Should someone avoid marrying someone who has irritable bowel syndrome?

No: However, both of you should agree to eat a healthy diet and drink plenty of fluids and be supportive. Your future spouse and you will benefit froma team approach.

Is it love or fear?: Irritable bowel is neither life-threating nor contagious. Most often it is quite manageable and people function well with some periods of "flare-ups" etc..Like many other illnesses. If you love the person, learn about this disease and help him/her cope if symptoms are severe. Mild ibs may not need much at all. So, ibs should not be a reason for or not marrying someone. Best of good luck!