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Alternative Names Return to top
Pain - passing stool; Painful stools; Difficulty passing stoolDefinition Return to top
Tenesmus is the constant feeling of the need to empty the bowels, accompanied by pain, cramping, and involuntary straining efforts.
Considerations Return to top
Tenesmus is generally associated with inflammatory diseases of the bowels, 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.
Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
If you feel that you are constipated, try to increase your fluid and fiber intake.
When to Contact a Medical Professional Return to top
Contact your health care provider tenesmus if continues, whether it is constant or comes and goes. Also call if you have abdominal pain, fever, chills, blood in the stool, nausea, or vomiting. Such symptoms could be a sign of an underlying disorder.
What to Expect at Your Office Visit Return to top
The doctor will examine you and ask questions such as:
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:
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Page last updated: 25 September 2008 |