Tenesmus is a condition where you feel the need to defecate constantly, even though your bowels are empty. This condition develops when the nerves in your bladder and bowels become inflamed and irritated, causing your muscles to overreact. Infections and other health problems can also cause tenesmus. In order to effectively treat tenesmus, it is important to focus on the underlying causes.
What is tenesmus?
What does tenesmus mean? When asked, tenesmus is a condition in which a person constantly feels the urge to go to the toilet and strain, but defecation does not occur. It is also called tenesm or tenezim in medical terms. This condition causes the person to feel as if they have defecated, even though the bowels and bladder have been emptied. The body may show symptoms such as pain, involuntary contractions and cramps in this case.
Tenesmus usually occurs as a symptom of an underlying health problem and is particularly common in individuals with gastrointestinal diseases.
What causes tenesmus?
Tenesmus is usually the result of conditions such as infections, hemorrhoids, constipation, or colon inflammation. Tenesmus can also occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the gastrointestinal tract. There are several causes of tenesmus:
- Colon infections: Infections caused by bacteria or viruses
- Radiation-induced colon inflammation (colitis)
- Ischemic colitis: Inflammation of the colon
- Diverticulitis: Swelling and inflammation of the colon wall
- Digestive system disorders: Abnormal movement of food or waste
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Inflammatory bowel diseases
- Rectal prolapse: Prolapse of the anus
- Anal abscess (rectal abscess)
- Sexually transmitted infections: such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes
- Colorectal cancer
- Proctitis: Inflammation of the skin lining the rectum
Tenesmus symptoms may also include constipation or diarrhea, and daily eating habits may affect this condition.
What are the symptoms of tenesmus?
The most obvious symptom of tenesmus is the constant feeling of straining. This condition manifests itself with additional symptoms such as not being able to defecate despite straining or having difficulty defecating. Symptoms of tenesmus include:
- Frequent desire to defecate
- A feeling of urgency to empty the bowels
- Strain, discomfort, or cramping during bowel movements
- Only small amounts of stool are passed
- Feeling like you can’t fully empty your bowels
How is tenesmus treated?
Treatment for tenesmus varies depending on the symptoms experienced by the individual and usually includes dietary and lifestyle changes, medications, or medical interventions.
The treatment methods that can be applied for tenesmus are: