Hernia that occurs in the scrotal or groin area is known as scrotal hernia. The upcoming article provides comprehensive information on the causes, symptoms, and treatment of this problem.
A hernia, as we all know, is a bulge or protrusion that commonly develops in the abdominal region. It occurs when the contents (intestinal or abdominal fatty tissue) enclosed in the thin membrane of the body cavity break through the membrane and bulge out. Scrotal hernia, also referred to as, inguinal hernia occurs when the tissues pass through thin or weakened spots in the groin muscles.
The hernia causes enlargement of the scrotal sac, and the protruded mass falls outside the lower abdomen, below the skin, and makes its way into the scrotum while standing or straining. The condition needs immediate medical attention, and if not treated on time, the protrusion may balloon out to the size of an orange or even bigger.
Causes
☛ The condition is more common in men than women and generally occurs as a result of heavy lifting, persistent coughing, bending, straining, or any other activity that may overstrain the groin muscles.
☛ Certain other factors that may increase the risk include family history, chronic constipation, heavy straining during bowel movements, obesity, etc.
☛ Inguinal hernia occurs more commonly in children and infants than in adults. The hernia may bulge when the child moves around, cries, or indulges in any other activity.
Symptoms
☛ Initially, the symptoms may not show up. However, pain, discomfort (when a part of the intestine gets trapped in the hernia), or a feeling of heaviness in the groin area are some of the common symptoms that may start appearing as the disease progresses.
☛ Bulging on either side of the pubic bone, swelling around the testicles in men, and a bulge in the large fold of the skin (labia) surrounding the vagina in females are some other indicants that may start showing up after a couple of weeks.
☛ Hence, the bulge may appear over a period of several weeks and months, can be very painful, and may cause a severe burning sensation.
☛ In case the hernia grows bigger in size, the pain and discomfort can be reduced only by lying down. Eventually, the person may start suffering from bowel obstruction and strangulation of bowel tissue. These two are considered the most severe indicants of inguinal hernia.
Treatment
☛ In most cases, symptoms are not very noticeable and the hernia usually gets diagnosed by a doctor during a routine checkup.
☛ In case the hernia is small in size and shows no symptoms, the condition is left to heal on its own. However, for larger hernias that cause severe pain or discomfort, the best method of treatment is to conduct a surgery.
☛ Instead of opting for age-old treatment options like truss (a bandage consisting of a pad and belt that is worn to hold a hernia in place by pressure), which may not even cure the hernia, it is better to undergo a surgery for best results. The surgery heals the problem completely and also helps in strengthening the body wall.
Hence, if you have a family history of inguinal hernia, in order to avoid the risk of developing it, it is essential to maintain the body weight, make healthy dietary changes, avoid lifting heavy weights, and quit smoking. This is because all these factors can trigger the possibilities of acquiring the problem. Also, if you observe any of the aforementioned symptoms of pain or discomfort in the groin area, do not delay the treatment and immediately consult your doctor to elucidate the case.
Disclaimer: This HealthHearty article is for informative purposes only and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.
