Relieve symptoms and discomfort associated with an inguinal hernia
Inguinal hernias are common in men and appear as a soft, visible bulge on the skin near the groin. This bulge, which occurs at a point where the abdominal wall is weakened, can sometimes be pushed back in and usually disappears when lying down.
Some people do not notice their inguinal hernia at all, but in most cases it causes mild discomfort and a feeling of heaviness in the area. Sometimes, the hernia can cause more severe symptoms, including aching and a sharp or burning sensation, and may also cause some pain in the abdomen or scrotum. It is not uncommon for the pain to be most severe when the hernia first appears. The pain and bulge can often become worse when straining, coughing, laughing, bending, standing up or lifting heavy objects.
Incarcerated inguinal hernia
If you notice that the hernia suddenly becomes very painful, it may have become incarcerated. This means that the contents of the hernia have become trapped, and surgery may be required as soon as possible.
Relieving the symptoms
Inguinal hernias in children are almost always treated surgically, whereas an inguinal hernia in an adult is treated with surgery only when it is considered to be causing significant problems. If your symptoms are mild, you may be able to relieve them yourself. This may also apply if surgery is not possible for some reason or while you are waiting for surgery. For example, you may try to gently push the hernia back in, which is easiest when lying on your back with your knees bent. Applying gentle upward pressure over the hernia towards the abdomen may help it retract and provide temporary relief. You can also try gently massaging the hernia back into place. To help prevent the inguinal hernia from enlarging or causing discomfort, avoid heavy lifting and activities that increase pressure in the abdomen, such as certain types of strength training. It is generally best to avoid movements that cause discomfort around the hernia, so it is important to listen to your body. Smoking and being overweight can also have a negative effect on the hernia.
Effective support
An effective and convenient aid that can relieve symptoms is an inguinal hernia support, also known as a hernia truss or hernia belt. The support provided by the belt helps compensate for the weakness in the abdominal wall where the inguinal hernia has developed and helps hold the hernia in place, reducing discomfort. A hernia support may also help prevent the hernia from enlarging. Supports are available for both unilateral and bilateral inguinal hernias and include removable pads that provide additional support and help prevent the hernia from protruding.
Frequently asked questions about inguinal hernias
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia occurs when the peritoneum and abdominal contents, such as fatty tissue or part of the intestine, protrude through a weak area in the abdominal wall in the groin. The hernia may appear as a soft bulge that becomes more noticeable when you stand up, cough or strain.
Can an inguinal hernia go away on its own?
No. An inguinal hernia does not disappear on its own. In adults with mild or no symptoms, it may sometimes be possible to monitor the hernia without surgery, while a hernia causing significant discomfort may need surgical treatment. Inguinal hernias in children are generally treated with surgery.
When does an inguinal hernia need surgery?
In adults, the need for surgery depends partly on how much discomfort the hernia causes and how it affects everyday life. Surgery may be considered if the hernia causes recurring pain, increases in size or limits physical activity. Women with an inguinal hernia should be assessed by a surgeon because the risk of incarceration is higher.
Can you exercise with an inguinal hernia?
This depends on your symptoms. Physical activity that does not cause pain or discomfort can often be continued, but activities that clearly worsen your symptoms may need to be modified. There is no general rule that all exercise or all heavy lifting must be avoided. If you are unsure which activities are suitable for you, discuss this with a healthcare professional.
Can I use a hernia support for an inguinal hernia?
Yes. A hernia support can be a useful aid for some adults with symptoms. It can provide support and help hold the hernia in place, which may reduce discomfort. A hernia support may be particularly useful when surgery is not suitable or while waiting for surgery. However, it does not replace a medical assessment or surgery if required.
How does a hernia support work?
A hernia support applies targeted pressure over the hernia and helps hold it in place. For the support to work as effectively as possible, it needs to fit correctly and be the right size. Our hernia supports have pads that are positioned over the hernia to provide more targeted support.
Can an inguinal hernia be pushed back in?
A soft, reducible inguinal hernia can sometimes be gently pushed back in while lying down. However, it should never be forced. If the bulge cannot be pushed back in, particularly if it is also painful or swollen, seek medical attention as this may indicate an incarcerated hernia.
What is an incarcerated inguinal hernia?
An incarcerated inguinal hernia occurs when the contents of the hernia sac become trapped and can no longer be pushed back in. If the blood supply is affected, the tissue can become damaged. This is a serious condition that requires urgent medical assessment.
What symptoms mean I need urgent medical attention?
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience sudden, severe or worsening pain in the groin, abdomen or scrotum together with a bulge that is hard, swollen or cannot be pushed back in. Redness over the area, nausea or vomiting may also occur. These symptoms may indicate an incarcerated inguinal hernia.
Can an inguinal hernia cause scrotal pain?
Yes. An inguinal hernia can extend down into the scrotum and cause a feeling of heaviness, discomfort or pain. However, sudden or severe scrotal pain should always be assessed urgently, as it may have other causes that also require emergency treatment.
Can inguinal hernias be prevented?
It is not always possible to prevent an inguinal hernia. Factors affecting the tissues of the abdominal wall and pressure inside the abdomen may play a role. Avoiding smoking, treating persistent coughing and constipation, and modifying activities that clearly trigger symptoms may be sensible measures, but no method can reliably prevent an inguinal hernia.
Can an inguinal hernia come back after surgery?
Most people recover well after surgery, but an inguinal hernia can recur in some cases. It is also possible to develop a new hernia on the other side or in another location. The risk depends partly on the type of hernia and the surgical technique used.
