An inguinal hernia, also known as a 'groin hernia' is the pushing out of abdominal organs, such as your intestines, through a weak area in your groin, called the inguinal canal. Inguinal hernias happen because of weakened or deteriorating abdominal muscles which can be due to normal due to age. Some babies are born with a weakened abdominal wall as their abdominal lining doesn’t close properly, and are susceptible to inguinal hernias at a very early age.
An inguinal is most common in men and happens when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel pokes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall and allows a bulge to form in your groin at the top of your inner thigh. This hernia pushes into an area called the inguinal canal.
Inguinal hernias, sometimes referred to as a groin hernia, are the most common type of hernia and mainly occur in men much more than women. Aging is usually the most common factor associated with the weakening of the adbominal wall making inguinal hernias most likely to develop in older males. However, they can occur at any age in children and babies due to a weakness within the groin area.
Hernias aren’t always serious, but they can worsen over time and develop serious complications. As time goes on, more tissue can push through the hernia opening as it gets weaker and wider, making it more likely to become trapped.
This can potentially be dangerous and even life threatening if the tissue that is stuck contains blood vessels such as veins, known as a strangulated hernia.
Symptoms can include:
Inguinal hernias happen because of weakened or deteriorating abdominal muscles that are caused by:
Some babies are born with a weakened abdominal wall as their abdominal lining doesn’t close properly, and are susceptible to inguinal hernias at a very early age.
An inguinal hernia that is left untreated may stay the same or get larger and more painful. It will not get any smaller or heal on its own.
An inguinal hernia that gets bigger becomes more susceptible to incarceration and strangulation.
An incarcerated hernia happens when your herniated tissue becomes trapped and cannot easily be moved back into place. It can lead to a bowel obstruction that causes severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and the inability to have a bowel movement or pass gas.
In extreme cases, an incarcerated hernia may cut off the blood supply to part of your intestine. This is a medical emergency and is known as hernia strangulation. It can have serious implications and, in some cases, lead to life-threatening complication
An examination of the patient for a bulge or lump in the groin area will be the first step towards an inguinal hernia diagnosis. If the surgeon can't see the hernia from the outside they may also reccomend that the patient is referred for a ultrasound in most cases or CT scan in more complicated cases.
An inguinal hernia needs surgery to be fully repaired. Surgery is usually recommended if your hernia becomes larger or more painful or you have signs of incarceration (trapped hernia) or strangulation (cut-off blood supply), which are medical emergencies.
Non-surgical options can help manage your hernia symptoms and prevent complications. These include lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight to reduce abdominal pressure, eating high-fibre foods to prevent constipation, and avoiding heavy lifting to avoid abdominal strain. Quitting smoking can help prevent coughing and strengthen your connective tissue.
You can try hernia trusses or belts to help keep your hernia in place and to provide temporary relief from discomfort. Address allergies, respiratory infections, or other causes of chronic coughing and sneezing to reduce abdominal pressure.
Inguinal hernia repair is a very common surgical operation that can be performed by open or laparoscopic surgery. The decision on the type of surgery will be discussed in detail with you at your consultation and is based on your preferred method and your surgeon's experience.
The best treatment for an inguinal hernia will depend on a number of things including the size of your hernia, its symptoms, and your overall health. The most common treatment options include:
If you leave an inguinal hernia untreated, it may carry on growing or stay the same size. It will not get better. The only cure for a hernia is surgery.
You can ‘watch and wait’ with an inguinal hernia. If it doesn’t get any worse you can continue to live with it. If it gets bigger and more painful, surgery may be advised or necessary.
Inguinal hernia repair surgery carries very few risks. Complications that may occur include: the hernia returning, a build-up of fluid or blood in the space where the hernia was, groin pain and, nerve damage. In men there is a rick of: testicle blood supply damage, vas deferens tube damage and, pain, swelling and bruising of the testicles or at the base of the penis.
You can expect to go home the same day or the day after your inguinal hernia procedure. You will need a lift home and an adult to stay with you for 24 hours after your surgery.
You need to eat a healthy high-fibre diet and drink plenty of fluids to avoid constipation, and to care for your wound. You should follow any specific aftercare instructions that our hospital staff give you. You can continue to take hospital-advised painkillers if you have pain.
You can gradually get back to your daily activities, as long as they aren’t causing you pain. As a guide, you can expect to drive, perform light activities such as shopping, and go back to work within two weeks.
You should avoid heavy lifting and strenuous activities until four to six weeks after your operation. Most people feel fully recovered after six weeks.
The cost of an inguinal hernia procedure will depend on whether you have open or keyhole surgery and your Ramsay hospital of choice.
This is a guide package price that estimates the costs of your surgery. You will receive a formal quotation price following your consultation with one of our expert surgeons. This formal quote for your inguinal hernia procedure will be valid for 60 days and includes unlimited aftercare.
We have a number of finance options if you are paying for your inguinal hernia repair surgery yourself. These include:
Inguinal hernia repair surgery is covered by most medical insurance policies. We advise you to check with your insurance provider and obtain their written authorisation before starting your treatment.
If you have an inguinal hernia, you should avoid activities and foods that can make it worse. These include:
You should try to keep active, eat fibre-rich foods and drink plenty of fluids.
Walking is generally good for an inguinal hernia if done carefully. As a low-impact activity, it improves circulation, supports digestion, and strengthens muscles without straining your abdomen.
It’s advisable to walk at a relaxed pace, avoid inclines, and stop if you experience pain. A hernia belt can provide additional support.
You should avoid walking if your hernia causes significant discomfort or is at risk of complications like strangulation. If you've had surgery, walking is encouraged for recovery but follow your doctor’s guidance.
Yes, you can live a normal life with an inguinal hernia. Many patients choose to watch and wait, if their hernia is small and symptoms are not too painful. Some patients have a long-standing hernia that does not change or cause symptoms. However, a hernia may get bigger and more painful and potentially could lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor will advise on whether they recommend surgery for your inguinal hernia.
If you have a hernia, avoiding certain foods can help reduce symptoms like acid reflux, bloating, and discomfort. This is especially true if you have hiatal or abdominal hernia.
Foods to avoid include:
Yes, lying down can be good for an inguinal hernia. It can help relieve pain and discomfort caused by the inguinal hernia.
Lying flat on your back can help the hernia contents return to your abdominal cavity which reduces pressure on the surrounding structures. It can also temporarily relieve pain.
You can gently push an inguinal hernia back into your abdomen with gentle pressure and massage. However, pushing it back in won’t cure your hernia, and it will likely bulge again.
Yes, an inguinal hernia can make you feel tired, particularly if it leads to discomfort or complications.
Persistent pain or discomfort from your hernia can disrupt your sleep and energy levels. Your body may expend extra energy managing the physical strain caused by your hernia and lead to fatigue. If your hernia affects your digestion or bowel movements, causing discomfort or nutritional deficiencies, this can also contribute to tiredness.
A strangulated or obstructed hernia may cause weakness and tiredness. This requires urgent medical attention.
If you experience fatigue alongside an inguinal hernia, consult your doctor to address the underlying cause.
An inguinal hernia can make you pee more in certain cases. However, it isn’t a typical symptom for everyone.
It can happen if your hernia pushes against your bladder and reduces its capacity, if your hernia is irritating the nerves near your bladder, or if you have another condition alongside your hernia such as a bladder prolapse or other pelvic issues that affect urination.
If you are peeing more with an inguinal hernia you should see your doctor.
Professor Khurshid Akhtar
Prof Khurshid Akhtar is a Consultant General and Upper GI Surgeon in Manchester
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Mr Qutayba Almerie
Mr Qutayba Almerie is a Consultant Upper GI, Bariatric and General Surgeon. He is based in Manchester Royal Infirmary (part of Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust).
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