Inguinal and Femoral Hernias

Groin Hernias Are the Most Common Hernias

Inguinal and Femoral Hernias affect about 30% of the male population and around 3% of the female population. About 90% of inguinal hernias appear in men and about 90% of femoral hernias appear in women. Groin hernias represent around 75% of all hernias diagnosed.

Inguinal Hernia

Because of the slightly different bodily structure around the pubic area of men and women, men are far more prone to inguinal hernia as there is a built in weakness in the inguinal canal.

As a result parts oif the intestine can push through this canal creating a hernia. They usually appear as a lump either or on one or both sides of the pubic area

For men, it is possible to live with a hernia in this region, but you will probably have to modify your behaviour, so things like heavy lifting are avoided. 

However, it is likely that you will need to seek treatment eventually as the condition tends to worsen over time.

Other symptoms include:

• A feeling of pressure in your groin.
• A burning sensation in or around your pelvis or down your leg.
• Pain in the groin, especially when exerting yourself or coughing or bending.

Femoral Hernia

Whilst not common overall, it is more likely that women will get a femoral hernia which comes through the femoral canal, which is just below the inguinal ligment.

• As with other groin hernias, the condition may not need treatment if it is only a minor protrusion.
  • In some cases no lump will be obvious.
• However if the lump is large, or you are experiencing pain, nausea or vomiting, you should seek immediate treatment as it can result in sever complications