Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, affects between 25 and 45 million people in the United States, according to the International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. It is considered a mild digestive disease, but it can be a source of great discomfort and embarrassment.

Bloating, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain and cramping are some of the most common gastrointestinal complaints. If you are diagnosed with IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, you may experience gastrointestinal symptoms that severely impair your quality of life.

One in five Americans has irritable bowel syndrome, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. The condition causes a wide variety of symptoms that can make eating or even going about your day challenging.

Your body relies on the nutrients from the foods you eat for survival. Mechanical and chemical processes break food down into molecules that are absorbed through your intestines, and the resulting waste is eliminated during a bowel movement.

Leaking urine while performing your daily activities, including walking, can be a cause of embarrassment and concern. If this occurs on a regular basis, you may begin to feel trapped, as it may become difficult to go anywhere without needing a bathroom nearby.

One of the primary ways you can manage your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms and fatigue is through your diet. Certain foods may trigger you IBS symptoms that can cause stomach pain, diarrhea, constipation and fatigue.

Estrogen and progesterone are the two major hormones that affect women’s reproductive cycles. Presence, absence or timing of menstrual cycles, premenstrual syndrome, pregnancy and menopause are all influenced by the amount of estrogen or progesterone circulating in the body.

Bloating, diarrhea, cramping, gas and stomach pain after eating pasta may be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome, also called IBS for short. Many digestive conditions can cause similar symptoms as IBS, which needs to be diagnosed by a medical professional.

Doctors and health professionals often recommend exercise as a cure for constipation. However, your digestive system is very complex and it’s hard to change one part of the system without affecting something else.

Constipation is a common problem characterized by infrequent or hard, difficult to pass stools. Causes vary, however increasing both dietary fiber and physical activity can often help prevent and relieve this gastrointestinal complaint.

Probiotic are supplements that are often taken to help treat problems with the digestive tract, such as diarrhea. Although probiotics are generally safe, they can cause some gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly if they are used improperly or in high doses.

UTI, or urinary tract infection, is a common bacterial infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics. The choice of antibiotic depends on the bacteria that are causing the infection, the severity of symptoms, the possibility of complications and the ability of the patient to take medicine by mouth.