IBS affects women in unique ways — from hormones to social life and body image.
Share your story to help others know they’re not alone.
When Embarrassment Comes Knocking (Literally)
Oh my gosh, I was so embarrassed last night. I went to an event where dinner was included, and everything was going great — I enjoyed my meal, feeling all fine and dandy. Then suddenly… that dreaded feeling hit.
I kind of knew it might happen, but I figured it would be fine since the venue had plenty of bathrooms. So I head to one — and of course, there’s someone cleaning in there. But at that point, it was way too late to go find another one.
So there I am, stuck in the stall for a while, trying to survive, when I suddenly hear a voice: “You okay in there?”
All I could manage was, “Yep… I’m fine.”
I wanted to vanish. So embarrassing!
-Anonymous
Just stress
Hi everyone, I’m a 32-year-old woman, and IBS has been part of my life since my early 20s. For years, I brushed it off as “just stress,” but it got worse after I had my second baby. Between sleepless nights, hormones, and juggling everything, my gut completely crashed. I’d bloat so badly I looked pregnant again, and the cramps would knock me out for hours. I started cutting foods left and right until I was barely eating anything that made me happy.
-Sara
IBS Unfiltered 