Hernias that occur due to a weakness in the abdominal wall at the inguinal canal, are called inguinal hernias . And not surprisingly, men are 25 times more likely than women to experience a hernia in this area. Some inguinal hernias press directly through the floor of the inguinal canal. Others follow the route taken by the blood vessels that supply the testes. There's no single cause.
Most people understand that hernias can sometimes occur following sudden, forceful lifting.
Symptoms of hernias can vary. If you have a mild hernia, you may not even be aware of it. But in most cases, a hernia causes a noticeable lump or swelling. There may be some pain or discomfort - often increasing when standing, and subsiding when lying down. If those organs cannot slide easily back into the abdomen,the hernia is said to be irreducibl e .