LIVING WITH INGUINAL HERNIA
You are not alone
Inguinal hernias affect roughly 15% of all adults and represents over two-thirds of all adult hernias. While this condition is most common in men, women can also be prone to an inguinal hernia.¹
What does an inguinal hernia feel like?
Common symptoms of an inguinal hernia include:
- A slight bulge in the groin area which may become more apparent when you cough or strain. 2
- A steady, aching pain radiating into the hernia area. This pain may worsen with tension.3
- Pain or bruising in the area of the hernia after a period of exercise.3
The size of the hernia bulge varies between individuals (up to a few centimetres long). However, the size of the hernia is not always indicative of the severity of the hernia.
If you are NOT able to massage the hernia back in, seek medical help as soon as you can. This may be a sign of an incarcerated hernia and should be treated immediately.3
So, you think you have an inguinal hernia. What now?
Go and speak to your doctor. At first, your doctor may suggest a strategy called “watchful waiting”. This is an active process where you carefully monitor your symptoms in case they worsen.
However, a hernia will not repair on its own. The only way to treat an inguinal hernia is through hernia repair surgery. You can learn more about the different kinds of surgical treatments available to you here, or find a hernia specialist to discuss procedures:
The recovery process will vary depending on your circumstances but can be relatively quick.4 Speak to your doctor about recovery times.
Follow these steps to start your journey to treatment
STEP 01
Take the symptom quiz
Answer some simple questions about the symptoms you may be experiencing.
STEP 02
Discuss with your GP
Take these results to your next appointment and discuss your treatment options.
STEP 03
Find a specialist
If your GP recommends surgical repair, find a suitable specialist near you.
Still have questions?
Visit our FAQ to learn more about inguinal hernia, its symptoms, and the available treatment options.
If you think you have a hernia or just want to know more about your symptoms, you can start by speaking with your regular doctor using your symptom quiz answers.
If you do have a hernia, you may need to speak with a specialist. These doctors are trained in diagnosing and treating hernias with all the available therapies.
References
- Malangoni MA, Rosen MJ. Hernias. In:CM Townsend, RD Beauchamp, et al. Sabiston Textbook of Surgery, Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier, 2012:Chap 46
- FACS_groin_hernia_pt_education.pdf.
- LeBlanc KE, LeBlanc LL, LeBlanc KA. Inguinal hernias: diagnosis and management. Am Fam Physician. 2013 Jun 15;87(12):844-8. PMID: 23939566.
- Recommendations on postoperative strain and physical labor after abdominal and hernia surgery: an expert survey of attendants of the 41st EHS Annual International Congress of the European Hernia Society.