An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue, such as part of the intestine, protrudes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles and appears as a bulge under the skin in the groin region. The inguinal canal is the most common site for a hernia to occur, and it is the passageway that runs down either side of the pelvis into the sex organs. In men, the weak spot usually occurs in the inguinal canal, where the spermatic cord enters the scrotum, while in women, the inguinal canal carries a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place, and hernias sometimes occur where connective tissue from the uterus attaches to tissue surrounding the pubic bone.

Symptoms of an inguinal hernia include a visible bulge in the groin area, which may be more noticeable when standing and can be felt by putting a hand directly over the affected area. The bulge can be painful, especially when coughing, lifting, or bending over. In men, an inguinal hernia may extend down into the scrotum and cause an enlarged scrotum. Small hernias may slide back and forth through the opening in the abdomen and not cause any symptoms. Larger hernias may be massaged back into the abdomen.

Inguinal hernias can occur at any age, but they are more common in men than women. Factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include being male, being older, having a family history of hernias, chronic coughing or straining during bowel movements, and having a congenital defect that makes you susceptible to a hernia.

Surgery is the only way to fix an inguinal hernia. The doctor will push the bulging tissue back inside and strengthen your abdominal wall with stitches and perhaps mesh. They might be able to do this through a small cut in your belly using a special tool, a procedure called laparoscopy. Youll probably hurt less and heal faster than if you have traditional surgery.