Influence of hernia on potency

An inguinal hernia is a pathological protrusion of the contents of the abdominal cavity in the groin or in the scrotum. A hernia is an organic sac that contains parts of the colon, small intestine, or the soft tissue that covers the intestines. The build-up occurs within a week or several months. An elastic protrusion located in the groin can disappear as a result of pressure and adjust into the abdominal cavity. When the pressure in the internal organs or the abdominal cavity increases, physical exertion occurs, during laughing or bending, coughing or muscle tension, the dense protrusion is restored and increased in size.

Signs of an inguinal hernia

After the occurrence of a hernia, the patient may experience the following characteristic manifestations of the disease:

• tingling sensation in the groin or scrotum
• sharp pain in the bulging area

Complications of hernia

The most serious consequences for men's health occur when a hernia is pinched. This violation entails a cessation of blood flow, necrosis and the development of peritonitis in the pelvic organs. A strangulated inguinal hernia can cause such consequences as:

• bloating
• severe constipation
• difficulty urinating
• difficulty conceiving
• decreased sexual potency
• infertility occurs when the spermatic cord is damaged

In the case of severe infringement of the hernial sac, necrosis of a part of the intestine or ovary may occur. The defeat of the testicle provokes a violation of the production of the male sex hormone. Insufficient testosterone levels are responsible for decreased sexual desire and erectile dysfunction. Failure to provide timely medical care to patients with a hernia can provoke the development of ischemic orchitis, that is, testicular inflammation. The inflammation quickly spreads to all organs of the genitourinary system, affecting the appendages, prostate and urethra. Organic pathology leads to disruption of the functioning of the prostate gland in the form of prostatitis. The risk of incurable male infertility increases. Sharp throbbing pains appear in the testicle area, which intensify when walking, give to the groin and sacrum. There is severe swelling of the scrotum, the testicle increases in size, weakness and nausea, chills and fever occur. The risk of severe intestinal obstruction increases. Coprostasis entails the formation of large fecal stones. There is a gradual increase in intoxication, dizziness and headache, nausea and vomiting occur. The patient has no stool, there is increased gas formation and bloating. Painful sensations are pulling and cramping.

Causes of hernia

An increased risk of developing a restrained or unrestrained hernia is observed when exposed to the following negative factors:

• prematurity of the child and developmental anomalies, for example, non-closure of the joint located between the abdominal cavity and the scrotum
• insufficient tone of the muscle walls. With weakness of the abdominal wall, the muscle tissue is unable to withstand intra-abdominal pressure
• weakness of the connective tissue. Lack of the required level of elasticity of ligaments and tendons is a consequence of congenital changes or lack of physical activity
• chronic constipation that occurs from childhood. A strong and prolonged load on the relaxed abdominal walls provokes a hernia exit
• bad habits, namely smoking and alcohol abuse
• malnutrition during pregnancy
• lifting heavy items

Inguinal hernia prevention

To prevent the development of an inguinal hernia, to maintain sexual health and reproductive function, men are advised to: