Some medications can increase the risk of contracting an IBD. For instance, the contraceptive pill has been linked to an increased risk for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, and hormone-replacement medications for menopausal women have also been linked to Crohn’s disease.

Other medications such as Accutane, which is prescribed for acne has been linked to IBDs, and it is well-known that NSAIDS such as ibuprofen can make symptoms of IBDs worse.

Read about five lesser-known symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease here.