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Why am I not fully emptying my bowels?

Rectal tenesmus, or tenesmus, is a feeling of being unable to empty the large bowel, even if there is no remaining stool to expel. Several medical conditions can cause tenesmus. These include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and disorders that affect how the muscles move food through the gut.

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Rectal tenesmus, or tenesmus, is a feeling of being unable to empty the large bowel, even if there is no remaining stool to expel. Several medical conditions can cause tenesmus. These include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), colorectal cancer, and disorders that affect how the muscles move food through the gut. It can be painful, especially if it presents with cramping or other digestive symptoms. The symptoms can come and go, or they may persist in the long term. Vesical tenesmus is a separate condition that relates to the bladder. A person will feel as though they are unable to empty the bladder, even when there is no urine present. In this article, we discuss the different types and symptoms of tenesmus and the treatment options. Definition Share on Pinterest Sergio Murria/Stocksy Tenesmus refers to a persistent and painful desire to evacuate the bowel, despite having an empty colon. It often involves cramping, involuntary straining, and the passage of little fecal matter. The sensation is not a condition in itself but a symptom of other health issues that can affect the gastrointestinal system. These issues may include inflammatory conditions of the bowel or motility disorders that may affect the normal movements of the intestines. Types Although the term tenesmus usually refers to rectal tenesmus, some people may also use the term vesical tenesmus. This instead describes the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying after passing urine. Similar to rectal tenesmus, vesical tenesmus is a potential symptom of conditions that affect the bladder. Symptoms Rectal tenesmus, which refers to the frequent urge to have a bowel movement, is a symptom in itself. People may also experience other symptoms alongside it, including: abdominal and rectal pain

rectal bleeding

nausea or vomiting

chills or fever

Causes Rectal tenesmus can happen for several reasons. The most common cause is colon inflammation, which can result from a noninfectious or infectious cause. IBD is one cause of colon inflammation. IBD is an umbrella term for several long-term conditions involving chronic inflammation of the gut. Ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease are common forms of IBD. Experts do not know what causes IBD, but several factors may play a role. One theory is that the immune system mistakenly attacks the gastrointestinal tract. There may also be a genetic component. IBD can cause inflammation and ulceration of the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to narrowing or blocking of the gut and perforation or scarring of the bowel wall. These changes make it more difficult to pass stool and contribute to the development of tenesmus. Other conditions associated with tenesmus include: colon infection, such as with bacteria or a virus ischemic colitis, an inflammation of the colon due to decreased blood flow to that area

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diverticulitis, which occurs when there is inflammation of bulges in the wall of the colon

inflammation of the colon due to radiation

the abnormal movement of food or waste in the digestive tract

irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

a prolapsed hemorrhoid

a rectal abscess

rectal gonorrhea

colorectal cancer Tenesmus can also be a symptom of constipation or diarrhea. Various factors can cause these issues, including dietary choices. Learn more about rectal pressure. Diagnosis If a person has tenesmus, the doctor will carry out a medical assessment and physical examination to try to determine the cause. The doctor will ask the individual about their personal and family medical history. They will also ask about: symptoms, including the duration, frequency, severity, and onset

bowel habits

diet and lifestyle

other health problems The diagnostic process may also involve an abdominal and rectal examination. Other tests may include: blood tests

a stool culture

an X-ray or CT scan of the abdominopelvic area

a colonoscopy, which will show details of the inside of the colon

a sigmoidoscopy, to examine the last sections of the colon

screening for STIs

A person should consult a doctor when it is difficult or painful to pass stool, especially if the symptoms last more than a few days or are recurrent. It is also important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible if the following symptoms occur: blood in the stool

chills and a fever

nausea and vomiting

abdominal pain

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