Accounting for 75% of all hernias, inguinal hernias (or groin hernias) occur when part of your bowel protrudes into the passageway that runs down your inner thigh (the inguinal canal).¹ They affect men or people assigned male at birth (AMAB) 8x more likely, but can also affect women and children.² There are two types of inguinal hernias:

• Indirect Inguinal Hernia: The most common type of inguinal hernia and the one that usually occurs due to a birth defect, indirect inguinal hernias enter your inguinal canal through the top.³
• Direct Inguinal Hernia: Occurring more often in men than women, a direct inguinal hernia is caused by the weakening of abdominal muscles or chronic pressure on the muscle wall over time.³ Unlike indirect inguinal hernias, direct inguinal hernias penetrate directly through the wall of your inguinal canal versus through the top. 

While inguinal hernias aren’t necessarily dangerous, they can lead to life-threatening complications. Should your inguinal hernia cause pain or become enlarged, your doctor may recommend surgery.

If you have symptoms of an inguinal hernia, it’s important to have it diagnosed as soon as possible to rule out other possible causes of groin pain. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience adverse symptoms/complications, including:

• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Difficulty urinating or passing a bowel movement
• Increased pain, swelling, redness, tenderness
• If your hernia increases in size or becomes incarcerated and can’t be pushed back inside

These may signify a serious condition called ‘strangulation’ where an obstruction of your intestines can cut off blood flow causing intestinal or bowel tissue to die. Strangulation can happen in all hernias but is more common in femoral and inguinal due to their narrow ‘necks.’³
 

Inguinal hernias can occur in newborns and children due to a weakness in the abdominal wall that’s present from birth. The hernia may only be visible when the infant or child is crying, coughing, or straining during a bowel movement. He/she may have a decreased appetite or be more irritable than normal. If you’re concerned your child has a hernia, consult their pediatrician.
 

Inguinal hernias occur when there’s a weakness or opening in the lower abdominal wall that allows tissue to push through. Contributing factors may include:

• Age
• An opening or weak spot present at birth or from previous abdominal surgery
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Straining during bowel movements or urination
• Frequent, strenuous exercise, lifting, or manual labor
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
   

To identify whether or not you have an inguinal hernia, your healthcare provider will likely begin with a physical examination. During the exam, you may be asked to stand and cough to make the hernia appear bigger. If the hernia isn’t visible from the outside, imaging tests including an ultrasound or CT scan may be performed.