Tenesmus
What is tenesmus?
Tenesmus is the feeling that you need to go to the toilet but your bowel is empty. It can involve straining, pain and cramping. It can be caused by cramps (spasms) in the muscles that stimulate the bowel.
Tell your doctor or nurse if you have these symptoms.
What causes tenesmus?
Tenesmus can be caused by changes to the rectum after pelvic radiotherapy or surgery for bowel cancer. Sometimes it can be a symptom of another problem like constipation, infection or a non-cancerous growth (a polyp) or cancer in the bowel.
Tenesmus treatment
If you have tenesmus, your doctor will examine your back passage and may arrange for you to have a camera test called a colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopy to look at the bowel.
If your symptoms are a late effect of cancer treatment, your doctor may suggest:
- pelvic floor exercises
- a toilet routine
- using the correct toilet posture (sitting on the toilet in the right position)
- taking soluble fibre to bulk up the stool (poo), or a fibre supplement such as Normacol®
- low doses of certain anti-depressant drugs to reduce the sensitivity of the rectum.
About our information
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References
Below is a sample of the sources used in our tenesmus information. If you would like more information about the sources we use, please contact us at cancerinformationteam@macmillan.org.uk
Andreyev HJN, Muls AC, Norton C, et al. Guidance: The practical management of the gastrointestinal symptoms of pelvic radiation disease. Frontline Gastroenterology, 2015; 6, 53-72.
Sterner A, Derwinger K, Staff C, et al. Quality of life in patients treated for anal carcinoma—a systematic literature review. International Journal of Colorectal Disease, 2019, 34, 1517–1528.
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Reviewers
This information has been written, revised and edited by Macmillan Cancer Support’s Cancer Information Development team. It has been reviewed by expert medical and health professionals and people living with cancer. It has been approved by Chief Medical Editor, Professor Tim Iveson, Consultant Medical Oncologist.
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Date reviewed
Our cancer information meets the PIF TICK quality mark.
This means it is easy to use, up-to-date and based on the latest evidence. Learn more about how we produce our information.
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