Is It a Hernia or Just Kidney Stones? Your Symptoms

Q: Is It a Hernia or Just Kidney Stones? Your Symptoms

Hello： A diagnosis cannot be made without an examination. <br>1) You may need to seek medical attention if there are concerns about abnormalities. <br>2) If there is still swelling, you should see a doctor. <br>3) A hernia requires a clinical examination; it cannot be guessed. <b

Is it cauliflower? Is it not a stone but an inguinal hernia?

I am the person who asked a question last week, regarding the incident on April 7 when I had unprotected oral sex with a sex worker for less than a minute, and then immediately wiped myself with a wet tissue.
On April 17, I started feeling swelling in my lower right abdomen, experiencing some frequency in urination, and felt something unusual in my genital area.
On April 19, I visited a urologist, but my condition had improved that day.
The doctor performed an ultrasound, X-ray, urinalysis, and examined my foreskin and penis, concluding that I might have had a stone that had already passed.
I informed the doctor about my unprotected oral sex incident, and he ordered blood tests for HIV and syphilis to be done in three months, and prescribed medication (Cataflam and Rowapraxin 10mg) for me.
However, on April 20, I felt bloated again and experienced a sensation of needing to urinate about 20 minutes after using the restroom (sometimes I noticed I urinated a lot, and other times very little).
As of April 22, the time between my restroom visits has extended to about an hour.
I also noticed a bump on my foreskin, which can be seen here: https://imgur.com/a/Z12fq32, and the swollen area is located here: https://imgur.com/a/vmSznwh1.
I am unsure if this was something that had been there previously or if it just appeared.
The last time the doctor examined me, he said everything was fine, which has made me more anxious, fearing that it might have developed after the window period.
Could this be genital warts, or something else unusual? Recently, I have felt something strange on my glans; could this be due to friction with the bump on my foreskin?
1.
After passing the stone, is it normal to still feel bloated after taking the medication? Should I seek medical attention immediately, or should I finish the medication and then decide whether to see a doctor based on any improvement?
2.
I came across information about inguinal hernias online, and since the doctor mentioned stones, I find it strange (I usually hydrate well, so I shouldn't have stones, and during the examination, only an ultrasound, X-ray, and urinalysis were done; I don't understand why the doctor didn't notice anything).
Could I possibly have an inguinal hernia?

Yu, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/04/22

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: A diagnosis cannot be made without an examination.
1) You may need to seek medical attention if there are concerns about abnormalities.
2) If there is still swelling, you should see a doctor.
3) A hernia requires a clinical examination; it cannot be guessed.
It is recommended to have a medical check-up.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/04/22

More Info

When it comes to distinguishing between kidney stones and other conditions such as a hernia, it is essential to understand the symptoms and the underlying mechanisms of each condition. Based on your description, you have experienced a range of symptoms including abdominal swelling, frequent urination, and discomfort in the genital area after a recent sexual encounter.
1. Understanding Kidney Stones: Kidney stones can cause significant pain, typically described as sharp and severe, often radiating from the lower back to the abdomen and groin. The pain usually occurs when a stone moves through the urinary tract, potentially causing obstruction and irritation. Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine), frequent urination, and a burning sensation during urination. If you have been diagnosed with kidney stones and have experienced some relief, it is possible that the stones have passed, but residual irritation or inflammation can persist.

2. Symptoms of a Hernia: A hernia occurs when an internal organ or tissue bulges through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Symptoms may include a noticeable lump or swelling in the groin or abdomen, discomfort or pain, especially when bending over, coughing, or lifting. Unlike kidney stones, hernias may not cause pain that radiates in the same manner. If you are experiencing swelling in the lower abdomen, especially if it is accompanied by pain or discomfort, it is worth considering the possibility of a hernia.

3. Genital Discomfort and Lesions: The presence of a lump or lesion on the penis, as you described, could be related to several conditions, including infections, irritations, or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). The fact that you had unprotected oral sex raises the possibility of STIs, which can manifest as lesions or discomfort. It is crucial to have any new or unusual growths examined by a healthcare professional to rule out conditions such as genital warts or other infections.

4. Follow-Up Care: Given your symptoms and the recent medical evaluations, it is advisable to follow up with your healthcare provider. If you continue to experience swelling, discomfort, or any new symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention promptly. Your doctor may recommend further imaging studies or examinations to clarify the diagnosis.
5. Medication and Monitoring: If you have been prescribed medication for kidney stones, it is important to complete the course as directed. However, if your symptoms worsen or do not improve, do not hesitate to return to your doctor for further evaluation.
6. Hydration and Prevention: While you mentioned that you regularly hydrate, it is important to maintain adequate fluid intake to help prevent kidney stones. Additionally, dietary modifications may be necessary depending on the type of stones you may be prone to developing.

In conclusion, while kidney stones and hernias can present with overlapping symptoms, careful consideration of your specific symptoms and medical history is crucial. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who can provide a thorough evaluation and appropriate management based on your individual circumstances. If you have any concerns about your symptoms or the effectiveness of your treatment, do not hesitate to seek further medical advice.

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