What is IBS?  Irritable Bowel syndrome is a common digestive disorder. Perhaps 25% of the population are affected but nobody really knows because of the embarrassment in asking for help. Relationships can suffer and quality of life is affected because people become preoccupied with their condition. They feel unable to join in with family and some become hopeless about their situation believing there is no cure.. In 10% of cases, symptoms are severe enough to interfere with normal life. It affects both men and women equally and although it can occur at any age, it most commonly starts between the ages of 15 and 40.