Usually, there is no apparent cause of a hernia , although they are sometimes associated with heavy lifting. A direct inguinal hernia creates a bulge in the groin area, and an indirect hernia descends into the scrotum.
Inguinal hernias occur less often in women than men.
Prevention Return to top Hernias may occur more often in patients who are overweight, have a chronic cough, chronic constipation, or prostatic hytpertrophy which leads to straining with urination. Treatment of these conditions may reduce the risk of deveoping a hernia. There may be a genetic predisposition to the development of hernias. Symptoms Return to top Groin discomfort or groin pain aggravated by bending or lifting A tender groin lump or scrotum lump Signs and tests Return to top A physical examination confirms the presence of the hernia . The mass may increase in size when coughing, bending, lifting, or straining.