Inguinal Hernia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Inguinal Hernia?
A general surgeon, a doctor who does operations such as hernia repair, usually treats an inguinal hernia. A primary care doctor can often find the bulge during an exam and send you to the surgeon. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia happens when part of the belly bulges through a weak spot in the lower belly wall. The bulge comes through one of two passages in the groin, called the inguinal canals. The groin is the area between the lower belly and the thighs.
Inguinal hernias most often contain fat or part of the small intestine. A doctor can often move an inguinal hernia back inside the abdominal wall with gentle massage.
Inguinal hernias are relatively common. Researchers estimate that about 27 percent of men and 3 percent of women will get one in their lives.
Symptoms
There are usually no symptoms other than a bulge you can see. Some people also have:
- A bulge in the groin.
- A bulge in the scrotum in a male.
- Discomfort, pain, heaviness, or burning in the groin.
An inguinal hernia can become stuck, which doctors call incarcerated. This means the contents cannot be massaged back inside the abdominal wall. A stuck hernia may become strangulated, which means its blood flow is cut off.
Causes and who gets it
A weak spot in the muscles and tissue of the lower belly wall lets an inguinal hernia form. There are two types.
An indirect hernia comes from a defect in the lower belly wall that is present at birth.
A direct hernia comes from a weak spot in the canal wall that develops later in life. This type mostly happens in men.
Pressure inside the abdomen may also play a role. Examples include:
- A long-lasting cough or long-lasting constipation.
- Heavy lifting.
Inguinal hernias are more common in men, who are 8 to 10 times more likely than women to develop one. Premature infants are also more likely to have an inguinal hernia. People with a family history of inguinal hernias are also more likely to have one.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your medical history and symptoms and do a physical exam. The doctor may ask you to stand, cough, or strain while checking for a bulge. The doctor may also try to gently massage the hernia back into the abdomen.
If the diagnosis is not clear after the exam, your doctor may order imaging tests. These can include an ultrasound, which uses sound waves to make a picture of your organs.
Treatment
Most people with inguinal hernias will need surgery to repair the hernia. Surgery is the only treatment that can permanently fix a hernia.
In open surgery, a surgeon makes a cut in your groin to repair the hernia. Surgeons often use stitches and a piece of mesh to close the wall. The mesh strengthens the weak area. In laparoscopic surgery, a surgeon uses several small cuts in the lower belly. Recovery time after laparoscopic surgery may be shorter than after open surgery.
Men whose hernias cause few or no symptoms may be able to safely delay surgery. This is called watchful waiting.
A stuck or strangulated hernia needs emergency surgery.
Possible risks of surgery include infection and swelling from a buildup of blood or fluid. Some people have urinary retention. Pain can be long-term or severe, and the hernia can come back. Serious problems, such as damage to blood vessels or organs, are rare.
Many people can go back to work and daily activities within 3 to 5 days after surgery.
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have signs of a stuck or strangulated hernia. A strangulated hernia is a life-threatening condition. These signs include:
- A hernia bulge that is suddenly larger than before.
- A bulge that used to go back inside the belly but no longer does.
- Fever, or redness in the area of the hernia.
- A bulge that looks purple, dark, or discolored.
- Sudden or severe pain or tenderness in the area of the hernia.
- Signs of a blocked bowel, such as belly pain, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
See your provider if you notice groin pain, swelling, or a bulge.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Either can ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam to check for a hernia.
Common questions
Does an inguinal hernia always need surgery?
Not always, but most people with inguinal hernias will need surgery. Men whose hernias cause few or no symptoms may be able to safely wait.
Can an inguinal hernia become an emergency?
Yes, an inguinal hernia can become an emergency if it gets stuck and then strangulated. Strangulated means the blood flow to the hernia is cut off. A strangulated hernia is life-threatening. A stuck or strangulated hernia needs emergency surgery.
How can I lower my chance of a hernia?
You can help prevent a hernia by using proper lifting techniques and losing weight if you are overweight. You can also avoid constipation by eating fiber, drinking fluids, and exercising.
Sources
- NIH National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - Inguinal Hernia
- MedlinePlus - Hernia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
