How to Recognize an Inguinal Hernia and What to Do About It in Time
Hernia - When the Body Loses Support
Hernia – for some, a minor health issue; for others, a painful disruption in life that requires medical intervention. It is a relatively common condition that can affect almost anyone – from newborns to seniors, from athletes to office workers. The most common types of this condition are inguinal hernia and umbilical hernia, which have different origins, manifestations, and treatments. However, they share the characteristic of occurring in areas where our body loses support – in the so-called weak points of the abdominal wall.
Imagine the abdominal cavity as a pressure system held together by a network of muscles and tissues. If there is a weakening or disruption of this natural barrier, an internal organ – such as part of the intestine or fatty tissue – may protrude outwards. The result is a bulge, often noticed by a layperson as a soft, elastic lump under the skin. This is a hernia.
Inguinal Hernia - Why Does It Mainly Affect Men?
The most common type of hernia is the inguinal hernia (hernia inguinalis), which accounts for more than two-thirds of all cases. It occurs in the area of the inguinal canal – a narrow passage in the lower part of the abdominal wall, which, in men, is also the pathway for the descent of the testicles during development. This anatomical peculiarity explains why inguinal hernia affects men up to ten times more often than women.
An inguinal hernia may appear as a small protrusion in the groin, which disappears when pressed or returns when lying down. A typical symptom is pressure, uncomfortable pulling, or pain during exertion, lifting heavy objects, or coughing. In some men, the hernia can extend into the scrotum, causing not only pain but significant discomfort.
Although it may sometimes seem that a hernia "disappears on its own," this is not true. It is not a bruise or sprain – a hernia will not heal itself and usually worsens over time. Particularly dangerous can be the so-called strangulated hernia, where the protruding part of the intestine is constricted, cutting off its blood supply. In such a case, the condition is serious and requires immediate surgical intervention.
Umbilical Hernia - Not Just a Problem for Babies
The second common type is the umbilical hernia (hernia umbilicalis), which most frequently appears in infants and young children. The reason? The navel is naturally a weak point on the abdomen, through which the umbilical cord passes during pregnancy. After birth, the opening usually closes, but sometimes it does not close completely, and part of the intestinal loop can protrude through this opening.
Parents notice an umbilical hernia as a soft protrusion on the child's belly, which is most visible when the child cries or laughs. The good news? In most cases, this hernia disappears on its own during the first two years of life, as the abdominal muscles strengthen. If not, doctors recommend a minor surgery, which is quick and safe for the child.
But an umbilical hernia is not just a childhood issue. In adults, it most commonly occurs due to increased intra-abdominal pressure – for example, during pregnancy, obesity, or chronic coughing. In women after childbirth, there is often a combination of umbilical hernia and the separation of the rectus abdominis muscles (diastasis). Here too, surgical intervention is often necessary, as the hernia can enlarge and cause pain.
Hernia and Lifestyle - What Affects It?
Interestingly, many factors contributing to the development of a hernia are related to our daily life. Excessive lifting of heavy loads, rapid weight gain, chronic constipation, smoking, or lack of exercise – all these weaken the abdominal wall and increase the risk of hernia. Besides genetic predispositions, our lifestyle is often the culprit.
An example is the story of Mr. Milan, a construction worker from southern Bohemia. After twenty years of heavy physical labor and several months of ignoring groin pain, he decided to see a doctor. It turned out that he had had a hernia for several years – he just didn't want to admit it. Eventually, he had to undergo an operation he had long postponed. Today he knows that listening to his body and not underestimating symptoms is crucial. "I thought it was just a pulled muscle. If I had gone earlier, I could have avoided complications," he says.
How is a Hernia Treated?
For all types of hernia, the definitive solution is surgery. Although there are hernia belts or braces that temporarily alleviate symptoms, they do not cure the hernia. Doctors today use modern surgical techniques that are gentle and safe. The most common is laparoscopic surgery, where the surgeon inserts optics and instruments into the abdominal cavity through small incisions and repairs the hernia using a special mesh that strengthens the weakened area.
The advantage of laparoscopy is faster healing, smaller scars, and shorter recovery time. However, in some patients, traditional open surgery is more appropriate – the decision depends on the type of hernia, its size, and the patient's overall health condition.
After surgery, it is important to maintain a period of rest, avoid lifting heavy objects, and gradually strengthen the abdominal muscles. Returning to normal life is possible within a few weeks, but it is crucial not to neglect the prevention of recurrence.
Can Hernia Be Prevented?
Although genetics play a role, many hernia cases are related to lifestyle. Maintaining a healthy body weight, regular exercise, proper lifting techniques for heavy objects, and strengthening the deep stabilization system (known as the core) can significantly reduce the risk of hernia. A diet rich in fiber is also important, as it prevents constipation and thus excessive pressure on the abdominal wall.
In some cases, a hernia can occur after abdominal surgery – the so-called post-operative hernia. Here too, careful recovery and avoiding excessive strain can minimize the risk.
As renowned surgeon and medical popularizer MUDr. Jan Dvořáček says: "A hernia is not a disgrace, but a signal that the body needs help. It makes no sense to hide it or overlook it." And timely diagnosis can make the difference between a minor surgery and a serious health problem.
Hernia is a common health condition, but certainly not trivial. Its treatment is very effective today and usually leads to full recovery. It is important to listen to your body, not underestimate symptoms, and not be afraid to seek medical help in time – whether it is an inguinal hernia, umbilical hernia, or any other type. Because if we give the body the support it needs, it will reward us with the resilience we deserve.
