can come on suddenly and interfere with daily activities.
Feeling like you need to go but can’t – A frustrating sensation of incomplete bowel movements, even after using the toilet.
Increased urgency or frequent bathroom trips – IBS can cause sudden urges to go, making it difficult to travel or be away from a toilet.
Fatigue and disrupted sleep – Many men with IBS report feeling drained and exhausted, likely due to discomfort and disrupted digestion.

IBS symptoms in men can sometimes be mistaken for indigestion, food intolerance, or stress-related stomach issues, which is why it’s important to pay attention to patterns in your digestive health.

How IBS Symptoms Differ Between Men and Women

Because IBS symptoms in men are sometimes overlooked or dismissed as “just a bad stomach,” many men go undiagnosed for years without realising they have a treatable condition. One reason is that men are generally less likely to seek medical advice for health problems [1], often assuming that stomach cramps, bloating, or frequent bowel changes are just normal digestive discomfort rather than signs of a chronic condition. Some may feel embarrassed about discussing symptoms like diarrhoea, gas, or urgency, leading them to suffer in silence rather than look for a solution.

Another issue is that IBS symptoms can be unpredictable, with flare-ups coming and going, making it easy to assume they are caused by stress, poor diet, or simply a bad meal. Because symptoms can vary in severity, men might ignore mild discomfort and only pay attention when symptoms become severe, by which point the condition has already affected their quality of life.

There’s also a tendency for IBS to be associated more with women, leading some men to believe their symptoms don’t fit the typical pattern. As a result, they may be more likely to self-diagnose with indigestion, food intolerance, or general stomach issues rather than recognising IBS as the cause. Without a proper diagnosis, they may continue experiencing discomfort without realising that targeted treatments and lifestyle changes could help manage their symptoms effectively.

IBS Pain Location – Where Do Men Feel It Most?

IBS pain is usually felt in the lower abdomen, but it can appear in different areas depending on the type of IBS.

Lower left or right abdomen – The most common IBS pain location, often described as cramping or aching.
Around the belly button – Some men feel discomfort in the central stomach area, sometimes radiating outward.
Lower back pain – IBS can sometimes cause referred pain that feels like muscle soreness in the lower back.
General stomach discomfort – A dull, widespread ache that can shift throughout the day.

Many men notice that IBS pain worsens after eating and improves after a bowel movement, though certain foods, stress, and lifestyle factors can make it more intense.

When to See a Doctor About IBS Symptoms

IBS is a chronic condition that can be disruptive, but it isn’t typically dangerous. However, some symptoms that seem like IBS could actually be signs of another underlying condition that requires medical attention. If you’ve been experiencing persistent digestive issues, it’s important to know when to seek professional advice.

Signs That Your Symptoms May Indicate Another Condition

While IBS can cause discomfort, it shouldn’t cause severe or alarming symptoms. If you’re experiencing any of the following, it’s important to see a doctor to rule out more serious digestive conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), coeliac disease, infections, or even bowel cancer.

If your abdominal pain is severe, constant, or worsening over time, this could be a sign of a more serious gastrointestinal issue. IBS pain tends to come and go and often improves after a bowel movement, whereas conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or gallbladder problems can cause ongoing or progressively worsening pain.

Unexplained weight loss is another red flag. While some IBS sufferers may avoid food due to fear of triggering symptoms, IBS itself does not typically cause weight loss. A sudden drop in weight without changes to diet or exercise could indicate malabsorption issues, chronic inflammation, or even cancer.

Blood in your stool is never a symptom of IBS, though IBS sufferers may experience this as a symptom of another condition, which could be more serious and warrants further investigation [2].

If you’re experiencing fever or persistent fatigue, it’s worth discussing with a doctor. While IBS can leave you feeling drained due to disrupted digestion and poor sleep, ongoing fatigue combined with fever could point to an infection, chronic inflammation, or an autoimmune condition.

Another warning sign is waking up at night due to pain or urgent bowel movements. If your symptoms frequently wake you up in the middle of the night, this could suggest a condition like ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).

If your symptoms are interfering with your daily life, aren’t improving with lifestyle changes, or are accompanied by any of the above warning signs, it’s important to speak to a doctor. Early diagnosis of other digestive conditions can lead to better treatment and long-term management.

