Signs and symptoms
... Some inguinal hernias don''t cause any symptoms, and you may not know you have one until your doctor discovers it during a routine medical exam. Often, however, you can see and feel the bulge created ...

Causes
... Some hernias have no apparent cause. But many occur as a result of increased pressure within the abdomen, a pre-existing weak spot in the abdominal wall or a combination of the two. In men, the weak s...

Risk factors
... You''re far more likely to develop an inguinal hernia if you''re male. Nearly 10 times more men than women have inguinal hernias, and the vast majority of newborns and children with inguinal hernias a...

When to seek medical advice
... See your doctor if you have a painful or noticeable bulge in the area on either side of your pubic bone. The bulge is likely to be more noticeable when you''re standing upright, and you usually can fe...

Screening and diagnosis
... A physical exam is usually all that''s needed to diagnose an inguinal hernia. Your doctor is likely to ask about your signs and symptoms and to check for a bulge in the groin area. Because coughing ca...