In a Dr Flo column published on November 20, 2018, readers raised three separate health concerns: a hernia that had to be held in place with a rope, testicular pain that had persisted for years, and bloating and pain after sex. The responses pointed to possible causes, warning signs and the need for specialist review.
On the hernia question, Joash said the bulge had become painful after meals and sleep, and that tying a tiny rope around the waist seemed to keep it in place. The explanation given was that a hernia happens when an organ pushes through a weak spot in the muscle or tissue that normally contains it, such as when intestines protrude through a weakness in the abdominal wall and sit just under the skin.
Hernias commonly appear in the abdomen, at the umbilicus, in the inguinal region, the groin or at the site of a previous abdominal surgery. The warning was that complications can develop if part of the intestine becomes trapped, leading to severe pain, nausea, vomiting or constipation. If blood supply is cut off, the tissue can die, causing perforation, serious infection and possibly death.
The advice was blunt: because the problem comes from a weakness or opening in the tissue, the only permanent treatment is surgery to close the weak area.
Kirimi’s question concerned very painful testes that had lasted for 10 years, despite repeated antibiotics. He said he had undergone two hydrocelectomies in May and June to remove fluid and a cyst, but the pain had not eased and treatment was still ongoing.
The condition was described as chronic orchialgia when testicular pain lasts more than three months. In many cases, no clear cause is found, which means there is no definite treatment. Possible triggers listed included injury, varicoceles, spermatoceles, hydroceles, infection, torsion, fibrosis after injury or infection, tumours, muscle, nerve or blood vessel problems, chronic prostatitis, pain referred from the lower back or a kidney stone, long-term use of amiodarone and psychological disorders.
The recommendation was follow-up with a urologist and further tests, including urine tests, an abdominopelvic scan, a testicular scan, a prostate examination and checks for testosterone and vitamin B12 levels. If a cause is identified, treatment may include painkillers, including medication for nerve pain, antibiotics, nerve blocks or spermatic cord block, scrotal elevation, warm or cold packs, pelvic floor exercises, psychotherapy and, in some cases, surgery. The column also advised avoiding caffeine, spicy and acidic foods, prolonged sitting and constipation.
Annita asked whether it was normal to feel bloated, have left rib pain and severe headaches every time she had sex. The response said intercourse can trigger pain or intestinal problems through emotional reactions, hormone release or muscle tension during orgasm. It can also expose existing conditions such as an abnormally positioned uterus, fibroids, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, urinary tract infection, constipation or irritable bowel syndrome.
She was advised to see a gynaecologist for proper evaluation so that any underlying problem can be treated. In the meantime, painkillers and medication to reduce bloating could be used for temporary relief.