What Tests Are Used to Diagnose IBS?

There isn’t a single test for IBS, which means doctors often diagnose it by ruling out other conditions first. The process usually begins with a discussion of your symptoms, including when they started, how often they occur, and whether certain foods or stressors seem to trigger them. Your doctor may also ask about your medical history and any family history of digestive disorders.

To rule out other conditions, doctors may recommend:

A stool test to check for infections, inflammation, or blood in the stool, which could indicate conditions like Crohn’s disease or bacterial imbalances in the gut.

A blood test to screen for coeliac disease, anaemia, or signs of chronic inflammation. Coeliac disease can mimic IBS symptoms but requires a completely different approach to treatment.

A colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy may be needed if you have red-flag symptoms like unexplained weight loss, rectal bleeding, or persistent diarrhoea. These tests allow doctors to examine the intestines for signs of inflammation, polyps, or disease.

Some people may also undergo a breath test to check for small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which can cause bloating and digestive discomfort similar to IBS.

If all tests come back normal and symptoms fit the Rome IV criteria (which considers abdominal pain frequency and changes in bowel habits), then IBS is the most likely diagnosis. If you then wish to look at what your contributing factors are in more detail, private gut health tests can offer you greater insight.

While IBS can be frustrating, getting a clear diagnosis allows you to start managing symptoms effectively and rule out more serious conditions. If you’re unsure whether your digestive issues are IBS or something else, seeking medical advice is always the best step forward.

IBS Symptoms and Treatment Options

IBS is a chronic condition, which means there isn’t a single cure that will make it disappear completely. However, many men are able to reduce their symptoms significantly by identifying triggers, making targeted lifestyle changes, and exploring different treatment options.

How to Resolve IBS – Is There a Cure?

There is no permanent cure for IBS, but managing symptoms effectively can feel like finding a solution. For some men, identifying and avoiding trigger foods is enough to keep symptoms under control. Others may need a more structured approach, such as a low FODMAP diet, gut-directed hypnotherapy, or medication to regulate bowel movements.

The key to long-term relief is understanding what’s causing IBS symptoms in your specific case. IBS can be triggered by food, stress, gut bacteria imbalances, or even hormonal and nervous system responses. Because IBS is often dismissed as a minor issue, many men don’t seek help until symptoms start interfering with work, social life, or physical performance. This delay can make symptoms worse over time, so early intervention is important.

IBS Treatment Options for Men

While IBS treatment depends on symptoms and triggers, there are several effective options that men may find particularly useful:

Medications for symptom control – Men with IBS-D (diarrhoea-predominant IBS) may benefit from anti-diarrhoeal medications like loperamide (Imodium) to manage sudden urges. If constipation is the main issue, fibre supplements or osmotic laxatives can help regulate bowel movements.
Gut-directed hypnotherapy and stress reduction – Since many men experience IBS flare-ups due to work stress, high-pressure environments, or physical tension, therapies that target the gut-brain connection can be highly effective. Hypnotherapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction have been shown to significantly improve IBS symptoms [3].
Probiotics and gut health support – Some men have an imbalance of gut bacteria that contributes to bloating, gas, and irregular bowel movements. Certain strains of probiotics may help regulate digestion, though results vary between individuals.
Dietary modifications – Avoiding known trigger foods, reducing alcohol intake, and following a structured elimination diet (like the low FODMAP diet) can help pinpoint which foods cause symptoms.

IBS treatment isn’t one-size-fits-all, and what works for one man may not work for another. A combination of dietary changes, lifestyle adjustments, and stress management techniques is often the most effective approach.

If IBS symptoms are significantly affecting your quality of life, working with a nutritionist or functional medicine practitioner can provide personalised strategies to manage IBS in a way that fits your lifestyle.

IBS Symptoms and Foods to Avoid

One of the biggest triggers for IBS symptoms is diet. Some foods stimulate the gut too much, leading to diarrhoea and cramping, while others slow digestion, worsening constipation and bloating. Many men with IBS find that their symptoms improve dramatically when they identify and avoid their specific trigger foods.

What Are the Worst Foods for IBS?

