Inguinal hernias make up about 75% of all hernias in the United States. An inguinal hernia develops when a part of your intestine or abdominal tissue pushes through a weak spot in your inguinal canal, near your groin area.
Up to 25% of men get inguinal hernias in their lifetimes, and recognizing the warning signs is crucial for early detection and timely treatment.
As an experienced hernia repair specialist at North Tarrant Health Providers in Fort Worth, Texas, Dr. Balaguru Sambandam is here to help. Here’s what you need to know about the symptoms of inguinal hernias, and what your treatment options are.
Most of the time, hernias start small — and it’s possible to have an inguinal hernia without knowing it. However, larger hernias can cause symptoms and it’s important to recognize the warning signs. You could have an inguinal hernia if you notice:
The most obvious sign of an inguinal hernia is a visible or palpable bulge in your groin or scrotum. It’s usually soft, but defined. It may be more noticeable when standing, coughing, or straining, and it may disappear when you lie down or gently push it back into your abdomen.
Inguinal hernias can cause discomfort or even pain, particularly as you lift heavy objects, bend down, cough, or do other strenuous activities. The discomfort can range from a dull ache to sharp, intense pain. It may also radiate to your groin or lower abdomen.
Sometimes, an inguinal hernia can cause a burning or aching sensation around the bulge or in your groin area. These sensations may worsen with physical exertion or prolonged standing.
If you have an inguinal hernia, you might notice a sense of weakness or pressure in your groin area. This sensation may be accompanied by a dragging or heaviness that can be severe enough to interfere with your daily activities.
In rare cases, an inguinal hernia can cause digestive symptoms. Nausea, vomiting, or difficulty passing stool may indicate that your hernia is obstructing your intestine. This is a potentially serious complication, so seek immediate medical attention if it happens to you.
Inguinal hernias are extremely common, and they can be uncomfortable. Fortunately, effective treatment is available. Dr. Sambandam and our team do a physical exam to diagnose your condition. Then, we review your medical history and develop a treatment plan that fits your needs. Common treatments for inguinal hernias include:
Small inguinal hernias may not necessitate immediate treatment. If your hernia isn’t causing significant symptoms or complications, we might recommend a "watchful waiting" approach.
We closely monitor your hernia and symptoms, and adjust your treatment plan as needed. It's important to note that an inguinal hernia won’t heal on its own, and it may worsen over time.
Certain lifestyle changes can help alleviate the symptoms of your inguinal hernia in the short term. Depending on your situation, we may recommend eating a high-fiber diet to prevent constipation and straining. Maintaining a healthy weight can also ease symptoms.
You should always use proper lifting techniques to avoid further injury, and you may need to avoid heavy lifting.
Since hernias can’t heal on their own, the most effective treatment is surgical repair. We use minimally invasive laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair, which minimizes your risk of complications and promotes faster healing.
During the procedure, Dr. Sambandam places the protruding tissue back into your abdomen and reinforces the weak spot with surgical mesh. The goal of hernia surgery is to fix your hernia and relieve all your symptoms.
Do the symptoms of an inguinal hernia sound familiar? Schedule a visit at North Tarrant Health Providers to get a diagnosis and treatment plan, so you can start feeling better.
Call our office in Fort Worth, Texas, at 817-904-4165 today, or request an appointment online any time.
