As many as 45 million Americans suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and nearly 30 million of those diagnosed with IBS are women. Chronic pelvic pain is a common health problem for women, but finding the source of pain isn’t always easy. Dedicated to helping his patients be free from any causes of pain, board-certified OB/GYN and functional medicine physician, Leon Baginski, MD, FACOG, in Mission Viejo, California, specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of IBS. To get the comprehensive care you deserve, contact the office by phone or online today.

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What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)?

IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder that the various symptoms it causes characterize, including changes in bowel habits, bloating, and pelvic pain. Though for some, these symptoms can disrupt daily life, IBS doesn’t damage your gastrointestinal tract.

Researchers are still investigating the underlying cause of IBS, but theorize the condition may develop due to alterations in communication between your gut and your brain, which they refer to as functional gastrointestinal disorder. These changes may affect muscle activity, as well as gut sensitivity.

Factors that may lead to alterations in communication include:

  • Severe gastrointestinal infection
  • Changes in the gut microbiome
  • Immune system reaction that leads to gut inflammation
  • Abnormalities with your nervous system

In addition to your gender, you may be at greater risk of developing IBS if it runs in your family or you suffer from a mental health condition such as depression or anxiety.

What are IBS symptoms?

Irritable bowel syndrome symptoms vary significantly. However, for some, the symptoms can be severe and affect the overall quality of life. Common IBS symptoms include:

  • Pelvic pain
  • Abdominal distention
  • Abdominal cramping
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Mucus in your stool

Food, hormones, and stress may trigger or worsen your IBS symptoms. Though considered a chronic gastrointestinal condition, with the right treatment and management, it’s possible for your symptoms to disappear altogether.

How is irritable bowel syndrome diagnosed?

No single test can diagnose IBS. To determine the underlying cause of your pelvic pain and other symptoms, Dr. Baginski conducts a comprehensive evaluation that includes detailed information about your symptoms, medical history, and family history.

He also conducts a physical and pelvic exam and may request diagnostic tests to confirm or rule out other conditions that may be causing your symptoms.

Dr. Baginski believes that all aspects of your pain need evaluation so you can finally eliminate chronic pain. He is committed to seeing you get better and leaves no stone unturned, making sure to remove all the reasons for your pain and provide you with the most accurate diagnosis.

How is IBS treated?

Dr. Baginski is a compassionate physician and works closely with you to develop a treatment plan to alleviate your irritable bowel syndrome symptoms. Your treatment plan may include:

  • Diet modification
  • Exercise program
  • Psychotherapy
  • Stress management
  • Medications to control bowel habits
  • Probiotics

Dr. Baginski may also suggest a food sensitivity analysis to identify foods that may irritate your gut and exacerbate your symptoms so you can eliminate them from your diet.

In order to see what pain still exists, Dr. Baginski needs to eliminate all pain until you’re pain-free. To schedule an irritable bowel syndrome consultation, contact his office today by phone or online.