Usually, there is no apparent cause of a hernia, although they are sometimes associated with heavy lifting. A hernia occurs when part of an organ (usually the intestine) protrudes through a weak point or tear in the thin muscular wall that holds the abdominal organs in place.
In men, a hernia can develop in the groin near the scrotum. A direct inguinal hernia creates a bulge in the groin area, and an indirect hernia descends into the scrotum. Inguinal hernias occur less often in women than men.
Inguinal hernias are also seen in infants and children. Hernias can occur when a portion of the peritoneum (the lining around all the organs in the abdomen) does not close properly before birth. This causes a small portion of the intestine to push out into the opening (a bulge might be seen in the groin or scrotum). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, 5 out of 100 children have inguinal hernias (more boys than girls). Some may not have symptoms until adulthood.
A family history of hernias increases the risk. Those with cystic fibrosis and undescended testicles are also more susceptible to inguinal hernias.
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