The pain typically occurs after meals, and it is often relieved by a bowel movement. It may come and go, or there may be a frequent tenderness in the area. For many it also leads to a cramping sensation, and even a feeling of indigestion. A normal bowel movement is one that is formed but not hard, contains no blood, and passes without cramps or pains. IBS sufferers frequently have either constipation or diarrhea.
Some sufferers even experience alternating diarrhea and constipation.
Other bowel-related symptoms may include a frequent urge to make a bowel movement as well as a sudden need to do so. Learn more about how your digestive system works . Other symptoms that sufferers report include pain in the pelvis, rectum, or anus. Occasionally, some people experience nausea and vomiting, although this is not typical. Bleeding, fever, weight loss, and persistent severe pain are definitely NOT typical symptoms of IBS and are more likely the sign of some other problem.