Tenesmus: Straining to defecate or urinate. Tenesmus refers especially to ineffectual and painful straining for an extended time. Straining to defecate is called rectal tenesmus; straining to urinate is called vesical tenesmus. From Digestive Disorders Resources Side Effects From aHUS TreatmentWhat to Know When Ulcerative Colitis Gets WorseModerate to Severe UC: Targeted Solutions Featured Centers What Are the Best PsA Treatments for You?Understanding Biologics 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew