An inguinal hernia is not too difficult to spot in most cases. It is more common in males, both children and adults. It does not go away on its own, so eventually most people need to have it repaired. Look for these 5 signs you may have an inguinal hernia.
Where to Look
Inguinal hernias are located in the groin area. It may appear on the left or right of your pubic bone or both. There may or may not be pain. In fact, some people can have an inguinal hernia without a bulge, not knowing that they have a hernia. That’s why we are providing some additional obvious signs.
The Bulge Under the Skin
Most hernias occur when tissue from one cavity bulges through a weak area in the abdominal wall. Internal abdominal structures, like bowel, can bulge through the hole (the hole is the hernia defect) in your lower abdominal wall.
An inguinal hernia occurs in the inguinal canal which is a passageway that runs down both sides of the pelvis to your sex organs. Think of it as a “groin” hernia.
They frequently get larger and can become dangerous if your intestines get trapped inside the bulge. The trapped intestine can become pinched, losing its blood supply and becoming a strangulated hernia. This would be extremely painful, may cause vomiting, and usually requires emergency surgery to rescue the strangulated intestine..
Changes in the Bulge
A bulge caused by a hernia usually increases in size when stranding or straining and disappears when relaxing and lying down. Coughing, lifting something heavy, or straining during a bowel movement can all make a hernia bulge more prominent and painful.
Painful to the Touch
It is possible to gently massage the bulge back inside. If you notice a more prominent bulge, it is a good idea to lie down, relax, and try to do this, reducing the hernia. An incarcerated (trapping bowel) or strangulated (squeezed and choked bowel) hernia is typically very painful when pushed and manipulated in this way. Pain from a protruding groin hernia will sometimes cause pressure on nerves in the vicinity, causing burning or shooting pain in the area.
Swelling of the Scrotum
Over time, a groin hernia can grow and extend down into the scrotum.
Time to See SEM Surgical
If you think that you have a hernia, see one of our board-certified general surgeons before you require emergency surgery. Most hernias surgery can be safely scheduled after an office visit.
If you cannot reduce (push the bulge back inside) a hernia, the following associated symptoms should prompt emergency attention:
- Severe pain at the site of the bulge.
- Skin over the bulge turns red, purple, or dark in color.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sudden inability to move your bowels or pass gas.
Don’t wait until your hernia requires emergency surgery. Have it repaired on your schedule by our experts.
Schedule an Appointment in Royal Oak, MI Today
Contact SEM Surgical at (248) 985-8060 and schedule an appointment at our general surgery office in Royal Oak, MI if you suspect you have an inguinal hernia.
Sources: Inguinal Hernia | Johns Hopkins Medicine
Inguinal Hernia: Types, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)
Inguinal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis (healthline.com)
