What causes an inguinal hernia? An inguinal hernia usually occurs
when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel, such as the intestine, pokes through into your groin at the top of your inner thigh
. It pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall (the abdominal wall) into an area called the inguinal canal.
How do you get a hernia in your groin?
What causes an inguinal hernia? An inguinal hernia usually occurs
when fatty tissue or a part of your bowel, such as the intestine, pokes through into your groin at the top of your inner thigh
. It pushes through a weak spot in the surrounding muscle wall (the abdominal wall) into an area called the inguinal canal.
How serious is a hernia in the groin?
An inguinal
hernia isn't necessarily dangerous
. It doesn't improve on its own, however, and can lead to life-threatening complications. Your doctor is likely to recommend surgery to fix an inguinal hernia that's painful or enlarging.
How do you treat a hernia in the groin?
Inguinal Hernia Treatment
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
.
Can a hernia in the groin heal itself?
The hernia won't heal on its own
. If your hernia does not bother you, most likely you can wait to have surgery. Your hernia may get worse, but it may not. Over time, hernias tend to get bigger as the muscle wall of the belly gets weaker and more tissue bulges through.
What happens if a groin hernia is left untreated?
When left untreated, a femoral hernia can result in additional complications, some of them severe. These complications may include: Incarcerated hernia:
A hernia can grow to obstruct the bowel if its contents become trapped in the weak area of the abdominal wall
.
What can be mistaken for hernia?
(SLS). Hernias can go misdiagnosed in women, and can instead be thought to be
ovarian cysts, fibroids, endometriosis
, or other abdominal issues, according to the SLS. Women's hernias can be small and internal. They might not be a bulge that can be felt in an exam or be visible outside the body, according to the SLS.
What causes a groin hernia in females?
A femoral hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the muscle wall of the groin or inner thigh. Common causes include being
overweight and overstraining while coughing, exercising, or passing stool
. Symptoms of a femoral hernia include a lump in the groin or inner thigh and groin discomfort.
What happens if a hernia is left untreated?
“Hernias cannot heal on their own — if left untreated, they
usually get bigger and more painful
, and can cause serious health risks in some cases.” If the wall through which the intestine is protruding closes shut, it can cause a strangulated hernia, which cuts off blood flow to the bowel.
How long can a hernia be left untreated?
If this condition is left untreated longer than
6 hours
, incarcerated hernia can cut off blood flow to part of the intestine, resulting in strangulated hernia.
Is hernia surgery a major surgery?
A
hernia repair is a common but major surgery with significant risks
and potential complications. You may have less invasive treatment options available.
How do I know if I have a hernia or groin strain?
Feelings of dull aching and pain in the groin area are common for both a muscle strain and a hernia. A key indicator that you may have a hernia, however, is if
you have a small bulge or lump on one side of the groin
. This is the result of an area of tissue or organ pushing through the groin or abdominal muscle.
Do all inguinal hernias require surgery?
Not all inguinal hernias need to be repaired, but
all hernia repairs require surgery
. Small hernias that are not strangulated—blocking blood supply to the intestine—and are causing bowel obstruction or significant pain do not necessarily require surgery or emergency surgical repair.
How can I shrink my hernia naturally?
- Aloe vera. Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory and soothing properties. …
- Taking short and light meals. Changes in diet are good for getting relief from hiatal hernia. …
- Castor seed oil. …
- Ice pack. …
- Vegetable juice. …
- Cycling excercise. …
- Pool exercises for light resistance. …
- Walk for 30 minutes.
Can you live with a hernia without surgery?
A hernia usually does not go away without surgery
. Non-surgical approaches such as wearing a corset, binder, or truss may exert gentle pressure on the hernia and keep it in place. These methods may ease the pain or discomfort and may be used if you are not fit for the surgery or awaiting surgery.
Does a hernia make you urinate more?
Sometimes a patient's bladder will be trapped within the hernia. If this happens, you could experience urinary burning, frequent infections, bladder stones and hesitancy or frequency in urinating.
