• A preexisting weak spot in the abdominal wall
• Age
• Birth defect
• Chronic coughing or sneezing
• Pregnancy
• Previous abdominal surgery
• Putting pressure on abdomen such as straining on toilet from constipation and lifting heavy objects

If you see the hernia bulge turning red, purple, or dark, you may be at risk for inguinal hernia strangulation which is a life-threatening complication. In this case, immediately contact emergency room. However, if you see a lump suspected to be inguinal hernia with or without symptoms such as pain, make an appointment with surgery center for diagnosis. If inguinal hernia is confirmed, a repair can be made before complications set in. In some cases, follow-up monitoring is recommended for mild cases.

Complications from inguinal hernia can be life-threatening if left untreated. If the hernia cannot be pushed back in, it could be trapped in the abdominal wall and can become obstructed or strangulated.

• Obstruction: a section of bowel becomes stuck in inguinal canal. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and painful lump.
• Strangulation: a section of bowel becomes trapped and blood supply cannot flow. Emergency surgery needs to be done within hours to release the trapped tissue.

Inguinal hernia signs and symptoms include:

• Swelling or lump in your groin, can be seen when coughing or lifting heavy object
• Appears as enlarged scrotum
• Pain
• Weakness or pressure in your groin
• In newborns, sometimes visible only when crying, coughing or straining during bowel movement
• Newborns may be irritable and have lesser appetite than usual

Inguinal hernia can be repaired with surgery and is recommended if you have pain, severe or persistent symptoms, or if any serious complications develop. There are two main types of inguinal hernia repair:

• Open surgery: a cut where surgeons can push the lump back into the abdomen
• Laparoscopic surgery: a less invasive technique requiring experienced and skilled surgeons for the repair