Tenesmus refers to cramping rectal pain. Tenesmus gives you the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement, even if you’ve already had one. When you have tenesmus, you might strain harder to produce only a small amount of stool during bowel movements.

Any form of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) can cause tenesmus. An IBD causes long-term inflammation in all or some parts of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, or digestive tract. The most common forms of IBD are Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

Both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cause you to have ulcerations in your GI tract. These ulcers cause scarring along the walls of your digestive organs. This scarring can make it harder for you to pass your stool normally, which can lead to tenesmus.

If you have Crohn’s disease, these ulcerations can spread throughout your GI tract. In the case of ulcerative colitis, these ulcers are located only in your colon and rectum.

What causes these IBDs isn’t known. Both genetics and the immune system are thought to play a part.

Genetics

You’re more likely to develop IBD if you also have a relative with the disease. But a genetic history of IBD doesn’t guarantee that you’ll develop it.

Immune system

Doctors believe that your digestive tract might become inflamed in the process of your immune system fighting off an invading organism.

Less common causes

While IBDs are the most common causes of tenesmus, your symptoms can be caused by a number of other conditions.

Certain movement or motility disorders of the GI tract can cause problems when you try to pass a stool. These disorders can affect the ability of your intestinal system to move your waste along. Some of the most common motility disorders are constipation and diarrhea.

Constipation

Constipation is a problem that occurs when there’s difficulty during bowel movements. The condition might also cause a lack of bowel movements. Constipation can lead to straining and infrequent bowel movements. Possible causes of constipation include:

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the rapid and frequent expulsion of feces in liquid form. Many disorders and diseases can cause diarrhea, including: