Inguinal Hernia
Cause
Inguinal hernias, which occur when tissue bulges through the abdominal (belly) muscles and into the groin, are caused by:
- An opening in the passage from the abdomen to the genitals (called the Reference inguinal canal Opens New Window) that should close before birth but does not.
- Abdominal muscles that are weakened by aging and the daily wear and tear of life.
Conditions that increase pressure within the abdominal cavity, such as frequent coughing or being overweight, may contribute to the development of hernias.
A Reference femoral hernia, sometimes mistaken for an inguinal hernia, occurs when tissue bulges from the lower abdomen into the upper thigh, just below the groin crease. The cause of a femoral hernia is often difficult to determine.
If you do not have an inguinal hernia, you may have one of the other Reference common types of hernia. These include incisional, epigastric, and umbilical hernias in children and adults.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference November 15, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Kenneth Bark, MD - Surgery, Colon and Rectal |
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