What is an Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a protrusion of soft tissue, such as a portion of the intestine, through a weak spot in a muscle, usually in the abdominal wall. Inguinal hernias occur where the abdomen meets the thigh, the area known as the groin.

Anyone can have an inguinal hernia. Men, women and even children of all ages experience hernias. Hernias are weaknesses or tears in the wall of the abdomen; sometimes they are referred to as ruptures. They typically occur two ways: first, by wear and tear over time (acquired hernias) and secondly from a weakness in the abdominal wall that is present at birth (congenital hernias).

Although many people "live" with hernias for years before they even know it or it becomes a problem, over time they often get worse due to physical stress or aging. Children's hernias usually are congenital and often are present at, or immediately after birth.

Who's Likely to Have This Type of Problem?
Every year, more than half a million American men, almost one in twenty, will have a hernia that needs surgery. And while the number of women who have problematic inguinal hernias is much less, they are on the rise. Typically men are about 10 times more likely to get an inguinal hernia than women.

Signs and Symptoms

• Lump in groin area when standing/straining & disappears when reclining
• Pain at the site of the lump, especially when lifting a heavy object
• Swelling of the scrotum
• Excruciating abdominal pain (caused by the intestine twisting and getting caught in the muscle tear)
• Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite & pain (if intestinal obstruction occurs) Often associated with constipation or a change in bowel habits

Hernias produce different symptoms or feelings. Sometimes you'll notice a protrusion or lump in your groin area between the pubis and the top of the leg, or feel pain when you strain during urination or a bowel movement or when you lift a heavy object. The pain can be sharp and immediate. Other times you'll just feel a dull aching sensation, a vague feeling of fullness, nausea or constipation; these feelings typically get worse toward the end of the day or after standing for long periods of time and may disappear when you lie down. And, while persons certainly can live for years with hernias, without treatment they will not disappear. Hernias are caused by congenital defects at birth, when the abdominal wall improperly closes during development, or by age related weakness in the abdominal walls. They can also be caused by an increase in pressure within the abdominal cavity due to heavy lifting, straining, violent coughing, obesity or pregnancy.

Diagnosis
Your evaluation will include completing a medical history form or questionnaire, and talking with our doctor about the problem. A physical exam is performed in which the actual defect and protrusion are felt by the physician. This is not painful, but you may feel uncomfortable from the pressure applied as the physician evaluates how large the opening (defect) actually is. It is important that the patient notify the doctor of changes in bowel or bladder functions during this exam.

Other complications that are resulting from your condition will also be evaluated. Should surgery be recommended you would be asked to have a medical work up including blood tests, chest x-ray or EKG as needed. If you have had them recently, these will not be repeated.

How Is An Inguinal Hernia Treated?
Various lifestyle and medical treatments often can help. Since hernias are caused by obesity, a serious program of weight control is recommended, especially if your weight is centered in the abdomen. Eating more fiber often helps reduce straining of the bowels. Getting more exercise, avoid standing for long periods of time and learning proper lifting techniques can strengthen the back areas or eliminate strain on the hernia. Since smoking often causes straining when coughing, it is also recommended that you stop.

Doctors may also recommend that you wear a truss or supportive wrap to reduce pain and further damage. Since these approaches do not completely get rid of the hernia, often many people elect to have surgery to cure a hernial defect.