Massage therapy · Kitchener–WaterlooInguinal Hernia
Hip & Thigh
What It Is
Inguinal Hernia Anatomy
"Inguinal" means "in the groin". An inguinal hernia happens in the inguinal canal, a passageway that runs through the lower abdominal wall on each side of the pelvis, down towards the genitals (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). In males, the testicle passes down through this canal before birth, which leaves a natural weak point; this is one reason inguinal hernias are much more common in men and boys (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). The bulge may be felt on either side of the pubic bone and can extend into the scrotum or labia (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
Not a diagnosis — for more information, contact me or another trusted healthcare provider.
Treatment
Self-Care & Treatment
How to Treat an Inguinal Hernia
See your family doctor or nurse practitioner if you think you have a hernia (NHS, 2026). For men with a small hernia that is not causing symptoms, doctors may suggest a "wait and watch" approach, although most will need treatment eventually (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). If you are living with a hernia that has not been repaired, it is sensible to avoid exercises or activities that strain your abdominal muscles (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
Treatments you may want to discuss with your family doctor or nurse practitioner
Tips
- Men are far more likely to develop an inguinal hernia than women, and inguinal hernias in children are more common in boys (MedlinePlus, 2024).
- Your risk is higher if close relatives have had a hernia (MedlinePlus, 2024).
- A long-term cough, such as from smoking, increases your chance of getting a hernia. See your family doctor or nurse practitioner if you have a cough that does not get better or keeps coming back (NHS, 2026).
- Being overweight puts extra pressure on the abdomen, so try to keep to a healthy weight (NHS, 2026).
- Jobs that involve standing for long periods or heavy physical work can increase your risk (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
- Avoid straining on the toilet: eating plenty of fibre, drinking enough fluid and exercising regularly can help prevent constipation (MedlinePlus, 2024).
Please read
When to See a Doctor First
When to get emergency help
Call 911 or go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital if you have a hernia and (NHS, 2026; MedlinePlus, 2024):
- The hernia becomes painful, especially if the lump does not go back in or get smaller when you lie down
- The lump turns red, purple or dark
- You feel sick or are being sick, or you have a high temperature
- You cannot pass wind or open your bowels, or your tummy is bloated
These can be signs of a strangulated hernia or a blocked bowel, which need surgery straight away (MedlinePlus, 2024).
Sources
References
- NHS (2026) Hernia. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hernia/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- NHS (2025) Inguinal hernia repair. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/inguinal-hernia-repair/ (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- MedlinePlus (2024) Inguinal hernia. National Library of Medicine. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000960.htm (Accessed: 7 October 2026).
- Cleveland Clinic (2022) Inguinal hernia. Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16266-inguinal-hernia (Accessed: 7 October 2026).