Inguinal hernias occur at all ages and can be congenital (meaning present at birth) or acquired. The acquired type is more common and can occur at any age but is most likely to affect men over the age of 50 and women in their late 30s/early 40s.
Congenital hernias are present from birth but may not cause symptoms until later in life. It is important to note that anyone carrying extra weight, enduring frequent physical labor or exercise, or who have certain medical conditions are more likely to experience hernias than the rest of the population.
Risk factors for inguinal hernias include being male, overweight, having family medical history, smoking, chronic constipation, poor nutrition, previous abdominal surgery, and heavy lifting.
Table of Contents
Who is most likely to get an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a condition in which an organ or internal tissue protrudes through the muscle or tissue wall in the groin area. Inguinal hernias are most commonly caused by a combination of pressure and weakness in the lower abdominal muscles, from aging or from straining too much.
Inguinal hernias are more common in males, particularly in those with a family history of hernias. There is also a higher risk for overweight individuals and those who engage in manual labor or lifting heavy objects.
Infants and toddlers can also be affected by inguinal hernias due to their undeveloped muscles.
What is the most common cause of inguinal hernia?
The most common cause of an inguinal hernia is a degenerative weakening of the muscle wall in the abdomen causing a development of a small weakness or tear. This often happens around the midline, or groin area, of the body that leads to the hernia.
An inguinal hernia can be caused by increased pressure on that wall due to straining while lifting heavy objects, straining while having a bowel movement, or as a result of straining while coughing or sneezing.
Additionally, some people are born with a hernia due to their structure and can develop and eventually enlarge as the individual ages.
Who is most at risk for a hernia?
The people most at risk for a hernia are those who have recently had abdominal surgery, obesity, constipation, frequent heavy lifting, chronic coughing, smoking, cystic fibrosis, ascites, and increased abdominal pressure during pregnancy.
People with weak abdominal muscles, such as individuals with diabetes, are also more likely to develop a hernia. Age is also a factor—as we get older, the muscles hold less tension and the connective tissue is weaker.
This makes hernias more likely in people over the age of 50. Men are more likely to get hernias than women, and individuals with a family history of hernia have an increased risk as well.
Do healthy people get hernias?
Yes, healthy people can get hernias. A hernia occurs when an organ or tissue protrudes through a weak spot or tear in the muscle wall that holds it in place. Everyone is at risk of developing a hernia, however those who engage in activities or professions that involve excessive physical strain, or those with a previously weakened muscles due to surgery or injury may be more likely to experience a hernia.
Although rare, healthy people with strong muscles and abdominal walls can still develop hernias. The most common type of hernia, an inguinal hernia, can occur in both men and women and affects the inguinal (groin) region.
It is caused by a weakening of the abdominal wall, which can be due to strain or aging. Since hernias can develop without warning, it is important to seek medical advice if you suspect you may have one.
Who are hernias most common in?
Hernias are most common in men, due to their higher levels of physical activity and the anatomical differences between men and women. This is because males have a higher risk of developing abdominal wall weakness (genetic or otherwise), which can increase the chance of developing a hernia.
Additionally, hernias are associated with activities that increase intra-abdominal pressure, such as weightlifting, coughing, and straining during bowel movements or urination. These activities are more frequently seen in men than in women, thus increasing the risk of hernias.
Certain populations are also at higher risk for hernias. The elderly, newborns, people with chronic diseases, people with prior surgeries, and manual laborers will have an increased risk for hernia. This risk increases with the number of years spent in manual labor and with the frequency of heavy lifting.
Pregnant women may also experience a hernia, usually due to the added abdominal weight.
In terms of hernia locations, inguinal hernias are most common in men, while umbilical and femoral hernias are more frequent in children and women in their third trimester of pregnancy.
Are some people more prone to hernias than others?
Yes, some people are more likely to develop hernias than others. The risk of developing a hernia increases with age, as the muscles and tissues surrounding the abdominal area may become weakened. People who are overweight or obese, who have had abdominal surgeries, those who perform repetitive activities, and people with a family history of hernias may also be at greater risk of developing a hernia.
In addition, certain medical conditions, such as pregnancy and chronic coughing, can put added pressure on the abdominal muscles, increasing the risk of hernias. Habitual smokers may also be more prone to developing hernias due to the fact that smoking weakens connective tissue.
Finally, those who engage in strenuous and heavy lifting without warming up before the activity may be at greater risk of developing a hernia.
How can you reduce the risk of having a hernia?
There are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of having a hernia:
1. Avoid straining when having a bowel movement. This means taking the time to have a complete bowel movement, rather than straining or forcing out a bowel movement.
2. Maintain a healthy weight. When you are overweight, this puts additional strain on your abdominal muscles, which can contribute to the development of a hernia.
3. Adopt a healthy lifestyle. Eat a nutritious diet that is low in saturated fat and high in fiber to prevent constipation. Additionally, avoid smoking as this can also increase your risk of developing a hernia.
4. Participate in regular exercise. This helps strengthen your core abdominal muscles. Choose low-impact exercises such as swimming, yoga, or walking instead of activities that require strenuous exertion, such as lifting heavy objects.
5. Seek medical advice. If you have questions or concerns about any conditions that you may have that could potentially increase your risk of herniation, consult your doctor to determine the best course of action.
By taking these steps and following your doctor’s advice, you should be able to significantly reduce your risk of developing a hernia.
When should I worry about inguinal hernia?
