What is an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall (groin). The hernia creates a lump, which can grow over time.

Inguinal hernias may occur on one or both sides of the body.

Who is at risk for an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia can appear at any age, and is more common in men than women.

An infant can be born with a hernia that doesn’t become evident until they are older, at times, into adulthood. About 5 out of every 100 children are born with the condition. Infants born before their due date (premature) are at higher risk.

Certain factors can increase the risk of an inguinal hernia:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Family history of inguinal hernias
• Smoking

Some activities may also raise the risk of an inguinal hernia:

• Heavy lifting
• Long-term (chronic) coughing
• Straining during a bowel movement

What are the types of inguinal hernias?

Inguinal hernias come in two types:

• Indirect inguinal hernia. The most common type, and one that you may be born with. It is much more common in men.
• In men, the testicle starts in the abdomen while in utero, and goes down through an opening in the groin to reach the scrotum. If this opening does not close at birth, a hernia develops.
• In women with this type of hernia, the reproductive organs or the small intestine slides in through the groin.
• Children who have an inguinal hernia were born with it. Sometimes parents worry that their child lifted something too heavy or strained too hard, causing a hernia to develop. However, the hernia or hole was likely there since birth but became evident after pressure pushed it through the hole.
• Direct inguinal hernia. This type of hernia is caused by weakening of the abdominal muscles over time, and is more likely to be seen in adults.

What are the symptoms of inguinal hernia?

Some inguinal hernias are painful, while others don’t cause any pain.

Each person’s symptoms may vary, and may include:

• A lump in the groin or in the sac that holds the testicles (the scrotum).
• Pain or pressure in the groin that gets worse when you cough, strain, lift or exercise.
• Severe pain, if the blood supply to the intestine within the bulge is cut off (called a strangulated hernia).

Associated symptoms include the following:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Infection

Other health problems can cause symptoms similar to inguinal hernia, so it is always recommended to consult with a doctor.

What are possible complications of an inguinal hernia?

An inguinal hernia can lead to other problems, such as:

• An incarcerated hernia. This is when part of the small intestine gets stuck in the groin and can’t be pushed back into your belly. Get emergency medical care right away.
• A strangulated hernia. If the incarcerated hernia is not treated, blood supply to the small intestine is blocked. This is a life-threatening condition. Get emergency medical care right away.
• A hole (perforation). A hole in the intestine may happen if the hernia is strangulated, and part of the intestine dies from lack of blood. In this case, you may need removal of a portion of your intestine.
• Peritonitis. If the hernia is sore and the skin over it is red and warm, you may have an infection of the lining of your belly (peritonitis).

How is an inguinal hernia diagnosed?

Inguinal hernia is most often diagnosed through medical history and physical examination. A doctor will ask questions about potential hernia symptoms and look for a bulge in the groin or scrotal area.

Inguinal hernias in children may only be seen or felt when the child cries.

Based on the presentation, imaging tests may be performed, including:

• Ultrasound
• X-ray
• CT scan
• MRI

How is an inguinal hernia treated?

Inguinal hernia does not heal on its own, and is typically treated with surgery. Surgery may be performed under general, regional or local anesthesia.

Types of inguinal hernia surgery

There are two main types of surgery for inguinal hernias:

• Open repair. An incision is made through the skin in the groin area. The surgeon moves the hernia content back inside the abdomen and closes the abdominal wall with stitches. Mesh placement may be used to strengthen the closure and reduce the risk of hernia recurrence.
• Open repair with laparoscopic exploration. An open repair that includes the use of a small camera passed into the abdomen to examine the opposite groin from the inside. The surgeon may recommend this to rule out a hernia on the opposite side. If a hernia is detected, a matching incision is made on the opposite side to allow repair of the contralateral hernia.
• Laparoscopy or robotic-assisted repair. This type of surgery uses a few small incisions and a thin scope with a tiny camera. The surgeon works through the scope to repair the hernia, sometimes operating from a console to maneuver robotic arms. Mesh is typically used for these repairs. In adults, recovery is shorter and pain is less severe after these minimally invasive approaches than with open repair.

Who will need surgery for inguinal hernia?

• Adults with small hernias that do not cause symptoms do not need immediate surgery, and can monitor for changes.
• Adults with symptoms and most children with or without symptoms usually need surgery to prevent the possibility of a strangulated hernia in the future.
• Some surgeons recommend repair of all groin hernias in women. That’s because, in women, it can be hard to tell an inguinal hernia from a more complicated type of hernia (femoral hernia).
• Anyone experiencing an organ stuck in the groin (incarcerated hernia) or blocked blood supply (strangulated hernia) will need immediate surgery.

In some cases, a hernia may come back after surgery. This is less likely to happen when mesh is used to support the weak belly muscles.

Recovery from Inguinal Hernia

It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions and keep follow-up appointments after surgery for inguinal hernia. Getting out of bed and walking is an important part of recovery and helps prevent complications.

For Children

Expected recovery time for children is typically two to three days. Expected recovery time for teens may be five to seven days.

For Adults

Expected recovery time for adults is typically one to two weeks, with many people able to return to light activities within a few days. Heavy lifting and strenuous exercise should be avoided until your surgeon says it is safe.

Ask your doctor what types of activities are safe and when it’s OK to return to work, school or other activities.

Can inguinal hernia be prevented?

• Indirect inguinal hernia, the type someone is born with, cannot be prevented.
• Direct hernias that occur over time may be prevented with these precautions:
  • Learn how to lift heavy objects properly.
  • Avoid and treat constipation to prevent straining when having a bowel movement.
  • Get treatment for any persistent cough.
  • Lose extra weight.
  • If you are a man with an enlarged prostate and you strain to pass urine, get treated.

When to call a doctor

Call your doctor if your inguinal hernia symptoms get worse, and always call right away if:

• You have a painful bulge that can’t be pushed back inside.
• You have increasing pain, swelling or redness.
• You have nausea, fever or vomiting along with hernia pain.

Medically reviewed by Raquel González, M.D., M.H.C.M., F.A.C.S., F.A.A.P., Oct. 22, 2026