Indirect inguinal hernia (patient information)
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What is an Indirect inguinal hernia?
Indirect inguinal hernias are congenital hernias and are much more common in males than females because of the way males develop in the womb. In a male fetus, the spermatic cord and both testicles, starting from an intra-abdominal location, normally descend through the inguinal canal into the scrotum, the sac that holds the testicles. Sometimes the entrance of the inguinal canal at the inguinal ring does not close as it should just after birth, leaving a weakness in the abdominal wall. Fat or part of the small intestine slides through the weakness into the inguinal canal, causing a hernia. In females, an indirect inguinal hernia is caused by the female organs or the small intestine sliding into the groin through a weakness in the abdominal wall.
Indirect hernias are the most common type of inguinal hernia.
What are the symptoms of an Indirect inguinal hernia?
Symptoms of inguinal hernia include
- a small bulge in one or both sides of the groin that may increase in size and disappear when lying down; in males, it can present as a swollen or enlarged scrotum
- discomfort or sharp pain—especially when straining, lifting, or exercising—that improves when resting
- a feeling of weakness or pressure in the groin
- a burning, gurgling, or aching feeling at the bulge
What are the causes of an Indirect inguinal hernia?
Indirect inguinal hernia's are congenital and is caused by failure of the inguinal ring to close just after birth, leadving a weakness in the abdominal wall.
Who is at risk for an Indirect inguinal hernia?
- Premature infants are especially at risk for indirect inguinal hernias because there is less time for the inguinal canal to close.*
- Males are also at a higher risk for developing indirect inguinal hernias because of the way they develop in the womb.
How to know you have an Indirect inguinal hernia?
When to seek urgent medical care
Treatment options
Diseases with similar symptoms
Where to find medical care for an Indirect inguinal hernia
Directions to Hospitals Treating an Indirect inguinal hernia