Women's Health

Problems of the digestive system, such as constipation, diarrhea, and gas, are extremely common and affect millions people in the US each year. Digestive ailments occur more frequently in women than in men and may be made worse by changes in hormone levels caused by menstruation and pregnancy.

Constipation is marked by infrequent bowel movements. Signs of constipation can include having fewer than three bowel movements a week, firm or hard to pass stools, abdominal swelling or bloating, straining during bowel movements, and a full feeling after a bowel movement.

Women's Health

You can help avoid constipation by eating a high-fiber diet (at least 25 grams of fiber each day), drinking plenty of fluids, exercising, and using the bathroom when you have the urge. Your doctor may also adjust your current medications or prescribe laxatives or other therapies.

A case of diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose bowel movements in a day, sometimes accompanied by cramping. You may develop diarrhea after eating or drinking foods that contain viruses or bacteria that are harmful or that your body is not used to. Dairy products, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, certain additives, or medications such as antibiotics can also be a cause.

If you have diarrhea, drink fluids to keep hydrated. If it lasts more than a few hours, drink liquids that contain salt, such as sports drinks or broth, and avoid drinks that contain dairy products, caffeine, or sugar. Contact your doctor if diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours or if you have diarrhea with bloody stools, fever, or severe abdominal pain.

Gas and bloating can be triggered by hard-to-digest foods such as beans, broccoli, cabbage, and dairy products (for lactose intolerant people). Try to pay attention to which foods give you gas and avoid them. Your doctor may also suggest an over-thecounter treatment.

Abdominal pain and bowel changes that have been present for at least 12 weeks out of the last 12 months may be a sign of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS mainly affects women between ages 30 and 50. Sufferers may have a strong digestive reaction to stress, large meals, caffeine, dairy products, large amounts of alcohol, or travel. Symptoms may include cramps; gas; bloating; constipation, diarrhea, or both; an urge to have a bowel movement that does not happen; and stools that have mucus in them. IBS cannot be cured, but diet and lifestyle changes can help relieve some symptoms.

See your doctor if you experience persistent abdominal or digestive discomfort. These could be signs of a more serious condition, such as colon cancer.

For more information, the ACOG Patient Education Pamphlet "Problems of the Digestive System" is available in English and Spanish at www.acog.org/ publications/patient_education.