Groin Hernia Symptoms

When someone suffers a hernia in the groin, a portion of internal tissue or intestines has pushed through the muscular wall of the lower abdominal cavity. Strain and age are two common contributing factors to this condition, but it can also arise due to genetics, weight, pregnancy, injury, constipation and even a chronic cough. Regardless of the reason, most people who endure a hernia within the groin, otherwise known as an inguinal hernia, experience a number of symptoms frequently associated with this condition.

Asymptomatic

• For some people, a hernia of the groin causes no symptoms at all, especially when the protrusion is relatively small in size. It isn't until a doctor performs a physical exam that the injury is detected. In this situation, your doctor may wait to see what transpires before treating the hernia.

Protrusion

• Of all the symptoms of inguinal hernias, a protrusion is by far the most common. This protrusion is usually found somewhere around the pubic bone and is relatively firm to the touch. Most people are able to place a little pressure on the protrusion to move it back into the abdominal cavity. However, it is still important to seek medical attention with this condition, as a hernia can easily become a recurring problem.

Pain

• Often accompanying the protrusion is pain. This pain is typically isolated in and around the area of the groin but may diffuse out into the abdomen. For some, this pain is felt as more of a discomfort. For others, it can be sharp and sometimes unbearable. Yet no matter how the pain manifests, it often worsens with movement.

Pressure

• Many times, a hernia of the groin causes an almost overwhelming sense of pressure. Unlike the feeling of pain, this pressure is like a weight pulling down on the pelvis. While you're still quite able to walk or run, it may feel as if you're having a difficult time getting around.

Swelling

• In men, an inguinal hernia can also cause a certain amount of swelling within the scrotum. This is largely due to the protrusion encroaching on this particular area of the body. This inflammation regularly brings with it some level of pain or discomfort within the testicles and penis.