Tenesmus

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Lower digestive anatomy

Tenesmus is the constant feeling of the need to empty the bowel, accompanied by pain, cramping, and involuntary straining efforts.

Pain - passing stool; Painful stools; Difficulty passing stool

Tenesmus is generally associated with inflammatory diseases of the bowel, which may be caused by an infection or by other conditions. Tenesmus is characterized by a sensation of needing to pass stool, accompanied by pain, cramping, and straining. Despite straining, little stool is passed.

• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Crohn's disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Anorectal abscess
• Infectious colitis (infection of the colon)
• Colorectal cancer or tumors
• Radiation proctitis or colitis (inflammation of the colon or rectum from radiation)

Review Date: 01/23/2006
Reviewed By: Jenifer K. Lehrer, MD, Department of Gastroenterology, Frankford-Torresdale Hospital, Jefferson Health System, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.