Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional bowel disorder of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract characterized by recurrent abdominal pain and discomfort accompanied by alterations in bowel function, diarrhea, constipation or a combination of both, typically over months or years.  A diagnosis of Irritable Bowel Syndrome has been reported by 10 to 20% of adults in the United States, and symptoms of IBS are responsible for over 3 million yearly visits to physicians.  Research suggests that Irritable Bowel Syndrome is one of the most common functional GI disorders.  Irritable Bowel Syndrome is found predominantly in women, with females representing over 70% of IBS sufferers.

The Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Self Help and Support Group, established in 1987, is an award-winning patient advocate group in support of self-management for those who suffer from IBS, those who are looking for support for someone who has IBS, and medical professionals who want to learn more about IBS. The IBS Self Help and Support Group is the largest on-line community for people with Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

This IBS Support Group works to educate those who are living with IBS and to increase awareness about this and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. Much of the involvement in this group involves members sharing their knowledge in the group's forums. IBS Support Group Meetups occur in several regional locations and are noted in the meetups link. In addition to a bulletin board, the website provides a list of helpful links, a very comprehensive booklist, research studies, brochures, medical tests, diagnostic criteria, diet, treatment, and medications about, and for, the disease. Our Medical Advisory Board helps to ensure that evidenced-based medicine and clinical accuracy is shared on our website. Many of our board members are noted medical and clinical experts in the field of IBS and Digestive Health.

At the IBS Support Group, we know that peers are often the best source of information, support and understanding. That's why you'll find more ways to express yourself and connect with your community at the IBS Support Group than anywhere else on the Web! Be sure to drop into the chat room on Sunday evenings for our free for all chat session. Joining our membership is free!.

More medical professionals refer their patients to the IBS Self Help and Support Group website than any other IBS website on the internet.

IBS Forums^TM The world's first and currently the largest collection of postings about IBS by sufferers - in excess of 750,000, making it the largest community created specifically for IBS sufferers.

IBS Blogs^TM A blog is an easy-to-use web site, where you can quickly post thoughts, interact with people, and more. All for FREE. IBS Blogs, is the first and only blogging community created specifically for IBS sufferers!

IBS Stories^TM We invite you to write a sentence, paragraph or story that describes what IBS means to you. Tell your story or perhaps learn from others.

IBS Penpals^TM offers FREE penpals: an opportunity to meet people from around the world through the Internet who suffers from, or knows someone who suffers from IBS. To find a penpal, you can e-mail people listed in our list.

IBS eCards^TM offers FREE eCards: Send a friend an e-greeting via email. Share how you are feeling or simply send them a note for the fun of it.

We invite you to write a sentence, paragraph or story that describes what IBS means to you. Tell your story or perhaps learn from others. The IBS Stories section was specifically created to publish contributions from our Members. Stories are categorized into three types Optimistic Stories >>, My Perspective Stories >> and, Unfortunate Stories >>. All stories are listed here >>.

Click here >> to add your story or perhaps read all the IBS Stories >> submitted. Please allow for 24-hours for new stories to be published.

Locate the closest public toilet or restroom anywhere in the world. Enter a location then click on the resulting colored flags to view the contact information and ratings. View either on your computer or your mobile device. The restrooms are submitted and rated by members of SitOrSquat >>

The only COOKING Website on the internet dedicated to people with IBS As a FREE service to our members, we recommend: www.GoodEatsforIBS.com

Delicious foods by a gourmet chef and fellow IBS sufferer. Great tasting recipes which try to minimize the triggering of IBS symptoms. Sign up for Good Eats for IBS FREE Monthly Recipes No spam, unsubscribe anytime! Name: Email: