Unfortunately, we don't really have a full understanding of what causes IBS, although combined psychological and physical factors are BOTH thought to be involved.

I see little downside to trying peppermint oil capsules, if you try them and find them helpful.

You might ask your doctor to refer you to a Gastroenterologist for further work-up, as well.

Sincerely,
Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

what is your doctor lacking interest or just counting the bank balance again!
Listen from what i've read there is a parasite that is involved with ulcer problems that might be giving you the ibs problems. the parasite is helicobacter pylori & the one that gives offer to 100% cure rate if Dave hompes do the search on the parasite & look for his site, & go find a doctor with some common sense & compassion to help you !
God Bless you.

Okay, I know that there is a lot of stress in my life - and I do understand why my doctor won't let me try the anti-spasmotics...because they are narcotics and being only 19 - well you get the point. But I just want to know what will work for me to stop the pain at least - somedays I can completely tolerate it, and others I am laying in my bed in pain. Dr. Wascher, I do understand the frustrations of IBS - believe me I understand that completely.
But I have to ask this, because I watched a dvd from the Mayo Clinic (I live in Minnesota), and it said that being a twin and gastroenteritis can also be at cause for IBS as well. I would truly like to know if that is true, because I am a twin (I'm so not making that up), and before I was diagnosed late last year I had gastroenteritis last March. If you actually do have an answer for that one - I am all ears.