Tenesmus is a feeling of being unable to empty the bowel or bladder. It usually refers to rectal tenesmus, which can occur with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), rectal cancer, and other conditions.
Vesical tenesmus is a separate condition that relates to the bladder. A person will feel as though they are unable to empty the bladder, even when there is no urine present.
Rectal tenesmus is when a person still feels the need to poo, although there is no more stool to remove. It can be painful, especially if it presents with cramping or other digestive symptoms. The symptoms can come and go, or they may persist in the long term.
In this article, we discuss the different types and symptoms of tenesmus and the treatment options.
Tenesmus refers to a persistent and painful desire to evacuate the bowel, despite having an empty colon. It often involves cramping, involuntary straining, and the passage of little fecal matter.
The sensation is not a condition in itself but a symptom of other health issues that can affect the gastrointestinal system. These issues may include inflammatory conditions of the bowel, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or motility disorders that may affect the normal movements of the intestines.
There are two types of tenesmus: rectal and vesical tenesmus.
Rectal tenesmus refers to the feeling of needing to pass stools even though the bowels are already empty.
Meanwhile, vesical tenesmus describes the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after passing urine.
Although the term tenesmus usually refers to rectal tenesmus, some people may also use the term for vesical tenesmus too.
Similar to rectal tenesmus, vesical tenesmus is a potential symptom of conditions
Rectal tenesmus, which refers to the frequent urge to have a bowel movement, is a symptom in itself. People may also experience other symptoms alongside it, including:
- abdominal and rectal pain
- rectal bleeding
- nausea or vomiting
- chills or fever
Rectal tenesmus can happen for several reasons. The most common cause is colon inflammation, which can result from a noninfectious or infectious cause.
IBD is one cause of colon inflammation. IBD is an umbrella term for several long-term conditions involving chronic inflammation of the gut. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are common forms of IBD.
Experts
IBD can cause inflammation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to narrowing or blocking of the gut and perforation or scarring of the bowel wall. These changes make it more difficult to pass stool and contribute to the development of tenesmus.
Other conditions associated with tenesmus include:
- colon infection, such as with bacteria or a virus
- ischemic colitis, an inflammation of the colon due to decreased blood flow to that area
- diverticulitis, which occurs when there is inflammation of bulges in the wall of the colon
- inflammation of the colon due to radiation
- the abnormal movement of food or waste in the digestive tract
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- a prolapsed hemorrhoid
- a rectal abscess
- rectal gonorrhea and other sexually transmitted infections such as chlamydia and herpes
- colorectal cancer
Tenesmus can also be a symptom of constipation or diarrhea. Various factors can cause these issues, including dietary choices.
Learn more here about rectal pressure.
The type of treatment will depend on the severity of the tenesmus and its underlying cause.
Inflammatory bowel disease
Treatment for IBD aims to relieve discomfort, achieve and maintain remission of symptoms, and prevent complications. Medications and surgery are the most common options.
Various drugs are available for relieving the symptoms of IBD, including tenesmus. Doctors
- Anti-inflammatory drugs: Oral or rectal medications can reduce inflammation and help achieve or maintain remission.
- Immune system suppressors: These drugs can inhibit the immune system response that causes inflammation.
- Corticosteroid therapy: Fast-acting systemic steroids can help manage IBD flares by reducing inflammation.
- TNF blockers: This type of immunosuppressant can target substances in the body that lead to inflammation.
- Antibiotics: These drugs can help destroy bacteria that may be causing symptoms or making them worse.
- Pain relief: A person can use pain relief medication alongside other therapies.
In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to relieve the symptoms if medications have proven ineffective.
Learn more here about surgery for ulcerative colitis, a type of IBD.
Motility disorders
Any condition that causes the movement of food or waste through the digestive tract to speed up or slow down is an intestinal motility disorder. A person with a motility disorder may have diarrhea or constipation.
Diarrhea
If tenesmus results from infectious diarrhea, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics or antiparasitics, depending on the underlying cause.
If diarrhea results from certain medications or foods, they may recommend avoiding the trigger item. Examples of ingredients that can trigger diarrhea in some people include lactose, sorbitol, and caffeine.
