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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 bowel, accompanied by pain, cramping, and involuntary straining efforts.Considerations Return to top
Tenesmus is generally associated with inflammatory diseases of the bowel, which may be caused by either infectious or noninfectious conditions. Tenesmus is characterized by a sensation of needing to pass stool, accompanied by pain, cramping, and straining. Despite straining, little stool is passed.Common Causes Return to top
Home Care Return to top
If you feel that you are constipated, try to increase your fluid and fiber intake.
Call your health care provider if Return to top
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.
What to expect at your health care provider's office Return to top
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.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: 28 October 2004 |