INGUINAL HERNIA

The groin is the area where the legs join the lower body. A wide muscle in the groin keeps the organs inside the belly in place. If that muscle gets weak, a person can have a gap in the groin muscle. The bowels can then push through the gap in the muscles. This creates a bulge called an inguinal hernia. An inguinal hernia can become a serious problem if the bowel gets trapped in the gap. The trapped part of the bowel may have its blood supply cut off, causing that part of the bowel to die.

Inguinal hernias can happen when the groin muscles gets weak. Some people are born with weak groin muscles. An inguinal hernia can also occur when there is pressure in the groin area. Pressure is put on the groin when:

overweight
pregnant
lifting heavy objects
coughing or sneezing a lot or
pushing too hard when having a bowel movement

Men with enlarged prostates can sometimes get a hernia from pushing too hard to urinate.

Symptoms of inguinal hernias may include pain in the lower belly or groin area or a bulge that can be pushed back in. Examining and feeling the bulging area diagnose hernias. If the bulge can be pushed back, surgery may not be needed. If the bowel or other organs are trapped, surgery will be necessary. During surgery, the weak area of the groin muscle will be stitched or covered with mesh.

To prevent inguinal hernias:

avoid lifting or moving heavy things
learn to lift, pull, or push things the correct way
lose weight if you are overweight
stop smoking to help prevent coughing and
eat healthy foods that have a lot of fiber to help prevent constipation

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIL File URIN5268.RF2 VRS# 5268 Data Version 7.0