A tiny, soft hernia that does not produce discomfort may not require immediate treatment. The doctor may advise you to sit back and wait for changes, such as discomfort, to occur. If your hernia is severe or big, your doctor may advise you to consult with a surgeon. The hernia may require surgery to be repaired. Your doctor will explain the options available and help you decide what course of action to take. Hernias can develop in anyone at any time. However, they are most common in adults over 50 years old. Factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, smoking, and aging body parts make hernias more likely to occur. Hernias can affect anyone, but they are more common in men than women. Hernias can occur anywhere within the abdominal cavity where muscles have separated to allow for movement of the abdomen. However, hernias are most often found near the groin or under the breastbone. Hernias can be classified by type, including inguinal, femoral, spigelian, and incisional. Inguinal hernias occur through a defect between two layers of tissue in the groin area: the internal oblique muscle and the external oblique muscle. As we age, our abdominal walls contain fewer fibers of these muscles, which allows the intestines to protrude through the opening. This can lead to pain, discomfort, and embarrassment because skin appears above the intestine.