Antidiarrheal agents, such as loperamide (Imodium), can help relieve symptoms.
Constipation
If tenesmus results from constipation, a laxative may help the stool pass through the colon more easily.
If constipation causes stool to become stuck, a blockage may result. This is known as fecal impaction. The doctor may remove the stool manually or flush it out using a rectal laxative enema or water irrigation.
Dietary changes can help with both constipation and diarrhea.
Learn more about treating constipation or diarrhea at home.
Colorectal cancer
Tenesmus can be a sign of a blockage due to a cancerous tumor.
The doctor
Sometimes, after surgery, waste will not be able to pass through the large intestine. When this occurs, a person will require a colostomy bag.
Although highly curable if caught early, it is not always possible to cure colorectal cancer. However, palliative care can help a person feel more comfortable while living with cancer.
Options for improving a person’s comfort and quality of life with cancer-related tenesmus include:
- drug therapies
- treatment to relieve pain
- endoscopic laser interventions
These will not cure cancer, but they can help relieve symptoms.
Other causes
Tenesmus
The primary way to treat tenesmus is to manage the underlying problem that is causing it. A doctor can provide medical treatment, but home remedies and lifestyle adjustments may also help.
A balanced, high fiber diet
Consuming a diet that is high in fiber may help relieve tenesmus.
The
Fiber-rich foods include:
- vegetables
- fruits
- whole grains
- nuts and seeds
A low fiber diet
Fiber can make the symptoms worse for some people with IBD. When someone has a blockage in the colon, a doctor
A person should always talk with their doctor before making any significant dietary changes.
Water
A low intake of water and other fluids can lead to dehydration, which is a risk factor for constipation. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water will help keep the stool soft, making it easier to pass.
Learn more about the benefits of drinking water.
Physical activity
Regular exercise can help regulate activity in the intestines and encourage the body to establish a regular bowel movement schedule.
Stress management
If the underlying cause of tenesmus is IBD, taking steps to reduce stress may be beneficial. As IBD and its symptoms tend to flare up during periods of high stress, using techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation may help manage stress and prevent a flare.
Learn more about managing stress.
If a person has tenesmus, the doctor will carry out a medical assessment and physical examination to try to determine the cause.
The doctor will ask the individual about their personal and family medical history.
They will also ask about:
- symptoms, including the duration, frequency, severity, and onset
- bowel habits
- diet and lifestyle
- other health problems
The diagnostic process may also involve an abdominal and rectal examination.
Other tests may include:
- blood tests
- a stool culture
- an X-ray or CT scan of the abdominopelvic area
- a colonoscopy, which will show details of the inside of the colon
- a sigmoidoscopy, to examine the last sections of the colon
- screening for STIs
A person should consult a doctor when it is difficult or painful to pass stool, especially if the symptoms last more than a few days or are recurrent.
It is also important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible if the following symptoms occur:
- blood in the stool
- chills and a fever
- nausea and vomiting
- abdominal pain
Below are some commonly asked questions about tenesmus.
How do you get rid of tenesmus?
Tenesmus is a symptom rather than a specific medical condition. Therefore, the treatment for tenesmus depends on its underlying cause.
Typically, it is related to conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, or a colon infection.
Which cancers cause tenesmus?
The following cancers can cause tenesmus either directly, by obstructing the bowel, or indirectly, by causing inflammation or irritation in the pelvic region:
Can IBS cause tenesmus?
Yes, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) can cause tenesmus. IBS is characterized by intestinal hypersensitivity, which includes a sense of incomplete evacuation after bowel movements, straining with bowel movements, and tenesmus.
Why do I feel like I need a bowel movement all the time?
When a person feels like they need a bowel movement frequently, this could be due to several reasons including:
- dietary habits
- hydration levels
- stress
- medical conditions
- certain medications
Tenesmus is a sign of a bowel problem that may need medical treatment. There are many ways to relieve the symptoms, depending on the cause.
Anyone who experiences severe or persistent bowel discomfort should contact a doctor, as early treatment can often prevent a condition from getting worse.