Are you also afraid of an inguinal hernia? (Inguinal Hernia) Let's learn everything about it!

Have you ever felt a small lump in your groin area when you cough, lift something, or just sit? Maybe it hurts a little, or it just feels like a heaviness. Many people are afraid and embarrassed to talk about it. But this is what we call a 'hernia', specifically an 'inguinal hernia'. Don't worry, this is a very common condition. Let's talk about it in detail, in a way that you can understand.

Simply put, what is an inguinal hernia?

Think of the organs inside our abdomen (for example, the intestines, the fat pads in the abdomen) as being like the air in a balloon. These organs are held tightly by the muscles in our abdominal wall. Just like the rubber in a balloon. Now, if this muscle wall becomes weak somewhere, or if a small hole forms, a piece of tissue inside the abdomen can protrude through there. That's what we call a hernia .

Inguinal hernias occur in or around the inguinal canal, the area where the abdomen and legs meet. This is the most common type of hernia.

Are there types of hernias? What are direct and indirect?

Yes, inguinal hernias can be divided into two main types. There is a slight difference in the way these two occur.

Who is affected the most by this situation?

This is not surprising, as men are about 10 times more likely to develop this type of hernia than women. The reason is the way our bodies are designed. A man's testicles develop inside the womb during the embryonic period. They then travel through the inguinal canal to the scrotum. So, naturally, a small weak spot is left along this path. Over time, this weak spot is more likely to develop into a hernia.

This is less common in women . This is because their pelvic canal is narrower and a strong ligament (round ligament) that supports the uterus passes through it. Therefore, that area is naturally stronger.

Overall, 75 out of every 100 hernias in the world are groin hernias. One in four men (25%) will develop this condition during their lifetime. Among women, the rate is slightly lower, at around 2 in 100 (2%). It can also be seen in children, especially premature babies.

Can an inguinal hernia be dangerous?

First of all, not all hernias are dangerous right away. However, the problem with this is that hernias are more likely to get worse over time. As the weak spot in the muscle wall gets bigger, more tissue starts to bulge out.

The main risk is that the part of the tissue that has come out (for example, an intestine) can become trapped (incarceration) and cannot go back in. When this happens, the part becomes tight and blood flow to it can stop. We call this strangulation . This is a very dangerous, emergency situation. Therefore, if you are already experiencing pain and discomfort from a hernia, your doctor will often recommend that you have surgery to repair it before the condition gets worse.

What are the symptoms of this? How do you recognize it?

Sometimes there may be no symptoms at all. Or, symptoms may come and go. The hernia may come out and then go back in. See if you notice any of these:

• Do you have a small lump or bump on one side of your groin area, or pubic bone? (In men, this can extend to the scrotum.)
• Do you feel a heaviness or pressure in that area?
• Do you experience pain when lifting weights, coughing, bending over, or using the toilet?
• Do you sometimes feel a burning, stinging sensation ? This pain can also travel from the groin down the leg.
• In young children, when they cry, they may feel like a lump in their groin. It goes away when they sleep.

What are the main causes of a hernia?

A hernia is caused by a combination of two things: a weak spot in the abdominal wall and pressure on it. There are several factors that can contribute to this:

• Congenital weakness: As mentioned earlier, this can especially affect boys.
• Prolonged coughing or sneezing: Things like asthma and smoker's cough can cause constant pressure on the stomach.
• Frequent straining to use the toilet due to constipation: This is also a major cause of weakening the abdominal wall.
• Heavy lifting or excessive exercise: Especially lifting weights incorrectly.
• Obesity (increased abdominal fat): Excess weight in the abdomen constantly puts pressure on the abdominal wall.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy and carrying children can also weaken the abdominal wall.
• Aging: Muscles naturally weaken with age.
• Previous surgery: A weak spot may develop around the scar where abdominal surgery was performed.

What are the possible complications of an untreated hernia?

This is a very important part. A hernia can be dangerous if it's just there.

What to do if you suspect you have a hernia?

If you have symptoms of a hernia, the first and best thing to do is see your doctor . Don't be embarrassed or put off. A lump in your groin doesn't necessarily mean you have a hernia. It could be a swollen lymph node, a lipoma, or another condition. That's why it's important to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis .

The doctor will examine you.

• They will ask you to cough and strain to see if the hernia will come out.
• They will try to squeeze the hernia with their hands and see if they can push it back in.
• Sometimes, they may also order something like an ultrasound scan to confirm the diagnosis.

What is the best treatment for a hernia?

Surgery is the best and most permanent treatment for most inguinal hernias. Surgery is usually recommended immediately, especially if the hernia is in children and women, as the risk of complications is high.

For a man with a very small hernia who has no symptoms, the doctor may sometimes recommend a "wait-and-watch" approach. However, most men will eventually need surgery.

Although a 'hernia belt' (truss) used by some people can temporarily stop the hernia from coming out, it is not a permanent solution.

Even though it's called surgery, how do you do this?

The main goal of hernia surgery is to put the protruding tissue back inside the abdomen and close the weak spot or hole in the muscle wall. Sometimes a synthetic mesh is used to strengthen this weak spot. This is called Hernioplasty .

These surgeries are now very advanced. There are two main methods.

Your surgeon will decide which method is best for you.

Are there ways to prevent a hernia from forming?

Although a congenital hernia cannot be prevented, there are several things you can do to reduce your risk of developing a hernia later in life.

• When lifting weights, bend your knees and lift them properly. Do not lift them with your back or stomach.
• Control your weight, especially reducing belly fat.
• If you have constipation, get it treated. Eat foods with fiber (fruits, vegetables) and drink plenty of water.
• If you smoke, stop. Coughing due to smoking is a major cause of hernias.
• Do exercises that strengthen your abdominal muscles. However, if you already have a hernia, consult your doctor before exercising.

In what situations do you need to see a doctor urgently?

If you have a hernia, it may be an emergency if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• If the hernia becomes very painful, red, and swollen .
• If the hernia cannot be put in .
• If you experience vomiting, nausea, or severe stomach pain .
• If you get a fever .
• If you can't go to the bathroom and pass air ,