Decades of pelvic pain finally explained by a tropical parasite
After more than 100 doctors over decades, Andy L.’s constant pelvic and perineal pain was finally explained by a rectal biopsy showing a granuloma and antibodies confirming urogenital schistosomiasis from a Tanzania trip decades earlier. Misdiagnoses—from Peyronie’s disease to psychosomatic explanations—gave way to the diagnosis, and praziquantel treatment lowered antibodies and eased symptoms, though eggs left in tissue can cause ongoing problems. He’s now raising awareness of this neglected tropical disease that mostly affects Africa.
