You may feel embarrassed to talk about your irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), but being open with friends, family, and your doctor can help you feel better and manage the condition more effectively.
Why It’s Good to Talk About It
It’s normal to feel self-conscious about symptoms like bloating, cramping, abdominal pain, and less frequent or more difficult bowel movements. But trying to hide your symptoms and keeping things to yourself may make you feel isolated and alone.
When you share what’s going on with your friends and family, it helps them understand what you’re going through and may help you feel better.
It’s important to talk about it with your doctor so you can advocate for yourself and get the best care. By talking openly, your doctor can help you find the best treatment and strategies for managing IBS-C on a daily basis. They can also teach you about IBS-C and clear up misconceptions, which can lower your anxiety and help you feel better.
How to Talk to Your Doctor
Try to remember that IBS-C is a health condition like any other. Your doctor is used to talking about sensitive subjects that may feel embarrassing to you. IBS is common, so they probably talk about it often.
Your doctor won’t know how to help you if you aren’t honest about your symptoms. Since doctor’s visits may be brief and you may feel rushed, it’s important to communicate clearly and effectively right from the start. Remember that it’s your time. Use it for what you need.
If you feel embarrassed to bring up your bowels, start with a simple script. Say something like “I have a personal question I’d like to ask” or “I feel funny talking about something I need to ask you about.” This opens the door for an open conversation.
Part of your doctor’s job is to educate you. If you don’t understand something about IBS-C, ask questions. If you’re worried about something specific, tell them about it. Anxiety is common with IBS, so if you feel worried a lot, let them know. Then ask what you can do about it.
Find out what your treatment options are, what lifestyle changes may help you manage IBS-C, and what the long-term plan is.
If you’re not sure about something your doctor is saying, ask follow-up questions. If you feel like your doctor isn’t listening, tell them.
Remember that open communication with your doctor creates a stronger relationship and may improve the quality of your care and your life.
How to Talk to Friends and Family
If your friends and family understand your IBS-C, they can support you better.
Friends and family can help support you with lifestyle changes like exercise and food choices. They can also be there for you when you feel frustrated, worried, or out of control. When you talk about it, you may feel better. There’s a strong connection between your emotions and your GI health, so this may also improve your symptoms.
When you open up, you may even discover that friends or family members have some form of IBS too.
Try these tips for talking about your IBS-C with friends and family:
- Use general terms you’re comfortable with, like “digestion problems” or “a sensitive stomach.”
- Remember that you don’t have to share too much information. You don’t have to go into detail about your bowel habits.
- Remember that IBS is common. Your friends and family members may already know what it is. You may be able to simply say “I have IBS.”
- It’s up to you how much to share about what you do to manage it. You may want to tell them you take medication or follow a certain diet. Or you may not. It’s up to you.
How to Talk to Colleagues
You may feel uncomfortable telling co-workers you have IBS-C. That’s OK. You don’t have to share it with the people you work with. But talking about it may help you manage better at work, especially if you worry what they may be thinking.
If you talk about your IBS-C, try to remember that it’s a medical condition like any other. Instead of feeling embarrassed, think about it as a common condition that many people have. Even if it was once a taboo subject, it’s more common for people to talk about it now. People often hear about it in the media and they understand it better than they used to.
If you choose to tell your manager or human resources department, explain special needs you may have, like easy access to a bathroom or time off during a flare-up. Ask if they have policies in place for this type of situation. Ask if working from home is an option for days that are extra challenging.
Show Sources
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SOURCES:
Gastroenterology Research and Practice: “The Importance of Relationships in Patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review.”
Journal of Clinical Medicine: “Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Patient-Provider Interaction and Patient Education.”
Canadian Digestive Health Foundation: “What Does IBS-C Feel Like? How Do I Know If I Have IBS-C?”
IBS Network: “How to Talk About Your IBS with Diarrhoea.”
My Patient Rights: “How to Advocate for Yourself at the Doctor’s Office.”
National Institute on Aging: “How to Talk with Your Doctor About Sensitive Issues.”
UW Medicine: “What IBS Is Really Like — and How to Keep It From Ruining Your Life.”