You should be concerned about an inguinal hernia if you have any of the following symptoms: persistent pain in your abdomen, groin, or scrotum; a noticeable bulge near the pubic bone; dragging or heavy sensations in your lower abdomen; pressure in your lower abdomen; difficulty exercising or physical activity; or difficulty urinating or passing stools.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should speak to your doctor as soon as possible. Visiting a doctor is important, as some of the symptoms of an inguinal hernia can be indicative of a more serious condition.
Additionally, most inguinal hernias require surgical repair to prevent any further complications. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect that you may have an inguinal hernia.
How do I know if my inguinal hernia is getting worse?
When it comes to determining if an inguinal hernia is getting worse, it is important to pay attention to any new or worsening symptoms. Generally, you should look out for any unusual increases in pain or a lump that previously wasn’t present.
Other symptoms of a worsening inguinal hernia that should be monitored include: localized tenderness when pressure is applied, nausea, or vomiting. You should also monitor for any difficulty urinating or defecating, particularly if it has changed from what is normal for you.
It is also important to track any additional trips to the bathroom, as this can indicate a worsening inguinal hernia. Additionally, pay close attention to the size and location of the hernia. If a hernia is getting worse, the lump may become larger or harder, and the area may become more tender to the touch.
Finally, feeling a sense of tightness or pressure in the groin area or within the abdominal walls could be indicative of a worsening hernia.
When in doubt, it is best to consult a medical professional. If you observe any of these changes or think your inguinal hernia is getting worse, speak with a doctor as soon as possible.
What happens if inguinal hernia left untreated?
If an inguinal hernia is left untreated, it can lead to serious complications. The herniated fat or intestine can become strangulated, meaning the blood supply to the trapped tissue is cut off, which can cause the tissue to die.
If the intestine is trapped in the hernia, this could also lead to severe pain, nausea, vomiting, and an inability to pass stools. Inguinal hernias can also cause urine retention, which is potentially life-threatening.
Additionally, the organs that are caught in the hernia can become ischemic and necrotic if left untreated, ultimately leading to infection, sepsis, and even death if not treated in a timely manner. It is thus highly important to seek medical attention if any signs of an inguinal hernia are present.
How long can you go with an inguinal hernia?
The severity of an inguinal hernia can vary greatly, so it is difficult to give a general answer to the question of how long you can go with an inguinal hernia. In some cases, an inguinal hernia may require treatment immediately, whereas for some people, the hernia may not cause any symptoms for months or even years.
In general, the longer an individual ignores the symptoms of an inguinal hernia, the more likely that the hernia will become larger and the more likely it is to require surgical repair. Treatment of an inguinal hernia is important to prevent complications such as a strangulated hernia, where the herniated tissue becomes trapped and does not receive enough blood flow to survive.
An untreated inguinal hernia can even lead to a life-threatening infection. As such, it is important to seek medical attention if you think you may have an inguinal hernia in order to take the appropriate steps to treat and manage it.
How do you know when it’s time to have hernia surgery?
Deciding when to have hernia surgery can be a difficult decision, as the proper timing and method of treatment can have significant impacts on the overall outcome and recovery time. If a hernia is causing significant pain, is growing in size, or is obstructing regular activities, surgery may be the best option for treatment.
Additionally, if the hernia has been diagnosed but does not cause any pain or obstruction, surgery may still be the best option to prevent complications in the future.
When making the decision to have hernia surgery, it is important to consult a qualified specialist to evaluate which surgical option is best and when to have it. Doctors will assess the size, type, and location of the hernia, as well as the patient’s age, activity levels, and medical history to help make an informed decision.
Generally speaking, a hernia should not be pushed to the point of causing long-term discomfort or harm, and surgery should be scheduled promptly in order to avoid further complications and achieve the best possible outcome.
Can you have a inguinal hernia for years?
Yes, it is possible to have an inguinal hernia for many years, since hernias can develop over time. In some cases, people may not begin to experience any symptoms until long after the hernia initially forms.
However, the longer a hernia is present, the more likely it is that it will become larger and more difficult to repair. As such, it is recommended to have any suspected hernia evaluated and treated as soon as possible.
In the early stages, the hernia can usually be treated successfully with a simple surgical repair. If the hernia is allowed to grow unchecked, however, surgery may be more complex and have a longer recovery time.
Additionally, in cases where the hernia can no longer be successfully repaired through surgery, hernia mesh may be used to provide additional support.
How long can a hernia go untreated?
A hernia can go untreated for a long time, but it’s definitely not advisable. Without treatment, a hernia can progress, leading to more serious and even life-threatening complications. Depending on the type of hernia, it can potentially cause permanent damage to organs, blood vessels and tissues.
However, the amount of time a hernia can go untreated before the risk of serious complications increases will differ depending on the type and severity of the hernia.
In general, umbilical hernias usually don’t cause serious complications and can usually go untreated for a few years without any major long-term effects. However, if the hernia has grown significantly in size or is particularly painful or tender, it should be addressed as soon as possible.
The same is true for inguinal hernias, although they are more likely to cause complications and should be treated sooner rather than later.
For hiatal hernias, the hernia can initially remain untreated for an extended period of time without causing any serious problems. Over time, however, the condition can lead to complications including intermittent reflux and even esophagitis.
If these symptoms are present and particularly painful or bothersome, it’s advisable to seek medical help for treatment.
Although it’s possible for a hernia to go untreated for a period of time, it’s always best to seek medical attention as soon as possible so that effective treatment can be provided. This will help reduce the risk of any long-term or serious complications developing, and will help ensure a better overall outcome.
