According to the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), women are more likely to experience chronic constipation than men. While they are less likely to have heartburn than men, they are more likely to experience heartburn more strongly than men. And most notably, women experience irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) at two to six times the rate that men do, and women with IBS tend to have more trigger foods and worse symptoms than men with IBS.
The sex discrepancy with digestive problems stems from a few different factors, according to the American College of Gastroenterology. In this video, learn more about the biological differences that can play a role in digestive issues.
References
Ensley, R. et al.(2013). Common GI problems in women overview. American College of Gastroenterology.
Heitkemper, M.M., et al. (2009). Do fluctuations in ovarian hormones affect gastrointestinal symptoms in women with irritable bowel syndrome? Gender Medicine.
Heitkemper, M.M. (2021). Gynecological aspects of irritable bowel syndrome. International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care. (2018). How does the intestine work? InformedHealth.org [Internet].
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2017). Definition & facts for irritable bowel syndrome.
World Health Organization. (2021). Gender and health.
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