Are you straining to defecate? And when you do, does little or no stool get passed. This difficulty passing stool is called tenesmus. Tenesmus is an urgent desire that you need to void feces, yet your bowel is empty.
The cause of tenesmus is an unrelenting spasm of your internal anal sphincter, which is a ring like muscle in your anus. And because it’s an involuntary muscle you have no control over it to stop the spasms.
In addition to difficulty passing stool, symptoms of tenesmus may involve pain and cramping. And constipation is frequently a concurrent health issue as well.
Common causes of tenesmus include:
- IBS
- hemorrhoids
- endometriosis
- infectious colitis
- motility disorders
- multiple sclerosis
- anorectal abscess
- radiation proctitis, colitis
- colorectal cancer, tumors
- IBD ~ Crohn’s disease, ulcerative coilitis
In some cases, relieving constipation helps reduce your difficulty passing stool feeling. Essentially, load your plate with fruits and vegetables, and keep your digestive tract free from processed foods.