Q:
What are the risk factors and symptoms of inguinal hernia?
A:
Risk factors that contribute to developing an inguinal hernia include:
- Being male. Men are eight times more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than are women.
- Being older. Muscles weaken as you age.
- Being white.
- Chronic cough, such as from smoking.
- Chronic constipation. Constipation causes straining during bowel movements.
- Family history. You have a close relative, such as a parent or sibling, who has the condition.
- Pregnancy. Being pregnant can weaken the abdominal muscles and cause increased pressure inside your abdomen.
- Premature birth and low birth weight.
- Previous inguinal hernia or hernia repair.
Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include:
- A bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone, which becomes more obvious when you’re upright, especially if you cough or strain
- A burning or aching sensation at the bulge
- A heavy or dragging sensation in your groin
- Pain or discomfort in your groin, especially when bending over, coughing or lifting
- Weakness or pressure in your groin
