The most common hernia in male is an inguinal hernia. This type of hernia occurs when part of the intestine pushes through the inguinal canal, which is a passage located in the abdomen near the groin area.
Inguinal hernias are typically caused by a weakened muscle or tissue wall in the abdominal area, typically caused by aging or an injury. This type of hernia is more common in men than women due to the anatomy of the male pelvis, as men have a narrower inguinal canal than women.
Inguinal hernias can be painful and can be corrected through surgery. During surgery, the weakened area of the abdominal wall is sutured shut, and the protruding intestine is pushed back through the inguinal canal and secured.
If left untreated, an inguinal hernia can cause complications, such as tissue strangulation, which can be dangerous and require emergency medical attention.
What type of hernia is most severe?
The most severe types of hernias are referred to as “incarcerated” or “strangulated” hernias. These hernias occur when a section of intestine becomes trapped or stuck in the abdominal wall, cutting off the blood supply.
When a hernia becomes incarcerated, immediate medical attention is needed as the trapped organ can burst and cause serious health complications. Absent of treatment, incarcerated hernias can be fatal.
Incarcerated hernias may cause swelling and discomfort, as well as discoloration and tenderness in the lump or bulge. Severe nausea, vomiting, and systemic shock all tend to accompany an incarcerated hernia, so medical attention should be sought as soon as any of these symptoms are experienced.
Other less severe types of hernias include reducible hernias, which can be gently pushed back into the abdomen and weakness of the abdominal wall caused by fatty tissue pushing through. While uncomfortable, these types of hernias are typically not life-threatening.
What are the 3 types of hernias?
There are three main types of hernias: inguinal, umbilical, and hiatal.
Inguinal hernias occur when soft tissue, such as a portion of the intestine, protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall in the area of the groin. They are the most common type of hernia, and arise due to a combination of congenital weakness in the abdominal wall and strain from physical activities.
Umbilical hernias occur when soft tissue protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall in the area around the belly button. These usually occur when the umbilical ring doesn’t close properly during fetal development, but can also arise due to chronic coughing or straining.
Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach and either the lower esophageal sphincter or the section of the esophagus just above the sphincter protrude through an opening in the diaphragm into the chest cavity.
They are common in older adults who have weakened diaphragm muscles, but may also arise due to pregnancy, abrupt changes in intra-abdominal pressure, or conditions such as obesity, COPD, and cystic fibrosis.
Which hernia is most likely to strangulate?
Strangulated hernias are when the tissue or organ that has prolapsed through the abdominal wall has its own blood supply cut off by the hernia sac. This is a very serious and potentially life-threatening condition.
Any hernia can become strangulated, but some are more likely than others. Femoral hernias tend to have a higher risk of being strangulated due to their odd angle and narrow opening. These hernias can be difficult to detect as they are quite deep within the abdominal wall.
Inguinal hernias are another type that is likely to strangulate if left untreated. These hernias form near the inguinal canal, which is the hazardous position that makes it prone to becoming trapped in the canal.
Hiatal hernias occur when part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm. Although hiatal hernias are not as high risk of strangling as other hernias due to their shallow location, they can become dangerous if part of the stomach becomes trapped in the opening.
It is important to diagnose and treat hernias in a timely manner to reduce the risk of them becoming strangulated.
Do all hernias need to be removed?
No, not all hernias need to be removed. Some hernias can be observed with frequent monitoring and may not require removal. The decision to remove a hernia depends heavily on the individual situation, the size and location of the hernia, as well as the severity of the symptoms and risk of complication or recurrence.
Hiatal hernias, for example, may not need surgery since they usually do not cause any symptoms but can be monitored periodically. Alternatively, inguinal hernias may need surgery if they cause pain or becomes strangulated or incarcerated.
It is important to speak with your healthcare provider to properly evaluate and determine the best treatment plan for your individual case.
What happens if a hernia goes untreated?
If a hernia goes untreated, it can lead to serious long-term complications. Hernias result when part of an internal organ or fat protrudes through a weak spot in the muscles or surrounding tissue. Typically hernias are visible as a lump under the skin where the organ has protuded.
If a hernia is not treated, the organ, or part of it, could become completely trapped in the hernia sac, resulting in a “strangulated hernia,” which is a medical emergency. Strangulated hernias cut off the blood supply to the herniated organ, causing the tissue around it to die.
Additional risks of leaving a hernia untreated include infection and hernia incarceration, which is when a herniated organ does not slip back into the body and becomes stuck in the hernia sac. In cases where these serious risks lurk as a result of an untreated hernia, surgical treatment is usually necessary.
Can a hernia be fixed without surgery?
Yes, it is possible to address a hernia without surgery in some cases. Depending on the size and location of the hernia, your doctor may be able to recommend non-surgical treatment such as lifestyle modifications, bracing/splinting, or physical therapy.
Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a healthy weight, avoiding heavy lifting or straining, and improving posture can help reduce further hernia enlargement. Bracing or splinting may be recommended for large or unusually shaped hernias.
The abdominal support provided by the brace can prevent further hernia enlargement or recurrence. Similarly, physical therapy exercises can reduce the chances of hernia enlargement or hernia recurrence by strengthening the supportive soft tissue, promoting improved posture, and enhancing abdominal muscle tone.
