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Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the groin where part of the bowel or fat pushes through a weak spot in the tummy wall. It is common in men and usually needs surgical repair.
Causes & risk factors
- A weak spot in the groin muscles
- Straining from heavy lifting or constipation
- Chronic cough
- Being overweight
- Ageing and previous surgery
Common symptoms
- A bulge in the groin, more obvious when standing or straining
- A dragging ache or discomfort in the groin
- The bulge often disappears when lying down
- Discomfort on lifting or coughing
- Nausea if the bowel becomes trapped
Tests & diagnosis
- Clinical examination of the groin
- Ultrasound if the diagnosis is unclear
- CT scan in complex cases
- Usually no blood tests are needed
Treatment & management
- Surgical repair (herniorrhaphy), often with a mesh
- Keyhole or open surgery depending on the case
- Small, painless hernias may just be watched
- Avoid heavy lifting and treat constipation and cough
- Urgent surgery if the hernia becomes trapped
When to see a doctor urgently
- A hernia that becomes hard, very painful or cannot be pushed back — seek urgent care
- Nausea, vomiting or a swollen tummy with the bulge
- Sudden severe groin pain
- A new or growing groin lump
Frequently asked questions
Is an inguinal hernia dangerous?
Most are not, but occasionally the bowel gets trapped and loses its blood supply (strangulation), which is an emergency. A hard, painful, irreducible bulge needs urgent care.
Does a hernia need surgery?
Symptomatic hernias are usually repaired to relieve discomfort and prevent complications. Small, painless ones can sometimes be monitored, on a surgeon’s advice.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.