Inguinal Hernias

Hernia of the Inner Groin

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of hernia, making up around 70 percent of all hernias. Inguinal hernias occur when tissue (such as part of the small intestine) extends through a weak area or tear in the lower abdominal wall, often in the inguinal canal (found in your groin). This can result in a ‘bulge’ that can become painful, especially when you cough or bend over. Inguinal hernias will show a lump or bulge that you can detect from outside of the body. An inguinal hernia is most likely to be detected while you are standing up that can often time cause the hernia to bulge further out.

An inguinal hernia is not necessarily a birth defect. Sometimes thought to be a birth defect, but it’s simply a natural weakness in the abdominal wall lining at the location where testes moved to the scrotum during fetal development, leaving an area that is prone to hernias.

Some common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:

• Pain while bending over, coughing, or lifting
• Discomfort in the lower abdomen
• Burning or aching sensation around the bulging area

While an inguinal hernia isn’t necessarily dangerous, your doctor will likely recommend surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that is large enough to notice or if it is causing pain. The condition may become an emergency if part of the bowel moves into the space and becomes trapped, which may block the bowel and interfere with blood supply.