Tenesmus

Alternative names:

pain while passing stool; painful stools

Home care:

Consult your health care provider.

Call your health care provider if:

• signs of tenesmus occur or if symptoms worsen during treatment.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting tenesmus in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • Did this develop recently?
  • Is it the first time you have experienced this?
  • Does the feeling come and go or is it constant?

• symptom history
  • Is there a constant need to empty the bowels?
  • Is there abdominal pain?
  • Is there cramping?
  • Is there a persistent feeling of straining?
  • Is there diarrhea or vomiting?
  • What other symptoms are also present? (such as blood in stool, fever)

• general medical history
  • How has the health been in the past?

• dietary history
  • Have you eaten anything unusual?
  • Have you been at a picnic, gathereing, or similar event recently?

• other
  • Have any other people in your family or social group experienced similar problem(s)?

The physical examination may include a detailed abdominal examination. A rectal examination (and prostate check for men) may be performed in some cases.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed are:

• abdominal X-rays
• abdominal CT scan
• cultures of any drainage from the urethra (if a STD is suspected)
• stool culture
• other tests depending on the suspected cause

After seeing your health care provider:
You may want to add a diagnosis related to tenesmus to your personal medical record.