If your intestine bulges through a weak area in one of your abdominal muscle, it is what’s known as a hernia. A bulge creating a lump in the groin area (between the abdomen and thigh) is an inguinal hernia. It is called “inguinal” because the intestines push through a spot in the inguinal canal.
This canal is that triangle-shaped opening between layers of abdominal muscle near your groin. Your groin is that depressed region where your upper thigh meets your lower abdomen.
Some common situations or causes for an inguinal hernia include:
Symptoms of inguinal hernia may include
- pain in the groin
- a lump in the groin near your thigh
- in severe cases, partial/complete intestinal blockage
The main treatment for inguinal hernia is surgery to repair the opening in the muscle wall, and sometimes this weak abdominal area is reinforced with steel mesh or wire. If the protruding intestine becomes twisted or traps stool, part of the intestine might also need to be removed.
All of this is not pleasant. In truth, this is time when you unfortunately discover how often you use your groin muscles during your everyday activities!