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Hernias
Men endure a lot during their life, from sexual transmitted diseases to cancers or simple infections, lumps or bumps localized
on their most sensible and guarded areas. It is a frustrating subject for most of them, especially because a healthy 'package'
is essential for a normal sex life
each of them hopes for. Among other disturbances than can occur to men, hernia is very common.
But what exactly is a hernia? When parts of intestines or abdominal fatty tissues usually contained in a cavity of your body emerge
out of those cavities because of some increasing pressure in the compartment of the residing organ, a hernia develops. A hernia has
three parts: an orifice through which it herniates, the hernia sac and its contents.
There are different types of hernias: most of them develop in the abdomen, when adipose tissues or abdominal organs covered with
peritoneum may protrude through localized holes in the abdomen; others may involve the intervertebral disc, causing sciatics;
diaphragmatic hernias, hiatal hernias, pelvic hernias, intracranial hernias, femoral hernias, umbilical and incisional hernias
are other types of hernias.
Also if hernias are not properly treated or treated in time, complications may occur, such as strangulations, compromising
especially blood veins supplies leading to ischemia, necrosis and gangrene, which may become fatal, or obstructions, resulting in cramps,
vomiting, absence of defecation, indicating immediate surgery. Other complications include: inflammations, irreducibility, hydrocele of
the hernal sac.
The causes of hernias include congenital weakening
of containing membranes or muscles which increases as men age. Moreover, there are
other causes for hernias, such as some syndromes (Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or Marfan syndrome), because of some scars from previous
surgeries, coughing, straining during a bowel movement or urination, chronic lung disease, fluid in the abdominal cavity or, in the
case of obese people, because of the weight loss. Other important risk factors are heavy lifting or lifting with improper techniques.
The symptoms and signs of hernias consist of painless lumps or painful, tender, swollen protrusions of tissues that you are unable to push
back into the abdomen. They may present with pain at the side but they may also be asymptomatic. Nevertheless, nearly all have a
potential risk because the blood supply can be cut off; if this is the case and if the contents of the hernia sac have their blood
supply cut off, an urgent medical intervention is required.
It is essential to seek medical help if you have symptoms or you are aware of signs that might say you suffer from a hernia.
Even though not all hernias are surgical emergencies, they all eventually have the risk of becoming dangerous. If you have a new
painful lump you might have an irreducible hernia that should be checked in the ER.
If you already suffer from a hernia and it becomes tender and painful you should also seek professional help because strangulations
of intestines within the hernia sac can lead to gangrenous bowel in less than 6 hours.
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