What is tenesmus?

Tenesmus refers to cramping rectal pain. Tenesmus gives you the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even if you’ve already had one. When you have tenesmus, you might strain harder to produce only a small amount of stool during bowel movements.

Any form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause tenesmus. An IBD causes long-term inflammation in all or some parts of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or digestive tract. The most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause you to have ulcerations in your GI tract. These ulcers cause scarring along the walls of your digestive organs. This scarring can make it harder for you to pass your stool normally, which can lead to tenesmus.

If you have Crohn’s disease, these ulcerations can spread throughout your GI tract. In the case of ulcerative colitis, these ulcers are located only in your colon and rectum.

What causes these IBDs isn’t known. Both genetics and the immune system are thought to play a part.

Genetics

You’re more likely to develop IBD if you also have a relative with the disease. But a genetic history of IBD doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop it.

Immune system

Doctors believe that your digestive tract might become inflamed in the process of your immune system fighting off an invading organism.

Less common causes

While IBDs are the most common causes of tenesmus, your symptoms can be caused by a number of other conditions.

Certain movement or motility disorders of the GI tract can cause problems when you try to pass a stool. These disorders can affect the ability of your intestinal system to move your waste along. Some of the most common motility disorders are constipation and diarrhea.

Constipation

Constipation is a problem that occurs when there’s difficulty during bowel movements. The condition might also cause a lack of bowel movements. Constipation can lead to straining and infrequent bowel movements. Possible causes of constipation include:

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the rapid and frequent expulsion of feces in liquid form. Many disorders and diseases can cause diarrhea, including:

If you experience tenesmus often, talk to your doctor about your symptoms. Be sure to tell them about any:

If you’re experiencing tenesmus, there are a number of treatment options available. In most cases, it can be relieved using home remedies.

Treatment at home

If an IBD or motility disorder is causing your symptoms, you can help relieve your cramps and discomfort by making some diet and lifestyle changes. These home treatment options also double as great tenesmus prevention methods.

High-fiber diet

Eating a diet that’s high in fiber is one of the best ways to relieve your tenesmus. Consuming at least 20 grams of fiber every day will make your stool softer and add weight to it. This helps your body pass the stool more easily.

If you have ulcers or scarring in your GI tract, you should be able to pass a softer stool more easily and with less pain.

Drink water

Drinking enough water is important in making sure your stool is soft as well.

Physical activity

Physical activity stimulates movement in your intestines. Exercising regularly can help your tenesmus by helping your intestines move waste through your GI tract.

Medical treatment

Medical treatment will vary depending on the cause of your tenesmus.

IBD

Medical treatment of IBD is aimed at stopping the inflammation that causes your symptoms. The following medications might be prescribed:

  • Anti-inflammatory drugs that reduce your inflammation are usually the first step in treatment.
  • Medications that lower your immune system might also be used when treating IBD.
  • Antibiotics might be prescribed to help kill bacteria in your intestines that could be causing your IBD and tenesmus.

Motility disorders

If diarrhea has caused your tenesmus, your doctor might treat your condition with antibiotics, which are effective in fighting bacteria and parasites. If a virus is the cause of your diarrhea, antibiotics won’t be effective.

Your doctor might take you off certain medications if they cause your diarrhea.

If constipation led to your tenesmus, laxatives and medications that help add water to your stool might be an option for you.

In more severe cases, your doctor might break up the compacted stool manually. They’ll do this by using their finger.

Tenesmus is cramping that makes you think you need to have a bowel movement. But even with pushing and straining, you might not be able to pass much stool.

Tenesmus can be a sign of several health issues, so it’s a good idea to talk with your doctor if you’re experiencing this condition frequently.