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Groin Hernia—Adult

Authors:
  • Amy Scholten, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition

Groin Hernia—Adult

(Inguinal Hernia—Adult; Femoral Hernia—Adult)

Animation Movie AvailableRelated Media: Hernia Repair

Definition

A groin hernia is tissue or fat that pushes through the abdominal wall. There are two types:

  • Inguinal hernia (most common)—a bulge in the groin or scrotal area
  • Femoral hernia—a bulge in the groin, upper thigh, or labia

A hernia can trap part of the intestine. This is called strangulation. It needs care right away.

Inguinal Hernias in Men.

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Causes

A hernia is caused by a weakness in the muscles of the abdomen. It causes the tissues inside to press through and form a hernia.

Risk Factors

Hernias are more common in men and older adults. Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Having a family history of hernia
  • Having a low body mass index (BMI)
  • Wear and tear on muscles of the abdomen from:
  • Prior abdominal surgery
  • Peritoneal dialysis
  • Medical conditions that affect muscles and blood vessels

Symptoms

Some people do not have symptoms of a hernia. Those who do may have:

  • A bulge in the groin when standing or straining
  • A bulge in the upper thigh
  • A bulge that goes into the scrotum or the labia
  • Pain, heaviness, or discomfort in the groin, especially when straining

These serious symptoms may need care right away:

  • Severe pain in the groin or belly
  • Fever
  • Belly swelling
  • Nausea and vomiting

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam may be done. It will focus on the groin. This may be enough to make the diagnosis. If the diagnosis is not clear, images may be taken. This can be done with:

Treatment

Treatment will depend on symptoms and the type of hernia. For inguinal hernias, the doctor may watch for any changes. Femoral hernias could cause problems and may need surgery right away. Surgery may also be done to repair a hernia that is causing symptoms.

Prevention

There are no known guidelines to lower the risk of a groin hernia. Regular exercise may help keep the abdominal muscles strong.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Groin hernia in adults and adolescents. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/groin-hernia-in-adults-and-adolescents.
  • Groin hernia: inguinal and femoral repair. American College of Surgeons website. Available at: https://www.facs.org/media/0aihsqg0/groin_hernia.pdf.
  • Inguinal hernia. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases website. Available at: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inguinal-hernia.
  • Podolsky, D. and Novitsky, Y. Robotic inguinal hernia repair. Surg Clin North Am, 2020; 100 (2): 409-415.

Contributors

  • Marcin Chwistek, MD
Last Updated:
2022-09-01

(C) Copyright 2022 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.