Inguinal Hernia

Inguinal hernia causes

An inguinal hernia can develop for several reasons. This area of the abdominal wall is naturally more vulnerable because, during infancy, the testicle passes through a small canal that later needs to close. If that closure isn’t strong, the canal can remain a weak spot, making hernias more likely. This is also why inguinal hernias occur more often in men than in women.

It’s not always clear why one person develops a hernia and another doesn’t. Factors that may play a role include genetics, the strength of tissue healing, obesity or added pressure on the area from heavy lifting, trauma or other strain.

Inguinal hernia risk factors

Inguinal hernias occur significantly more often in men than women and at certain ages. Researchers are still investigating other possible risk factors, but generally, health conditions that weaken muscle tissues and activities that increase pressure on your abdomen may increase the risk of an inguinal hernia.

Risk factors for inguinal hernias include:

• Age: Inguinal hernias occur more often in some age groups, including adults aged 75 to 80 and children up to age 5.
• Chronic cough: A long-term cough, related to smoking or a condition like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), can increase your risk.
• Constipation: Straining when you go to the bathroom can increase abdominal pressure.
• Family history: You are four times more likely to have a hernia if a close family member had one.
• Heavy lifting: Not lifting items correctly can strain your abdomen.
• Low or high body weight: Obesity increases the risk of hernias, but inguinal hernias can occur more often in people with a low body mass index (a measurement of body fat based on height and weight).
• Premature birth: Babies born prematurely are more likely than other infants to get inguinal hernias.
• Sex: Inguinal hernias are more likely to affect men than women.

How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?

Doctors can diagnose an inguinal hernia through a physical exam. Inguinal hernias are often visible, and they may try to push your hernia back inside the abdomen. If your doctor suspects you might have a hernia but can’t see or feel one during an exam, they might order imaging to get a better look or rule out other types of masses in the groin.

Inguinal hernia treatment

Surgery is the only way to repair an inguinal hernia. Each case is unique, and your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery versus watchful waiting. If you choose to delay surgery, monitor symptoms closely and notify your provider if they worsen.

Frequently asked questions