If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you know that symptoms can take a toll on your quality of life. Stomach pain, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation can keep you from going to work and participating in activities you enjoy. But you don’t have to live with symptoms. You can help manage your condition and find relief by working with your doctor to develop a treatment plan.

IBS treatment is different for everyone. What works for one person may not be right for another. That’s why it’s so important to work closely with your doctor to find a treatment plan that works for you. But individualized care starts with a conversation. Here are topics to bring up with your doctor that will help him or her decide the best course of treatment—for you.