Tenesmus

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Lower digestive anatomy

Pain - passing stool; Painful stools; Difficulty passing stool

If you feel that you are constipated, try to increase your fluid and fiber intake.

Tenesmus continues, whether it is constant or intermittent. Contact your doctor if there is abdominal pain, fever, chills, blood in the stool, nausea, or vomiting. It may be a sign of an underlying disorder.

The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:

• Time pattern
  • Did this develop recently?
  • Is it the first time you have experienced tenesmus?
  • Does the feeling come and go or is it constant?
• Symptom history
  • Is there a constant need to empty the bowels?
  • Is there abdominal pain?
  • Is there cramping?
  • Is there a persistent feeling of straining?
  • Is there diarrhea or vomiting?
  • What other symptoms are also present (such as blood in stool, fever)?
• Dietary history
  • Have you eaten anything unusual or uncooked?
  • Have you been at a picnic, gathering, or similar event recently?
• Other
  • Any medical problems in the past?
  • Have any other people in your family or social group experienced similar problems?

The physical examination may include a detailed abdominal examination. A rectal examination -- and prostate check for men -- is performed in most cases.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• Laboratory tests: CBC (blood count), electrolytes, and stool cultures
• X-rays of the abdomen
• A CT scan of the abdomen may be done in rare instances
• Colonoscopy to look at the colon and rectum

After seeing your health care provider:

You may want to add a diagnosis related to tenesmus to your personal medical record.

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.