If you have a bulge in your groin you might be dealing with an inguinal hernia. They can be painless, cause a dull ache or pressure around your scrotum, or cause pain when you cough, bend or lift something heavy.
Men are eight to 10 times more likely to experience one, compared to women, and it’s estimated 27% of men will develop one at some point in their life. Here’s what you need to know about inguinal hernias and how to treat them.
What is an inguinal hernia?
A hernia is when part of an organ or tissue passes from its normal location into another part of the body. An inguinal hernia is when some of the contents of your abdomen (usually a section of your intestine, or fat) passes through a weak spot in your groin, into your scrotum. This is most common in newborns or young boys, but it may also affect men later in life.
What causes an inguinal hernia?
There are two main types of inguinal hernia and they have different causes.
Indirect inguinal hernias happen when you’re born with a gap in the lower abdominal wall, when the inguinal canals don’t close soon before birth like they usually should. Indirect inguinal hernias are more common in babies born prematurely, who are more likely to be born before the gap closes than babies born at term (40 weeks). Even if you’re born with this, you might not develop an inguinal hernia until you’re older.
Direct inguinal hernias result from a weakening of the muscles in the inguinal canal over time. A herniation is caused by an increase in pressure within the abdomen (which pushes the abdominal contents through the muscle) from obesity, strenuous activity or excessive straining like powerlifting, frequent coughing, or straining on the toilet.
Symptoms of inguinal hernia
What increases your risk of inguinal hernias?
How serious is an inguinal hernia?
If you aren’t able to push the hernia back in, its contents may be trapped in the abdominal wall. This is called an incarcerated hernia. An incarcerated hernia can become strangulated, which is when blood flow to the trapped tissue is cut off. This is a medical emergency and can be life-threatening if it’s not treated.
Signs and symptoms of a strangulated hernia:
How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms, and perform a physical exam. They might also order some further tests.
During the physical exam the doctor will look at and feel your abdomen and they may ask you to stand, cough, or strain while they check for a bulge caused by the hernia. The doctor may gently massage the contents of the hernia back to where it belongs.
What is the best treatment for inguinal hernia? Can an inguinal hernia heal itself?
Surgery is usually recommended to fix the hernia and help prevent complications. An inguinal hernia won’t heal by itself so don’t delay treatment. Around 70% of men who put off surgery will develop new or worsening symptoms and will need surgery within five years.
