If you feel a dull ache in your groin along with a bulging sensation, could it be a hernia? Hernias are conditions that can affect anyone and are quite common. However, because they occur near sensitive areas, many people feel embarrassed to talk about them. A crucial question many have is whether surgery is necessary for a hernia and if there are any potential sexual health issues that could arise. Today, we have the answers.
Hernias: A Condition That Can Affect Anyone
If we compare our abdominal wall to a container, the internal organs are situated within this “container.” However, this container is not sealed 100%; there are weak points, particularly in the groin area, which exist in both men and women. This area has a structure made up of muscle fibers. When these muscles are well-structured, they create a tight seal, making it difficult for organs to push through any weak spots. However, if the muscle fibers are not well-formed, factors such as trauma, increased abdominal pressure, or other contributing factors can lead to the development of a hernia.
Obesity, Heavy Smoking, and Other Factors That Increase Hernia Risk!
Several factors can increase the risk of developing a hernia, including:
- Increased abdominal pressure due to weight gain.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia in older men, which can lead to difficulty urinating and unintended straining.
- Asthma symptoms in heavy smokers, who may not realize they are using more effort to breathe. This increased diaphragm activity can elevate abdominal pressure.
- Conditions like cirrhosis and ascites, where fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity raises the risk of hernia.
- Pregnancy.
- Constipation.
Hernias: If They Can Be Reduced, Surgery May Not Be Necessary
The danger of a hernia arises when the intestine cannot return to the abdominal cavity, leading to strangulation by the natural opening in the abdominal wall. This can cause swelling and poor blood circulation in the intestines. If left untreated, it may result in tissue death and can be life-threatening.
However, if your hernia can still be pushed back in when lying down or gently pressing with your hand, it is not considered dangerous. It may be uncomfortable and painful, but it is essential to understand that the primary cause of a hernia is a structural weakness in the abdominal wall. Thus, it cannot be completely healed with medication alone; surgical intervention is necessary to repair the wall using a synthetic mesh or by stitching the tissue together to close the gap and prevent recurrence.
Do Hernias Affect Sexual Function?
According to doctors, hernias themselves do not impact sexual function. However, the discomfort and pain in the groin caused by the hernia can diminish sexual desire. The severity of pain can vary based on daily activities; for example, standing for extended periods may exacerbate the discomfort.
Hernia Surgery: Day Surgery for Immediate Recovery
Prompt treatment of a hernia from the onset can lead to more effective results since the opening in the abdominal wall is still small. Delaying treatment can lead to the expansion of the muscle wall, causing damage to surrounding tissue and increasing the chances of recurrence. Currently, hernia repair surgery is divided into two methods, both yielding similar results:
- Open Surgery: This method involves a 3-4 inch incision. The surgeon repairs the tissue at the weak point, and it can be performed under local anesthesia without the need for general anesthesia. Patients can go home the same day, provided there are no complications.
- Laparoscopic Surgery: This technique involves three small incisions of about 0.5 to 1 centimeter each. The surgeon uses synthetic mesh to reinforce the abdominal wall where the muscle fibers are weak. This method is suitable for hernias occurring on both sides simultaneously or for cases where previous open surgery has failed. Laparoscopic surgery minimally impacts existing incisions.
If you suspect you have a hernia, it’s crucial to consult a doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment. Repairing a small hernia is generally easier than allowing it to grow larger.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Thanyadet Nimmanwuthipong
Head of the Advanced Surgical Technology Center (ASIT)
Phyathai 3 Hospital, Thailand
