Approximately 1.6 million groin hernias are diagnosed in America each year, with nearly 700,000 requiring surgical repair. Men are far more likely than women to develop an inguinal hernia, the most common type of groin hernia. Around 27% of American men develop an inguinal hernia at some point in their lifetime.
For those living in or around McKinney, Texas, help is available through the care of Scott A. deVilleneuve, MD, and our team at Surgical Associates of North Texas.
Let’s take a closer look at the symptoms of inguinal hernias and how to know when it’s time to see a health professional for this common medical issue.
A hernia is the medical term for a condition in which tissue from one area of your body extends through a muscle wall into another area of your body. Hernias can occur in various areas of the body. Inguinal hernias develop when abdominal tissue extends through an opening in your abdominal wall.
Your inguinal canal works as a passageway running from the side of your pelvis to your sex organs. Both women and men have an inguinal canal, but a man’s testicle begins above the lower abdominal wall and extends down through the inguinal canal, exiting and passing through into the scrotum.
Because men already have a preexisting opening in their inguinal canal, they are more susceptible to a hernia in this area because it’s easier for that tissue to reopen. That’s why men experience inguinal hernias more often than women at a rate of around 10-to-1.
Knowing what to keep an eye out for can help you know when it’s time to seek treatment for an inguinal hernia. Here are five of the more common symptoms.
If you notice a lump or bulge in your groin, it could be a sign of an inguinal hernia. The bulge can extend into your scrotum or labia, and might come and go over time.
Another common sign of an inguinal hernia is pain in or around your groin. You may notice that the discomfort worsens when you exert yourself, such as while lifting something heavy, coughing, or bending at the waist.
Pain isn’t the only sign of an inguinal hernia. Many people report sensations of burning or tingling in their groin. These sensations can range in severity, and often come and go. The sensations can be centered in your pelvis or radiate down one leg.
Another sign that you might have an inguinal hernia is a sensation of weakness in your groin. This is a difficult sensation to explain unless you’ve experienced it yourself. But people report feeling as though the muscles in their groin were about to give way.
Finally, many people who have an inguinal hernia describe a sensation of unusual pressure or heaviness within their groin. They may not be able to fully describe the sensation, but report knowing that something is just not right in this area of their body.
If you notice any of these changes, schedule a diagnostic assessment right away. Left untreated, an inguinal hernia can grow larger or cause issues like small bowel obstruction, infection, or tissue death.
Hernia repair is a surgical procedure that repositions the herniated tissue back to where it belongs. Dr. deVilleneuve sutures shut the gap in your abdominal wall, ensuring the tissue cannot become displaced again.
Dr. deVilleneuve usually repairs inguinal hernias on an outpatient basis using minimally invasive surgical techniques. While he can do some procedures using only local or regional anesthesia, general anesthesia is necessary for more complex hernia repair procedures.
The key to a successful outcome is reaching out for help as soon as you notice the signs of an inguinal hernia. Don’t wait until you’re in severe pain to come in for an exam. Our team at Surgical Associates of North Texas is here to help put you on a path toward recovery.
Booking a visit is as easy as a quick phone call or a few moments spent on our simple online booking page. We’re always ready to speak with you about how our services align with your health needs.
