OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice.
Today, Dr Zoe helps a reader who experiences a strange sensation of their insides moving and severe pain whenever they turn their body after using the toilet.
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Dr Zoe gives you health advice
A reader experiences a strange sensation in their insides whenever they turn their body after using the toilet Credit: Getty
Q: WHEN I wipe myself after going to the toilet and turn my body, it feels like my insides are moving.
The pains I get are terrible and I have to turn back quickly before I scream.
Can you let me know what causes this?
I have put on a fair amount of weight over the last couple of years.
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A: Thank you for asking this, because although it might feel like a strange question, problems with everyday movements like reaching, washing and wiping are much more common than people realise, they’re just not often talked about.
Twisting uses lots of structures, including the muscles of the abdomen, ribs, back and pelvis.
A sudden catching pain can come from a muscle spasm, irritated nerve or a problem with joints and tissues around the back, ribs or abdomen.
The sensation that something is “moving inside” is also worth exploring.
If there is any swelling or bulge that appears when moving, coughing or straining, your GP may want to check for a hernia.
For now, try to avoid triggering the pain. Small adaptations, such as changing position or using aids designed to make care easier, may help.
But pain that is severe enough to stop you in your tracks deserves a proper assessment, so don’t feel embarrassed about discussing this with your GP.
TIP
Rates of the STIs gonorrhoea and syphilis are rising in Europe, while there has been an increase in genital herpes in the UK.
It’s easy to think it will never happen to you.
You can reduce the risk by always using a condom and getting tested at least once a year, even if you show no symptoms.
