Testicular and Lower Abdominal Pain: Understanding Inguinal Hernia in Detail

This article is reviewed by experts

If you are experiencing pain in the testicles and lower abdomen, then do not ignore it, as it can be a sign of inguinal hernia. Inguinal hernia is a type of umbilical hernia that occurs in the lower abdomen, where a part of the blood vessels and intestines slips into the scrotum through the inguinal canal. It causes swelling in the scrotum. These are found near the inguinal in the lower part of the abdomen. The main cause of this is stress. Inguinal hernia is more common in men, but it can also occur in women. Let’s learn about inguinal hernia in more detail here.

Symptoms of Inguinal Hernia [1]

The symptoms of inguinal hernia may include:

• Burning sensation in the chest
• Swelling in the scrotum
• Pain in the thigh and abdominal area
• Pain during exercise, coughing, or lifting heavy objects
• Bulge in the scrotum

Causes of Inguinal Hernia [1]

Inguinal hernia can have not just one but several causes. Inguinal hernia occurs in the lower part of the abdomen due to the weakening of muscles and tissues, which happens in the inguinal canal. As a result, there are two types of hernias.

1. Direct Inguinal Hernia: It occurs due to a weak spot in the lower wall of the abdomen from birth.

2. Indirect Inguinal Hernia: It is not present at birth, but develops later in life due to a weak spot in the wall of the inguinal canal. 

Some other causes of the condition include:

• Excessive coughing
• Weakness of abdominal muscles during pregnancy
• Chronic constipation
• Excessive weight gain
• It could also be genetic
• Low birth weight of the baby at the time of birth

Treatment of Inguinal Hernia [1]

Inguinal hernia is mostly treated by doctors through surgery, as it removes it completely and  reduces the likelihood of its recurrence. If it is treated with medicines or in any other way, the chances of its recurrence are higher. 

In some cases, a person may already be dealing with a health condition, and in such cases, undergoing surgery can be risky. In this regard, you will need to discuss its treatment and risks with the doctor.

Ways to Prevent Inguinal Hernia [2]

To prevent inguinal hernia, you should pay attention to certain things that can help you avoid it. The most important thing is to make an effort to improve your lifestyle. The ways to prevent inguinal hernia can be as follows:

1. Maintaining control of your body weight is essential, and your ideal weight is determined based on age and height. Include an adequate amount of fiber and vegetables in your diet whenever you eat.

2. If you smoke, it can lead to coughing problems, which can be a significant contributing factor to inguinal hernia. Therefore, avoid smoking.

3. Due to fashion trends, wearing tight undergarments that don’t provide comfort can be problematic. Always opt for comfortable garments instead.

The Takeaway

In conclusion, recognising and addressing symptoms of inguinal hernia is crucial to ensure early diagnosis and effective treatment. Characterised by pain, swelling in the scrotum, and discomfort in the lower abdomen, inguinal hernia can significantly impact one’s quality of life. While it is more common in men, it can also affect women. The condition arises from weakened muscles and tissues in the inguinal canal, leading to the protrusion of blood vessels and intestines into the scrotum. Surgery is the primary method of treatment, offering a comprehensive solution and lowering the risk of recurrence. Preventive measures involve maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including weight management, dietary considerations, and avoiding smoking. Being mindful of clothing choices also plays a role in reducing the risk of inguinal hernia. If facing a pre-existing health condition, a thorough discussion with a medical professional is essential to weigh the potential risks and benefits of treatment. By staying informed and proactive, individuals can take steps to mitigate the impact of inguinal hernia on their well-being.

Q&A

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general knowledge purposes and is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For appropriate medical advice, please consult your healthcare provider.

1. https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/inguinal-hernia#:~:text=An%20inguinal%20hernia%20is%20a,passages%20are%20called%20inguinal%20canals.
2. https://www.urologyhealth.org/urology-a-z/h/hydroceles-and-inguinal-hernia