Getting Diagnosed

What happens at your GP appointment

If the GP thinks you may have IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) they'll ask some questions, such as:

• what symptoms you have
• if they come and go
• how often you get them
• when you get them (for example, after eating certain foods)
• how long you've had them for

The GP may also feel your tummy to check for lumps or swelling.

Before your appointment, it might help to write down details of your symptoms to help you remember them.

Tests for IBS

There's no test for IBS, but you might need some tests to rule out other possible causes of your symptoms.

The GP may arrange:

• a blood test to check for problems like coeliac disease
• tests on a sample of your poo to check for infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

You will not usually need further tests in hospital unless the GP is not sure what the problem is.

What happens if you're diagnosed with IBS

If the GP thinks you have IBS, they'll talk to you about what it is and what the treatment options are.

It might be difficult to take in everything they tell you.

If you're unsure about something afterwards, write down any questions you have and make another appointment to go over them.

Guts UK has more information on IBS.

Sexual Health Advice

• Sexual Health Advice - Introduction and Overview
• The MenB vaccine that helps protect against gonorrhoea
• Sexual Health - Mpox and its dangers for Gay Men
• What happens when you visit an STI Clinic
• Ejaculation issues are common sexual problems in men
• The Male Menopause for men in their late 40s to early 50s
• Help and care if you have been Sexually Assaulted
• Mental health issues and self-harm are common amongst gay men