Irritable bowel syndrome is a real medical condition characterized by recurring abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and altered bowel symptoms (constipation, diarrhea, or alternating). The term "syndrome" refers to a collection of symptoms that together comprise a specific medical condition.

	IBS impacts the lives of millions of people. As many as one in five adults in the United States or 20 percent of the adult American population suffer from the abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, and altered bowel symptoms associated with IBS. IBS occurs in both men and women, however, the prevalence appears to be greater in women. Approximately seven out of every ten IBS sufferers are women. IBS is more prevalent in the U.S. than depression, asthma, diabetes, and coronary heart disease.

	IBS can affect the physical, social and emotional well being of sufferers. In a recent study, symptoms restricted participation in sports and recreational activities and interfered with intimacy or patient¹s sex lives in one-third of IBS sufferers. On average, IBS symptoms caused women to change social plans or alter personal activities three days per month. That translates into 18 disrupted weekends per year. In addition, more than 70 percent of those patients may suffer from their IBS symptoms more often than once a week. IBS also has a severe economic toll, costing the U.S. healthcare system up to an estimated $30 billion annually. These statistics clearly demonstrate the need for women who experience the abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating and constipation associated with IBS to speak openly with their doctor for proper diagnosis and care.

IBS is the second leading cause of workplace absenteeism after the common cold. In a recent study, women reported missing one workday per month and being less productive than usual an average of four days per month, or 50 days per year.