Women suffer from a range of health problems, especially related to pelvic pain. Patients experiencing ongoing pelvic pain often report that the symptoms come and go, which makes the problem harder to diagnose and treat.
There could be several reasons behind the pain, one of them being a hernia.
What is Hernia?
The hernia refers to when there is a soft tissue bulge or swelling protruding from the abdominal wall. The tissue can carry a part of the intestine or fatty tissue from the abdomen.
The hernia can be present at birth or can develop over a period of time due to injuries, surgeries, or age. It is generally considered to be a harmless condition. However, it can cause pain and discomfort.
Types of Hernia:
There are different types of hernias seen in women. The following are the most common:.
- Umbilical Hernia: Located near the belly button, this is generally a birth defect.
- Inguinal Hernia: Defects occur in muscle and tissue located at the entrance of the inner thigh.
- Incisional Hernia: This is a type that occurs when an abdominal wound fails to heal.
Causes of Hernia:
Hernia can occur due to several reasons, such as:.
- Aging
- Pregnancy
- Constipation and bowel issues
- Chronic coughing, leading to increased strain on the abdomen
- Heavy weightlifting or exercise with improper form
Diagnoses for Hernia:
If pelvic pain is accompanied by a bulge or swelling, it may mean that you have a hernia. The doctor will feel your groin, as muscle tissue may bulge out of the hernia when the patient coughs or stands up.
The doctor can also ask for further tests such as Ultrasound, CT/scans, to determine the extent of the hernia.
Complications and Treatment:
Complications associated with Hernia include bowel obstruction, in which case surgery may be required. The patient will experience prolonged pain, inability to push down urine, feces, and vomiting.
The Doctor will prescribe pain-relieving medications or suggest hernia truss. Wearing a hernia truss can halt the progression of a hernia until surgery is planned.
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Hernia: A Common Cause of Pelvic Pain in Women
Understanding Pelvic Pain:
Pelvic pain refers to any pain felt in those tissues located in the pelvis. It can be dull or intense. In most cases, the causes can be hard to identify.
Some significant causes of pelvic pain include endometriosis, ovarian cysts, fibroids, sexually transmitted infections, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infections, and adhesions. Pelvic pain is classified as Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CPPS), characterized by ongoing pain that lasts for more than six months.
Causes of Pelvic Pain in Women:
Pelvic Pain in Women can be caused by hormonal changes during ovulation or menstruation, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, menstrual cramps, bladder disorders, constipation, and kidney stones. However, sometimes the cause remains unknown.
Diagnoses for Pelvic Pain in Women:
The diagnosis for Pelvic Pain involves physical examination, analyzing the pain pattern, detecting any inflammatory markers in the blood, sensitivity tests, and women’s health history.
The doctor may request additional tests such as ultrasound, Laparoscopy, hysteroscopy to better understand the root cause behind the pelvic pain.
Complications and Treatment:
The complications associated with pelvic pain include infertility and depression. Prescribed medications may relieve the pain. For chronic pelvic pain, treatment options include laparoscopy, endometrial ablation, hysterectomy, and acupuncture.
Preventing Hernia and Pelvic Pain:
Preventing Hernia and Pelvic Pain includes several options such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding smoking, preventing constipation, protecting yourself against Sexually transmitted infections, drink plenty of water, avoiding heavy lifting and exercises, and wearing proper lifting gear.
Conclusion:
Pelvic pain and Hernia can cause severe pain and discomfort in women, affecting their quality of life. It is essential to seek medical help for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
As prevention is better than cure, please adhere to a lifestyle that helps prevent such pelvic ailments.
