tenesmus

tenesmus /te·nes·mus/ (tĕ-nez´mus) straining, especially ineffectual and painful straining at stool or urination.tenes´mic

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te·nes·mus (t-nzms)

n.

A painful spasm of the anal sphincter accompanied by an urgent desire to evacuate the bowel or bladder and involuntary straining that results in the passing of little or no matter.

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Tenesmus

Straining to urinate or defecate without being able to do so. Tenesmus is a characteristic feature of bacillary dysentery.

Mentioned in: Dysentery

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tenesmus

[tənez′məs]

Etymology: Gk, tendere, to stretch

persistent, ineffectual spasms of the rectum or bladder, accompanied by the desire to empty the bowel or bladder, or ineffectual straining to evacuate the bowel or bladder. Intestinal tenesmus is a common complaint in inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome. tenesmic, adj.

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tenesmus (t·nezˑ·ms),

n a painful and persistent spasm of the bladder or rectum with an urgent desire to empty the bladder or bowel without the formation of feces; associated with irritable bowel syndrome.

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tenesmus

ineffectual and painful straining at defecation or in urinating. Called also straining. See also strangury.

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tenesmus

Painful spasm and productionless straining at stool