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Lump in the groin
Swelling of groin area when standing up
Abdominal lump
Fat stomach
Top of the hip is swollen and lumpy
Groin swelling appears when standing up
Bumps on the stomach
Not seeing your symptoms? No worries!
What is Inguinal Hernia?
An inguinal hernia is a condition where a bulge appears in your groin region, in the area between your lower abdomen and your thigh, through a weakening of muscles in your lower abdomen. This bulge is commonly a protrusion of your tissue or abdominal organs such as your intestines. If not treated, inguinal hernias can result in an obstruction of your digestive system.
Typical Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia
- Groin swelling appears when standing up
- Swelling in the groin region
- A lump in my abdomen
- History of groin hernia
- Family history of fits during fevers / febrile seizures
- Change in color of the groin swelling
- Groin pain
- Pain when exerting physically e.g. climbing the stairs
Diagnostic Questions for Inguinal Hernia
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have swelling in the groin area when standing up?
- Is there swelling in your groin?
- Do you have a lump in your abdomen?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with an inguinal hernia?
- Any family history of febrile convulsions or seizures in childhood?
Treatment of Inguinal Hernia
An inguinal hernia left on its own is not necessarily dangerous. However, it usually does not improve on its own, can worsen, and lead to life-threatening complications. Surgery is the only definitive treatment for inguinal hernias.
Reviewed By:
Scott Nass, MD, MPA, FAAFP, AAHIVS (Primary Care)
Dr. Nass received dual medical degrees from the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA and Charles R. Drew University in Medicine and Science. He completed Family Medicine residency at Ventura County Medical Center with subsequent fellowships at Ventura, University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, George Washington University, and University of California-Irvine. He holds faculty appointments at Keck School of Medicine of USC, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, and Western University of Health Sciences.
Content updated on Jan 14, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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See full list
Symptoms Related to Inguinal Hernia
Diseases Related to Inguinal Hernia
FAQs
Q.
Is It a Hernia? Why Your Bulge Won’t Heal & Medical Next Steps
A.
A persistent or activity dependent bulge in the groin or abdomen is often a hernia and, in adults, it usually does not heal on its own because it is a structural muscle defect. There are several factors to consider, including the type of hernia, when watchful waiting under medical supervision is reasonable, and when surgery is the definitive next step; see below to understand more. Seek prompt medical evaluation for any new or enlarging bulge, and go to emergency care now if you have sudden severe pain, vomiting, a firm tender or discolored lump, or cannot pass gas or stool; detailed next steps and risk signs are outlined below.
References:
* Kulasegaran N, Singh K, Subudhi S, Nanda A, Rout P, Mallick M. Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Mar 2;325(9):911-912. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.1444. PMID: 33647035.
* Alfieri S, Bassi S, Fregonese D, Fregonese L. Diagnosis and management of recurrent inguinal hernia. Hernia. 2021 Apr;25(2):297-307. doi: 10.1007/s10029-020-02319-7. Epub 2020 Oct 31. PMID: 33135899.
* LeBlanc KE, LeBlanc LL, LeBlanc KA. Current perspectives on the diagnosis and management of inguinal hernias. J Pain Res. 2017 Jul 25;10:1679-1689. doi: 10.2147/JPR.S139418. PMID: 28790933; PMCID: PMC5533519.
* Erdas E, Cicalese M, Giraudo G, Calvo D, De Leo L, Rosato R, Palagi S, Falco E, Giustetto A, Morino M. Recurrence after inguinal hernia repair: what are the risk factors? Hernia. 2019 Jun;23(3):477-483. doi: 10.1007/s10029-018-1830-4. Epub 2018 Oct 4. PMID: 30288674.
* Humes D, Haywood R, Hounsome J, Williams J, Gryshchenko R, Kaur S, Watson M, Stevenson M. Watchful waiting for asymptomatic inguinal hernia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Hernia. 2020 Feb;24(1):21-30. doi: 10.1007/s10029-019-02047-2. Epub 2019 Jul 23. PMID: 31338575.
Q.
That Heavy Pulling? Why Your Inner Wall is Tearing & Medical Hernia Steps
A.
A heavy pulling or dragging feeling in your groin or lower abdomen, especially with lifting or coughing, often points to a hernia, a bulge from a weak abdominal wall that will not heal on its own and can become an emergency if trapped or strangulated. Diagnosis is usually by exam, and care ranges from watchful waiting for small, reducible hernias to surgical repair, with urgent help needed for severe pain, vomiting, fever, or a hard, discolored bulge; there are several factors to consider, so see below for details on symptoms, types, prevention, recovery, and choosing between open and laparoscopic repair that could shape your next steps.
