If you’ve ever noticed a small bulge in your groin when you cough, bend, or lift something heavy, you’re not imagining it. That tell-tale lump could be an inguinal hernia, and they’re far more common than many people realise. In fact, NHS England alone carries out almost 100,000 hernia repairs every year, and the total across the whole UK will be even higher. Most cases affect men, but women can also be affected.
So, what exactly is an inguinal hernia, why do they happen, and when should you stop brushing it off and get it sorted? Let’s take a closer look.
What is an inguinal hernia?
An inguinal hernia happens when part of the intestine or fatty tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall, creating a bulge in the groin. The inguinal canal is a natural weak point: in men, it carries the spermatic cord, and in women, a ligament that helps hold the uterus in place. Because this area doesn’t have much muscle support, it’s the most common site for hernias to appear.
The bulge usually shows when you’re standing, coughing, or straining, and often disappears when you lie down. If the hernia is large, it might stay in place and not disappear when you lie down. Many people don’t find it painful but describe it as a dragging or heavy sensation, one reason it’s so often dismissed at first, even though it deserves attention
Who’s most at risk?
Anyone can get an inguinal hernia, but the chances aren’t equal. Roughly 25 in 100 men will experience a groin hernia in their lifetime, compared with about 2 in every hundred women. Age increases the risk as muscles naturally weaken, and lifestyle factors add to the likelihood. Heavy lifting, persistent coughing, obesity, or chronic constipation all put extra pressure on the abdominal wall, raising the chances of a hernia developing.
When does it become a problem?
Although hernias often start small and painless, they won’t go away on their own. The concern is when the bulge gets stuck.
- If the hernia can’t be pushed back in, it’s called an incarcerated hernia.
- If that trapped tissue also contains blood vessels, the blood supply can be cut off. This is known as a strangulated hernia, and it’s a medical emergency.
According to NHS England data, around 2–3 in every 100 hernias become strangulated in the first year after diagnosis. While the risk drops after that, it never disappears completely.
Warning signs include sudden, severe pain, nausea or vomiting, and a lump that becomes hard, tender, or impossible to push back in. If you notice these symptoms, you should head straight to A&E.
Do all hernias need surgery?
Not every hernia needs repairing straight away, especially if it’s small and not causing much discomfort. However, hernia surgery is the only way to actually fix the problem. Hernias don’t heal themselves and, over time, most tend to get bigger or more troublesome.
There are two main ways to repair them. In open surgery, the surgeon makes a single cut in the groin to push the hernia back and strengthen the abdominal wall, often using mesh. In keyhole (laparoscopic) surgery, several tiny cuts are made, and the repair is carried out from the inside using special instruments. Both are highly effective. Most people are back home the same day and back to normal activities within a few weeks.
Living with a hernia
If your GP recommends monitoring rather than immediate surgery, there are still things you can do to make life easier. Eating plenty of fibre and drinking water helps prevent constipation. Keeping a healthy weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding unnecessary heavy lifting all reduce pressure on the abdominal wall. These steps won’t cure the hernia or eliminate the risk of strangulation, but they can help reduce some of the symptoms while you wait for treatment.
That said, there’s only so much lifestyle changes can achieve. Over time, many people find the bulge becomes larger or more uncomfortable, and surgery often becomes the sensible next step.
Why ignoring it isn’t wise
It can be tempting to think, “It’s just a small lump, I’ll leave it be.” But hernias don’t tend to stay small forever. They usually grow, and the longer you wait, the higher the chance of complications like strangulation. Considering how routine and successful hernia repairs are across the UK, there’s little reason to suffer in silence.
If you’ve noticed a bulge, even one that doesn’t hurt, the best thing you can do is book an appointment with your GP. They’ll confirm whether it’s a hernia and explain the next steps, whether that’s simply keeping an eye on it or arranging surgery before it causes bigger problems.
Key Takeaways
Inguinal hernias are common, especially in men, and while they often start off as a minor nuisance, they can become serious if left untreated. The good news is that hernia repair is a straightforward procedure when carried out by experienced hands.
At Phoenix Health, our private hernia repair surgery is led by highly experienced British consultant surgeons who have spent many years perfecting these techniques. Just as with our bariatric surgery patients, we promise the same high level of personal care, safety, and support throughout your hernia treatment.
With no long NHS queues, you can see a consultant quickly and get your hernia repair scheduled without delay. So, if you’ve noticed a bulge or felt that dragging sensation, don’t ignore it. Get it checked, and if you’d like expert, timely care, we’re here to help.
References :
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335209181_Current_trends_in_hernia_surgery_in_NHS_England
Medically Reviewed by Mr. Qutayba Almerie, MD, MSc, FRCS
Consultant Upper GI & Bariatric Surgeon, Medical Director at Phoenix Health.
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