IBS-C Treatments Not Working? What to Do Next
Many people with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C) feel frustrated when symptoms persist despite treatment. But when treatments don't work, it may be time to take a closer look at what's really going on.
In this episode of the Gastro Girl Podcast, Jacqueline Gaulin sits down with Dr. William D. Chey, world-renowned gastroenterologist at the University of Michigan and President of the American College of Gastroenterology, to discuss what patients should do when IBS-C treatments fail.
Dr. Chey explains why some patients continue to struggle, what conditions may be overlooked, and how to work with your healthcare provider to develop a more effective plan.
In this episode, you'll learn:
- Why IBS-C treatments may not always work as expected
- When it's time to rethink your diagnosis
- The role of pelvic floor dysfunction and other overlooked conditions
- Questions to ask your healthcare provider
- How to take the next step toward better symptom control
- Why you don't have to settle for ongoing symptoms
Whether you're newly diagnosed or have been living with IBS-C for years, this episode offers practical insights to help you move forward with confidence.
Learn more at GastroGirl.com.
This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx.
This episode is sponsored by:
Listen Now!
Watch the Video Version of this Episode
Featured Guests in this Episode
Dr. William D. Chey
President of the American College of Gastroenterology
Dr. Chey received his BA degree from the University of Pennsylvania and medical degree & training in internal medicine at the Emory University School of Medicine. He went on to complete a fellowship in gastroenterology at the University of Michigan. Since completing this fellowship, Dr. Chey has remained at the University of Michigan, where he is H. Marvin Pollard Professor of Gastroenterology, Professor of Nutrition Sciences, and Chief, Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology. Dr. Chey runs a very active clinical research group which has received funding from federal and private sources.
Dr. Chey has authored more than 400 manuscripts, reviews and book chapters yielding an H-index of 50. He is former Co-editor-in-Chief of the American Journal of Gastroenterology (2010-2016) and serves on the editorial boards of several other journals. He serves as a member of the Board of Trustees and in 2026, will become President of the American College of Gastroenterology. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the Rome Foundation and IFFGD. He has participated in and directed numerous national and international continuing medical education programs in gastroenterology, and has been elected to the roster of Best Doctors since 2001 and America’s™ Top Doctors since 2009. Dr. Chey has received numerous awards including the Berk-Fise Award for outstanding clinical service from the ACG, the Distinguished Clinician Award from the AGA, Dean’s Outstanding Clinician Award, Dean’s Award for Innovation and Commercialization, and the Healio Disruptive Innovator Award.
Featured Podcast Episodes
May 6, 2026
Why IBS-C Treatments Work Differently for Everyone: What Patients Should Know
Why does one IBS-C treatment work for someone else—but not for you? In this episode of the Gastro Girl podcast, leading gastroenterologist Darren M. Brenner. MD, FACG, of Northwestern Medicine, explains why treating IBS-C (irritable bowel syndrome with constipation) is not one-size-fits-all. Using a real-world patient scenario, Dr. Brenner breaks down what may actually be happening inside the body—from gut motility and visceral sensitivity to the brain-gut connection—and why different therapies target different symptoms and pathways. In this episode, you’ll learn: - Why some IBS-C treatments don’t work—or stop working over time - How over-the-counter and prescription therapies differ - What newer treatment approaches are designed to do - Why bloating, pain, and constipation may require different strategies - The role of diet, pelvic floor therapy, and gut-brain interventions - How patients can work with their healthcare team to find the right treatment plan If you’ve ever felt frustrated, stuck, or unsure about your IBS-C treatment journey, this episode offers practical insights to help you better understand your options and feel more empowered in your care. This episode is part of an educational program made possible by support from Ardelyx.
April 15, 2026
IBS-C Bloating Explained: Why It Happens & How to Find Relief
IBS-C bloating can feel constant—but why does it happen, and what actually helps? If you’re living with irritable bowel syndrome with constipation (IBS-C), bloating is often one of the most frustrating symptoms. In this episode of Gastro Girl, leading gastroenterologist Dr. Brian Lacy (Mayo Clinic Jacksonville) explains the real causes of bloating in IBS-C and what patients need to know to find relief. What You’ll Learn: - Why bloating is so common in IBS-C - What’s happening in your gut when you feel bloated - The role of constipation in driving bloating - Common myths about IBS-C and bloating - Treatment options that may help relieve symptoms - Why a personalized approach is key to managing IBS-C Dr. Lacy also breaks down what different therapies can (and can’t) do—and how to work with your healthcare provider to find the right approach. Takeaway: IBS-C bloating is complex—but there are evidence-based ways to manage it. This episode is part of an educational program brought to you with support from Ardelyx.
December 16, 2025
How Fear Impacts IBS-C and Strategies to Take Control
Living with IBS-C isn’t just about managing physical symptoms, it’s also about navigating the fear, worry, and emotional toll that often come with the condition. In this powerful episode, host Jacqueline Gaulin is joined by Dr. Sarah Ballou, clinical psychologist and Director of the GI Psychology Service at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, to explore how fear shows up along the IBS-C journey and what you can do to face it with confidence and support. In this episode, you’ll learn: - The most common fears IBS-C patients experience and how they influence daily life and treatment decisions - Why fear can sometimes hold you back from finding relief - Practical tools to help you feel more in control, confident, and hopeful - How to talk openly with your provider about the fears that affect your care Whether you’re newly diagnosed or feeling stuck after years of symptoms, this episode offers real-world guidance, emotional validation, and a reminder that you’re not alone on this journey. This episode is sponsored by Ardelyx.
Let’s Keep in Touch!
Subscribe to get the latest news and content delivered straight to your inbox.
Listen to our
latest Podcast!