Certain foods are more likely to cause digestive distress, particularly for men who experience frequent diarrhoea or bloating. The most common culprits include:

Spicy and greasy foods – Many men enjoy hot sauces, curries, fried foods, and heavy meats, but these can overstimulate the gut, leading to diarrhoea and stomach cramps.
Beer and carbonated drinks – Carbonation increases gas production, while beer contains fermentable carbohydrates that worsen bloating and diarrhoea.
Caffeine and energy drinks – Coffee, energy drinks, and pre-workout supplements can trigger gut spasms, leading to urgent bathroom trips.
High-FODMAP foods – Certain carbohydrates ferment in the gut, producing gas and bloating. Foods like onions, garlic, apples, and artificial sweeteners can be especially problematic.
Dairy and lactose-containing foods – Many men don’t realise they have mild lactose intolerance, which can make IBS symptoms worse.

Should Men Follow a Low FODMAP Diet?

The low FODMAP diet is one of the most researched diets for IBS and has been shown to significantly reduce bloating, cramping, and diarrhoea. However, it’s not meant to be a long-term diet – instead, it’s an elimination phase that helps pinpoint individual trigger foods.

For men, this diet can be particularly beneficial because it removes many common high-protein, high-carbohydrate foods that can worsen IBS symptoms, such as:

Protein shakes and bars with artificial sweeteners – Many gym supplements contain sorbitol or erythritol, which can cause bloating and diarrhoea.
Large portions of meat – High-fat meats like beef and pork can be harder to digest, triggering cramping in some IBS sufferers.
Bread, pasta, and beer – These contain fermentable carbohydrates that can cause bloating and discomfort.

Men who frequently experience IBS-D may benefit the most from a low FODMAP diet, as it helps reduce gut irritation and urgency. However, because the diet eliminates many high-fibre foods, men with IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS) may need to modify it to include more fibre-rich, gut-friendly options.

Following a structured approach – starting with elimination, reintroducing foods slowly, and maintaining a balanced diet – can help men manage IBS symptoms without unnecessary food restrictions.

Final Thoughts on IBS Symptoms and Treatment for Men

Men often ignore digestive symptoms or assume they’re temporary, but IBS is a real and manageable condition. While there’s no single cure, understanding personal triggers, making dietary changes, and using stress management techniques can make a huge difference.

Because men are more likely to experience IBS-D and stress-induced gut issues, treatments like gut-directed hypnotherapy, low-FODMAP adjustments, and targeted probiotics can be particularly beneficial. If symptoms are interfering with daily life, seeking help from a nutritionist or gut health specialist can provide personalised strategies for long-term relief.

How IBS Clinics Can Help

Managing IBS can feel like a constant battle with stomach pain, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation, especially when treatments don’t seem to work. At IBS Clinics, we take a personalised approach to gut health, helping you identify triggers and find long-term relief.

Our team of gut health specialists and nutritionists use advanced testing, tailored nutrition plans, and functional medicine strategies to address the root causes of IBS. Whether your symptoms are linked to food sensitivities, stress, or gut imbalances, we provide expert support to help you regain control.

If IBS is affecting your daily life and you’re looking for real solutions, visit IBS Clinics to learn more or book a consultation.

References

Galdas et al. (2005) Men and health help-seeking behaviour: literature review. Journal of advanced nursing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15737222/
Mayo Clinic (2024) Irritable bowel syndrome. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20360016
Miller et al. (2015) Hypnotherapy for irritable bowel syndrome: an audit of one thousand adult patients. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25736234/

Author – Tracey Randell

At IBS Clinics, Tracey Randell, a renowned Nutritional Therapist and one of the few IFM Certified Practitioners in the UK, extends her specialised knowledge and unique approach to managing and treating IBS and other gut-related conditions effectively.

Tracey’s profound understanding of Functional Medicine allows her to connect the dots for complex health conditions, identifying and addressing the root causes to curate personalised and comprehensive health plans for her patients. Her holistic approach focuses on resolving underlying imbalances and optimising gut health, enabling the body to correct other issues and attain overall well-being.

At IBS Clinics, we are dedicated to being your partner in navigating your gut-related health concerns, offering expert care and individualised treatment plans to alleviate your IBS symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

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