Groin Hernia

What is a groin hernia?

When you have a hernia, part of the intestine (bowel) bulges through a weak area or gap in the muscles in your belly. A groin hernia happens in the groin. The groin is the lower abdominal area where the legs join the body. Another name for groin hernia is inguinal hernia.

How does it occur?

A groin hernia happens when a loop of the bowel pushes through a weak spot in the inguinal canal. The inguinal canal is an opening between layers of muscle in the groin.

Some people, especially men, are born with a weakness in their groin muscles. With or without this weakness, a hernia may be caused by anything that causes the intestine to push against the inguinal canal. Activities or conditions that might cause this pressure are:

• lifting heavy objects
• coughing or sneezing a lot
• being constipated or pushing too hard when having a bowel movement
• being overweight
• being pregnant
• in men, pushing too hard to urinate if their prostate is enlarged.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms of a groin hernia may include:

• a lump in the groin that you can push back in
• pain or discomfort in the lower belly or groin, especially with physical activity
• a lump in the groin that cannot be pushed back in.

A lump that cannot be pushed back in can become a life-threatening problem. The bowel may get caught in the gap. This could cut off its blood supply and cause serious infection. Or a bowel movement (stool) might be blocked and not able to move through the bowel.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history and examine you. You may have X-rays, ultrasound or CT scans, or blood tests.

How is it treated?

The main treatment for a painful groin hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall. The surgeon closes the weak spot. Sometimes, before closing the skin, the surgeon will sew a piece of mesh over the weak spot and under the skin to make the area stronger. Your healthcare provider will usually suggest that you have the operation as soon as possible to avoid complications.

If your hernia is causing few or no symptoms, you may choose not to have surgery. You may need to use a groin support. You need to discuss with your provider what symptoms you should watch for and when you should seek medical care for possible problems resulting from your hernia, such as bowel blockage.

How long will the effects last?

The hernia will not get better on its own, but it may not get worse for months or even years. A complication of a groin hernia is that after the bowel has pushed through the muscle wall, its contents may become trapped. A dangerous complication of this trapping is that the blood supply to the bowel may be cut off and the tissue may die, resulting in gangrene. This is a medical emergency requiring surgery.

How can I take care of myself?

• Follow your healthcare provider's instructions, especially for returning to physical activity.
• Be careful when you lift, pull, or push heavy objects. Learn to lift, push, or pull heavy objects the correct way. Change your work duties or your recreational activities if necessary.
• Ask your provider if you need to wear a groin support. Follow your provider's advice for losing weight if you are overweight.
• Avoid constipation by eating foods that are high in fiber, using stool softeners, or drinking a natural stimulant beverage such as prune juice. Use laxatives or enemas only if recommended by your provider.
• Avoid smoking to help prevent coughing. Coughing puts extra pressure on the abdominal and groin muscles.
• Take medicine to reduce sneezing and coughing from allergies.
• If your symptoms continue or if you develop new symptoms, tell your provider right away.
• Also call your healthcare provider if:
  • You have nausea and vomiting that doesn’t get better after a few hours.
  • You can’t have a bowel movement.
  • You are unable to urinate.
  • The hernia bulges through the muscles and will not go back in.
  • The skin over the hernia becomes red or darker than your usual skin color.
  • You have severe abdominal pain.
  • You have a fever higher than 101.5° F (38.6° C).

How can I help prevent a groin hernia?

• Follow safe practices when you move heavy things. Learn how to lift and move heavy items safely. Remember to use your legs. Bend at your knees, not at your waist.
• Keep a healthy weight.
• Avoid getting constipated.