References:
* Smiell JM, Kim M, Barden MD, Williams D, Smiell D. Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Review of Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Surg Clin North Am. 2020 Apr;100(2):273-289. doi: 10.1016/j.suc.2019.12.001. Epub 2020 Jan 24. PMID: 32115169.
* Harsløf S, Thygesen MK, Lauritsen ML, Henriksen NA, Niemann T. Current knowledge and future perspectives on the pathophysiology of abdominal wall hernias. Hernia. 2020 Oct;24(5):903-911. doi: 10.1007/s10029-020-02157-1. Epub 2020 Mar 10. PMID: 32157549.
* Deerenberg EB, Halm JA, Pronk A, Bemelman WA, Jeekel J, Lange JF. Risk factors for primary and incisional ventral hernia formation: a systematic review. Hernia. 2016 Jun;20(3):347-60. doi: 10.1007/s10029-016-1472-8. Epub 2016 Feb 19. PMID: 26895393.
* European Hernia Society guidelines on the treatment of inguinal hernia. Hernia. 2023 Oct;27(5):1153-1178. doi: 10.1007/s10029-023-01826-6. Epub 2023 Aug 29. PMID: 37639148.
* Poulose BK, Novitsky YW. Ventral Hernia Repair: A Review of Current Techniques and Future Directions. Ann Surg. 2020 Jul;272(1):11-20. doi: 10.1097/SLA.0000000000003882. PMID: 32384112.
Q.
Is It a Hernia? Symptoms Women Shouldn’t Ignore & Next Steps
A.
Hernia symptoms women should not ignore include a new or enlarging bulge, groin or pelvic pain that worsens with activity, abdominal discomfort, or reflux, and urgent warning signs like sudden severe pain, a hard tender or discolored bulge, vomiting, fever, or inability to pass gas require emergency care. There are several factors to consider for diagnosis and treatment, from monitoring to minimally invasive repair, so avoid heavy lifting, track symptoms, and book an appointment with your primary care clinician or OB-GYN; see the complete guidance below to understand more.
References:
* Parker M, Le T. Abdominal Wall Hernias: A Review. JAMA. 2021 Mar 9;325(10):1093-1094. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.0664. PMID: 33688998.
* Singh A, Pal A. Optimal Management of Inguinal Hernias in Women. Indian J Surg. 2020 Feb;82(1):92-99. doi: 10.1007/s12262-019-02058-4. Epub 2019 Dec 24. PMID: 32089408; PMCID: PMC7023773.
* Al-Habbal Y, Al-Hashimi I, Yussuf T, Al-Hassani A, Al-Marhoobi H, Al-Habsi N. Femoral Hernia in Women: A 10-Year Review. Oman Med J. 2022 Mar 31;37(2):e363. doi: 10.5001/omj.2022.45. PMID: 35645524; PMCID: PMC9108169.
* Jensen P, Hagedorn T, Enggaard L, Øregaard N. Optimal management of umbilical hernia in adults. BMJ Open Gastroenterol. 2021 Jun;8(1):e000730. doi: 10.1136/bmjgast-2021-000730. PMID: 34187766; PMCID: PMC8246726.
* Kement M, Kement M. Abdominal Wall Hernias: An Overview. Sisli Etfal Hastan Tip Bul. 2019;53(3):214-222. doi: 10.14744/SEMB.2019.56708. Epub 2019 Aug 21. PMID: 32055106; PMCID: PMC6990494.
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Ramanan B, Maloley BJ, Fitzgibbons RJ Jr. Inguinal hernia: follow or repair? Adv Surg. 2014;48:1-11. doi: 10.1016/j.yasu.2014.05.017. PMID: 25293603.
https://www.advancessurgery.com/article/S0065-3411(14)00018-9/fulltextBurcharth J. The epidemiology and risk factors for recurrence after inguinal hernia surgery. Dan Med J. 2014 May;61(5):B4846. PMID: 24814748.
https://ugeskriftet.dk/dmj/epidemiology-and-risk-factors-recurrence-after-inguinal-hernia-surgeryShakil A, Aparicio K, Barta E, Munez K. Inguinal Hernias: Diagnosis and Management. Am Fam Physician. 2020 Oct 15;102(8):487-492. PMID: 33064426.
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2020/1015/p487.html