From the Guidelines
Urinary tenesmus is a symptom characterized by a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, often accompanied by pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or urethral area, and is commonly associated with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) as described in the AUA guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of IC/BPS 1. The sensation of urinary tenesmus can be distressing and may significantly impact a patient's quality of life. According to the AUA guideline, patients with IC/BPS often report symptoms of pain, pressure, and discomfort related to bladder filling, as well as urinary urgency and frequency 1.
- Key characteristics of urinary tenesmus include:
- A feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Pain or discomfort in the lower abdomen or urethral area
- Urinary urgency and frequency
- Symptoms that worsen with bladder filling or improve with urination It is essential to note that urinary tenesmus can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, including urinary tract infections, interstitial cystitis, bladder stones, prostate issues in men, or pelvic floor dysfunction.
- Treatment of urinary tenesmus depends on identifying the underlying cause, which may involve:
- Antibiotics for infections
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Alpha-blockers to relax the bladder muscles
- Symptomatic relief measures such as warm compresses, increased water intake, and avoiding bladder irritants like caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods. Given the potential impact of urinary tenesmus on quality of life, it is crucial to seek medical evaluation promptly if experiencing this symptom, as it could indicate a condition requiring specific treatment 1.
From the Research
Definition of Urinary Tenesmus
Urinary tenesmus refers to a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. This symptom is often associated with other lower urinary tract symptoms, such as hesitancy, straining to void, and diminished stream 2.
Characteristics of Urinary Tenesmus
Urinary tenesmus is a symptom that can occur in both men and women, and its etiology is often multifactorial 2. It can be a symptom of underactive bladder (UAB), a condition characterized by a slow urinary stream, hesitancy, and straining to void, with or without a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying 3, 4.
Key Features of Underactive Bladder
The key features of underactive bladder include:
- Slow urinary stream
- Hesitancy
- Straining to void
- Feeling of incomplete bladder emptying
- Storage symptoms, such as nocturia and urinary frequency 3, 4
Diagnosis and Management of Urinary Tenesmus
The diagnosis of urinary tenesmus is often based on patient symptoms and medical history 5. Management options for underactive bladder, which can include urinary tenesmus as a symptom, are limited and may include clean intermittent catheterization, neuromodulation, and other therapies 4. However, more research is needed to develop targeted therapeutic interventions and validated diagnostic questionnaires for underactive bladder and urinary tenesmus 4.