Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can produce painful symptoms like stomach cramping. And while there are many ways to treat IBS and help patients to have normal lives, one gender may feel more social stress from the disorder than the other.

Many Americans battle chronic abdominal pain, which may be a symptom of serious conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, colitis, or gallstones. However, experts are worried that doctors are over-prescribing opioid painkillers for the pain, especially if another medication is a better option.