Inguinal hernia

A hernia is when an internal organ pushes into a space where it doesn't normally sit.

An inguinal hernia is when organs or tissues from inside the abdomen, such as the intestines, push through a gap or weak spot in the abdominal (belly) wall into the groin area. 

An inguinal hernia is a common type of hernia that can affect the groin. Another type of groin hernia is a femoral hernia.

An inguinal hernia usually looks like a lump under the skin. It is most common in males. It can occur in babies, children and adults.

You may first notice an inguinal hernia as a painless lump in your groin. Some people feel discomfort or a 'dragging' sensation.

The lump may be more noticeable when you cough, strain or lift something heavy. It often disappears when you relax or lie down. It may get bigger as time goes on.

There are two main types of inguinal hernias, each with different causes.

Indirect inguinal hernias usually involve a gap in the lower abdominal muscles that has existed from birth. If this gap doesn't close before birth as it should, your bowel may push through the opening. 

This type of hernia is often diagnosed in babies, but may only become noticeable later in life. It is not known why the gap doesn’t close. Premature babies (Opens in new tab) are more likely to have an inguinal hernia on both sides of their body.

Direct inguinal hernias usually involve a weakening of the abdominal muscles over time. Straining to pass bowel motions (poo) or frequent coughing can further weaken these muscles.

See your doctor if you or your child has a groin lump. They can work out what is causing it and whether it needs treatment.

If you need to see your doctor but cannot wait for an appointment, you may be able to get treatment at a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Use the Service Finder to find your nearest one.

Go to your nearest hospital emergency department if you or your child has a known inguinal hernia with:

• pain in the groin
• nausea or vomiting
• feeling bloated or not being able to pass a stool (poo) or wind
• a purple or red colour over the lump
• a swelling that feels hard and does not get smaller if you press on it

To diagnose an inguinal hernia, your doctor will ask about your symptoms and do a physical examination, including an examination of your groin. They may refer you for an ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scan of the groin if it’s not clear what is causing your symptoms.

Inguinal hernias are usually treated with surgery to relieve your symptoms and prevent complications. Sometimes, if your symptoms are very mild, you may not need surgery.

Non-surgical treatment

If the hernia is causing mild or no symptoms, your doctor may suggest ‘watchful waiting’. This means monitoring the hernia and treating symptoms if they develop. Some people may not need surgery straight away, but for many, symptoms can become worse over time.

A special belt called a truss can help support the hernia if you don’t want or can’t have surgery. This does not treat the hernia itself and may not relieve symptoms for everyone.

Surgical treatment

Surgery is the most effective treatment for inguinal hernias. There are 2 main types of surgery:

• Open surgery — the surgeon makes a cut in the groin, pushes the bulging tissue back into place and closes the gap. They will generally use a piece of mesh to strengthen the area. 
• Laparoscopic surgery — the surgeon makes small cuts in your abdomen and uses a tiny camera to guide the hernia repair. They usually use a piece of mesh to strengthen the area.

Most people can go home the same day after surgery. You can usually go back to your usual activities after 3 to 5 days. Ask your doctor when it is safe for you to return to work, exercise and other usual activities.

As with any surgery, there are some risks. You should discuss potential risks and likely benefits with your surgeon.

Find out more about:

• inguinal hernia repair in children
• open inguinal hernia repair in females
• open inguinal hernia repair in males
• laparoscopic hernia repair

If you have an inguinal hernia, there are ways to manage it at home, especially if it's not causing severe symptoms:

• Avoid straining — try not to lift heavy objects or strain during bowel movements. This can make the hernia worse.
• Wear a truss — a truss is a supportive device that can help keep the hernia in place. It's not a long-term solution but may provide temporary relief.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle — maintaining a healthy weight can help manage symptoms. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can also be helpful.
• Monitor symptoms — watch for any changes in your hernia. If you notice your symptoms become severe, contact your doctor immediately.

An inguinal hernia can become stuck, where the organs or tissues that have come out cannot be pushed back inside the abdomen.

If a hernia is stuck, it can become strangulated. This is when the blood supply to the abdominal tissue is cut off and it can become swollen and damaged. This is an emergency and needs urgent surgery. 

If part of the bowel is stuck inside the hernia, it can burst and cause a serious infection called peritonitis.

Inguinal hernias present from birth are not preventable. 

Some factors linked to inguinal hernias include smoking, coughing and straining with constipation. Treating these conditions may help lower your chance of developing an inguinal hernia.

The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne has more information on inguinal hernias in children (Opens in new tab).

The Department of Health Western Australia (Opens in new tab) has a fact sheet on inguinal hernias.

The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (Opens in new tab) has answers to frequently asked questions about having surgery.

Languages other than English

If you are considering surgery, Safer Care Victoria has information in a range of community languages (Opens in new tab) to help you prepare.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Find an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health and Medical Service (Opens in new tab) in your area.

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) (Opens in new tab) or Affiliate near you.