For cases of umbilical or small hiatal hernia, your doctor may be able to perform a procedure to push the hernia back into the abdomen without a traditional surgery. Ultimately, your doctor will determine the best treatment option for your hernia based on its size, position, and other factors.
What causes a man to get a hernia?
Hernias can be caused by a variety of factors, but the most common cause is a strain or increase in pressure in the abdominal muscles. This can occur from lifting heavy objects, straining during bowel movements, persistent coughing, or physical stress from repeated activities such as straining to urinate.
Additionally, weakened abdominal muscles due to pregnancy or natural aging can lead to hernias. People who are overweight, who smoke, and those with certain diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and inflammatory bowel disease, may also be more prone to developing hernias.
In rare cases, hernias can be caused by a congenital abnormality present at birth.
How do males get hernias?
Males can get hernias from several different things. The most common cause of hernias in males is a weakening of the abdominal wall, which allows part of the abdominal contents to protrude through. This is referred to as an abdominal wall hernia.
An abdominal wall hernia can occur in males due to heavy lifting or straining, or a prior surgery. Congenital hernias, or hernias present at birth, can also be found in males. This type of hernia is also referred to as an umbilical hernia and is formed when a portion of the abdominal contents protrude through the abdominal wall at the umbilicus or ‘belly button’ area.
Other causes of hernias include poor nutrition, smoking, and weight gain. Men in certain professions, such as those in the military, are more prone to get hernias due to strenuous physical activity and heavy lifting.
Can a man live with a hernia?
Yes, a man can live with a hernia. Hernias can be uncomfortable and cause pain or pressure, but in many cases, it is possible to manage the symptoms without requiring surgery. Depending on the type and severity of the hernia, lifestyle changes, medication, wearing a hernia belt or truss, or relieving pressure by avoiding activities that increase abdominal pressure may be effective treatment.
However, it is important to keep in mind that hernias can potentially worsen over time and that surgery may ultimately be necessary in order to prevent complications such as intestinal obstruction. Therefore, it is important to discuss your individual situation with a doctor and to make informed decisions about your health and treatment options.
How would I know if I’ve got a hernia?
It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of a hernia as they can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is a bulge or lump under the skin in the abdomen or groin area. This bulge may worsen when standing, coughing, or exercising.
Other common signs and symptoms of a hernia may include pain or discomfort in the abdomen or groin area, a burning sensation in the area, nausea or vomiting, or the feeling of pressure or heaviness in the area.
It is important to consult a medical professional if any of these symptoms are present so they can determine if a hernia is present. Additionally, depending on the type of hernia, imaging tests like an ultrasound, X-ray, or MRI may be ordered to help diagnose a hernia.
How do they check a man for a hernia physically?
To check for a hernia, a physician will perform a physical examination. The physician may start by asking the patient to cough, sit, and/or stand. This will allow the doctor to visually analyze whether or not the patient has a hernia.
The doctor may also press down on the patient’s lower abdomen, in order to detect any lumps, bulges, or weak points in the abdominal wall. In addition, the doctor may also palpate (feel) the abdomen, searching for asymmetry, tenderness, and any hard lumps that may be indicative of a hernia.
Depending on the case, the doctor may also order additional tests, such as ultrasound imaging or an MRI, to better assess the extent of the hernia.
Where are hernias most common in men?
Hernias are most commonly found in men around the abdomen, specifically in the lower, inner part of the abdomen. This is because the area where the abdominal muscles come together – known as the inguinal canal – is weak in men.
Additionally, due to the larger size of the male testicles, the abdominal muscles must pull outward and this can further create a weak spot in the area. But hernias can also occur in other areas of the body, such as the lower part of the chest.
Here, the diaphragm also helps to keep the abdominal organs in place, but due to heavy lifting or carrying, or excessive coughing, the weakened opening can lead to hernias. Other areas commonly affected with hernias in men include the belly button and the scar from a previous surgery.
Can a hernia go away on its own?
No, a hernia cannot go away on its own. A hernia is when an organ or fatty tissue squeezes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall. Hernias may not cause any symptoms at first but they can worsen over time, causing pain and discomfort.
If left untreated, a hernia can lead to further complications such as a strangulated hernia, which can be dangerous. If you suspect that you may be suffering from a hernia, it is best to visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Treatment for a hernia typically involves surgery to repair the abdominal wall so that organs and fatty tissue no longer protrude. Surgery is the only way to effectively repair a hernia and prevent any further complications.
What part of the body hurts when you have a hernia?
Hernias typically cause pain when they grow large enough to press on the abdominal wall and/or other organs. The pain is likely to be a sharp, burning, or dull ache in the area of the body where the hernia is located and may be aggravated by movement, coughing, sneezing, or lifting heavy objects.
Symptoms of a hernia can also include vomiting, nausea, constipation, bloating, or discomfort while eating. If the hernia becomes trapped in the abdominal cavity, the pain increases and in some cases, the hernia may become irreducible, meaning it cannot easily be pushed back into the abdominal cavity.
In cases like this, the pain may be severe. Occasionally, hernias may also put pressure on a nerve, and this can cause pain, numbness or tingling in other areas of the body.