Hernias affect more than 500,000 men every year. A hernia occurs when the intestine protrudes through a weak section in the abdominal wall. More than 74 percent of hernias in men occur in the groin area. Often symptoms can present so subtly that the hernia goes unchecked until it becomes a crisis situation. Knowledge of what to look for can help prevent a hernia from becoming an emergency.
Classifications
Inguinal hernias fall into two classifications. The first, an indirect hernia, only affects men. It occurs when a piece of the intestine moves down to where a testicle descends into the scrotum. The other, a direct hernia, can affect men and women, and happens when the intestine moves into the inner fold of the groin.
Bulging
Hernias can start as a small, painless lump. As the hernia worsens, the lump will become bigger as the bowel begins to protrude further out of the abdominal wall. Occasionally, swelling of the testicle on the afflicted side may be noticeable.
Bloating
The Mayo Clinic reports a hernia will often cause a feeling of bloating or abdominal distention that may mimic gas pain. Men can often misread bloating or abdominal swelling as discomfort from eating too much. Men may feel heaviness in the groin when bending over, lifting or standing.
Pain
Many hernias happen while straining, for example, lifting weights or moving a heavy object. The pain from the hernia then is attributed to a strenuous workout or from straining to lift a heavy object. Hernia pain tends to get worse as the day progresses or when standing for long periods of time. With an indirect hernia, this pain may radiate to the testicle closest to the affected side.
Considerations
A hernia becomes incarcerated once the bowel permanently protrudes through the abdominal wall. This can lead to a bowel obstruction. As the problem progresses, a hernia can become strangulated. In a strangulated hernia, the blood supply becomes cut off from the loop of trapped bowel. A strangulated hernia is a medical emergency. Without proper blood flow to the tissue, it begins to die. Dying tissue can lead to sepsis and, if left untreated, death. If applied pressure does not relieve the hernia or it cannot be gently retracted back into the abdomen while laying down, medical attention should be sought.
