Irritable Bowel Syndrome
One of the most common functional GI disorders, linked to disruption of the gut-brain axis. FMT shows promising results in restoring microbiome balance.
What is IBS?
Irritable Bowel Syndrome is a functional disorder in which the structure of the intestine is not damaged, but its function is altered.
About the condition
IBS affects 10–15% of the population. It is a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Diagnosis is based on the Rome IV criteria.
Types of IBS: IBS-D (diarrhea), IBS-C (constipation), IBS-M (mixed), IBS-U (unclassified)
Symptoms
- Abdominal pain and cramping (related to bowel movements)
- Bloating and excessive gas
- Altered bowel habits: diarrhea, constipation, or alternating
- Feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Mucus in stool
The gut-brain axis
- Bidirectional communication between the gut and the brain
- Stress worsens IBS symptoms
- The microbiome influences neurotransmitters (serotonin)
- 90% of serotonin is produced in the gut
Conventional treatment
Includes diet (low-FODMAP), antispasmodics, antidepressants, probiotics — but often provides only temporary relief.
Up to 40% of patients do not get adequate relief from standard therapy. IBS significantly reduces quality of life.
Why FMT for IBS?
Dysbiosis is one of the key factors in IBS. FMT can restore a healthy microbiome and normalize gut-brain axis function.
Dysbiosis
Altered microbiota composition
Axis disruption
Disrupted gut-brain signaling
FMT transplantation
Restoration of healthy flora
Normalization
Symptom reduction, improved quality of life
Mechanism of action
Healthy microbiota normalizes gut motility, reduces visceral hypersensitivity, improves barrier function, and modulates neurotransmitter production.
Benefits of FMT for IBS
- Targets the root cause — dysbiosis
- Improvement across all IBS types
- Potentially long-lasting effect
- Minimal side effects
Research results
FMT for IBS shows encouraging results, although data remains heterogeneous and further research is needed.
70.6%
1,940 Han's United patients, 3 months
15+
Clinical trials conducted
1,940
Patients in the Han's United cohort
Gut
Leading gastroenterology journals
Key studies
- Johnsen et al., Lancet Gastroenterology 2018: 65% improvement in the FMT group vs 43% placebo for IBS-D
- El-Salhy et al., Gut 2020: Significant improvement using a "super-donor"
- Han's United (cohort of 15,000 patients): 1,940 IBS patients — clinical improvement at 3 months in 70.6%
Free consultation · We respond within 24 hours
Patient story
Experience of treating IBS with FMT
"IBS tormented me for over 10 years. I tried every diet, probiotics, various medications — nothing helped for long. At Han's United, I was prescribed a course of FMT. For the first time in years, I can eat normally without fearing the consequences. The bloating is gone, and pain has become rare. I only wish I had sought help sooner."
Liu Y.
33 years old, Chengdu
* Name changed. Results are individual and may vary.
Related conditions
FMT is also being studied for other GI conditions
Ulcerative Colitis
510 Han's United patients, 64.3% improvement at 3 months. Active clinical trials.
Crohn's Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease. Part of the IBD cohort (510 Han's United patients).
Functional GI
8,258 constipation patients — 70.3% improvement. Largest group in the Han's United cohort.
Chronic Diarrhea
1,730 Han's United patients, 81.0% improvement at 3 months and 72.3% at 3 years.
Related Articles
Tired of IBS?
If standard therapy isn't delivering results, schedule a consultation. A doctor will assess whether FMT could help in your case.
Free consultation · We respond within 24 hours
China, Jiangxi Province, Shangrao City, Guangxin District, West Binjiang Road