Overview

Anismus, also known as anorectal dysfunction or dyssynergic defecation, is a condition in which the external anal sphincter has excessive muscle tone. This can cause difficulty in defecation, functional constipation, and anorectal pain (proctalgia fugax).

Please see conventional, complementary, and alternative medical treatments for important background information regarding the different types of medical treatments discussed on this page. Naturopathic, Complementary, and Alternative treatments that may be considered include:

Diagnosis

Digital rectal exam can be used to quickly assess anal sphincter tone, while referral for more sophisticated anorectal manometry can be used to evaluate anal sphincter muscle function, and can be used to evaluate a recommendation for biofeedback training.

Referral for defecography (a fluoroscopic X-ray study of the defecation process) may be needed to assess anorectal dysfunction.

References